Jack Cafferty of CNN Rips Obama & Pelosi on Failed Openness Pledge

Assemblyman Scott Rumana SAYS STATE NEEDS TO ASSUME CONTROL OF PASSAIC VALLEY SEWERAGE COMMISSION

Following up on comments he made earlier this week regarding the operation of the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission (PVSC), Assemblyman Scott Rumana, R-Passaic, Bergen and Essex, said a state takeover of the authority is the most expedient way to address the issues of waste and out-of-control salaries being paid at the authority.

“The outrageous salaries being paid at the PVSC are just one example of excess at the authority,” said Rumana. “The authority’s compensation structure and overhead expenses are areas that deserve immediate attention. The quickest way to tackle this problem and affect change is for the state to assume control of the authority.”

On Tuesday, Rumana had suggested that he was considering introducing such legislation.

Yesterday, Gov. Christie specifically mentioned the salaries earned by the authority’s executive director and chief of staff as examples of earnings that are not commensurate with their responsibilities.

“PVSC ratepayers would be stunned to know that in 2009, with a work force of just under 600, approximately 86 employees were paid in excess of $100,000 annually,” stated Rumana. “Adding to the outrage is the fact that the lowest salary increase for these workers was three and one-half percent, with many receiving increases ranging from five to 10 percent over the prior year. At a time when most people are struggling to survive, that is shameful and is a textbook case which shows a lack of fiscal restraint.”

Rumana said he believes a state takeover is necessary because of the length of time it would take for openings to occur on the board of commissioners that would allow Gov. Christie to make new appointments and change its makeup.

“A new administration was chosen to eliminate this kind of egregious spending,” said Rumana. “Immediate steps need to be taken that correct these excesses. And we are just scratching the surface with this example.”

Rumana acknowledged the invitation made earlier this week by Senator Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, for the assemblyman to join her in sponsoring legislation aimed at reforming state authorities. Rumana indicated he was carefully reviewing the senator’s proposals and hoped that addressing issues at state agencies and authorities would be a bipartisan effort.

Senator Joe Pennacchio Hopeful “Transparency in Government Act” Will Soon Become Law

Legislation Would Make Permanent Executive Order Signed by Governor Christie

Senator Joe Pennacchio expressed his optimism today that his Transparency in Government Act would soon become law. The bill is posted for a vote this Monday in the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and historic Preservation Committee, in which Senator Pennacchio plans on testifying.

“I am very grateful that one of Chris Christie’s first official acts as Governor was to issue an executive order bringing greater openness and accountability to state spending, ” Pennacchio stated. “It is now time to codify this executive order and make it an official law.”

Senator Pennacchio first introduced his “Transparency in Governemnt Act” last year and has been aggressively pushing for its passage. The bill would create a simple, searchable Web site that taxpayers can use to track state spending.

“A number of states have already started to empower taxpayers to track their tax dollars virtually at a mouse click, Pennacchio continued. “The state can easily provide information in a user-friendly format that can be accessed from homes, libraries and businesses. It is long past time that we listen to taxpayers who are demanding that Trenton be accountable.”

Pennacchio concluded, “In addition to Governor Christie, I am also appreciative of my colleagues, Senator Tom Kean (R-Union) and Senator Dick Codey (D-Essex), who have sponsored this legislation with me, as well as Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic), the new Senate State Government Committee Chair, who posted this important bill on the first day the committee convenes.”