Amodeo & Polistina oppose Harrington appointment

Two Republican Assemblymen from Atlantic County said Sharon Harrington should remain with the Motor Vehicle Commission and save taxpayers money because the Casino Control Commission can "operate effectively" with three members.

John Amodeo (R-Linwood) and Vincent Polistina (R-Egg Harbor Township) criticized Gov. Jon Corzine's decision to fill a vacancy on the Casino Control Commission and described the move as "business as usual."  

There is no need to fill this vacancy on the commission nor will there be a need to fill the vacancy which will open up in August," said Amodeo.  "The Casino Control Commission can operate effectively with three members.  And as far as I know, there is no need for Sharon Harrington to leave the Motor Vehicle Commission."

Polistina says that Corzine has missed an opportunity to downsize government.

"It's political patronage appointment pure and simple," said Polistina.  He does not have to make the appointment, but, I guess he could not resist filling a $125,000 a year appointment.  It's just business as usual in Trenton." 

The freshman Republicans believe the attrition of two members of the CCC - one Democrat and one Republican- creates an opportunity for the governor to save the casino industry money.

If State Sen. Bill Baroni (R-Hamilton) refuses to sign off on Harrington, a Mercer County resident, the seat could remain vacant and give Republicans the chance to fill it if Christopher Christie beats Corzine in the fall.