TURNER: MACK REFUSAL TO STEP ASIDE AFTER INDICTMENT SHOWS NEED FOR STATE CONSTITUTION TO REQUIRE IT

TRENTON – Following the indictment today of Trenton Mayor Tony Mack on federal corruption charges, Senator Shirley K. Turner reiterated her call for amending the state constitution to temporarily suspend from their official duties without pay elected officials who are indicted for wrongdoing, and remove them from office upon conviction:

“While Mayor Mack is certainly due his day in court, the residents of Trenton shouldn’t have to wait out a trial for a chief executive to give them his or her full and undivided attention. They shouldn’t have to foot the bill for salary that isn’t being earned. Requiring indicted officials to step aside in the wake of formal charges can allow a community to move forward, not be stuck in neutral. Such a change would come too late to help the people of Trenton now, but it should be put in place so the next community that finds its reputation tarnished by the actions of its officials can begin the process of repairing the damage.”