Bryant trial witness: state legislature set aside $40 million for top legislators to spend on pet projects
By Matt Friedman, PolitickerNJ.com ReporterA witness at former State Sen. Wayne Bryant’s corruption trial gave what could amount to blockbuster testimony today, detailing a little-known practice that the legislature engaged in during 2004 and 2005.
George LeBlanc, a Democratic budget aide, testified that a program ostensibly dedicated to property tax relief was used to hand out millions of dollars to key legislators to spend on pet projects hand out to their constituents, reports the Star-Ledger.
According to the testimony, Bryant was allotted $4 million from the Property Tax Assistance and Community Development grants program. The only other legislator named in the report is former State Sen. Bernard Kenny, who also was given $4 million.
“The testimony contrasts with claims by lawmakers that individual grant recipients had to apply to the state Treasurer for funding from the $40 million pool, and that grants were awarded competitively,” reported Dunstan McNichol.
Contributors
Wally Edge
South Jersey Democrats are touting Cinnaminson native Anthony Mazzarelli, the head of the emergency medicine department at Cooper University ... >
Bob Torricelli
Everybody needs to start a new job with a list of priorities and Chris Christie is no exception. There might be a thousand things that need to get ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
Political discourse in America contains much in the way of intellect or intellectual honesty. One considers the Federalist Papers with wistful awe: ... >
Jeff Michaels
The NJ gubernatorial election result demonstrates that Governor-elect Chris Christie resurrected the center-right voter coalition of Republicans, ... >
Richard LaRossa
With a convincing win in defeating an encumbent Governor, why were there no coattails? >
Alan Steinberg
As in any transition, speculation is rampant as to whom Governor-elect Chris Christie will appoint as Chief of Staff, State Treasurer, and Attorney ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
Now that the dust has finally settled after the grueling campaign for governor, there are a number of lessons that we can draw from this ... >
Carla Katz
When he was growing up, Chris Christie's folks must have taught him that when he went to a new playground, he should pick a fight with the ... >
Joey Novick
There has been a lot of talk about putting the issue of marriage equality on the ballot in New Jersey. This is something that Assemblywoman ... >
Murray Sabrin
New Jersey voters repudiated Governor Jon Corzine's policies of the past four years on November 3rd. Republican Chris Christie and Independent ... >
Poll
Hot Topics
Most Active Stories
- Christie transition team members to assume more specified roles tomorrow
- Sources: Watson Coleman still seeking speaker's chair
- Between two Tuesdays ago and next Monday: welcome to Atlantic City
- DiVincenzo: if anyone can straighten out N.J., it's Christie
- Sweeney subs for sitting senate president at On the Record taping
- Poll finds New Jersey residents narrowly support gay marriage
- Runyan meeting with Gilmore this morning
- Christie names 19 subcommittee chairs
- Marlboro mayor won't rule out '13 bid for governor
- Exploring congressional bid, Runyan meets with Gilmore
- Poll finds New Jersey residents narrowly support gay marriage
- Sweeney subs for sitting senate president at On the Record taping
- Exploring congressional bid, Runyan meets with Gilmore
- Bergen County prepares for the unusual: Republican Freeholders
- Sources: Watson Coleman still seeking speaker's chair
- DiVincenzo to launch re-election campaign next month
- NJ 101.5 listeners backed Christie 2-1 over Corzine, according to new poll
- Velez-Gentry would take Christie administration position if offered
- Weinberg to Sweeney: honor your committment on marriage equality
- Marlboro mayor won't rule out '13 bid for governor
- Quinnipiac: Christie leads 50%-40%
- Quinnipiac poll has Christie ahead by 4 points as Corzine gets closer
- Christie, in West New York, takes questions
- Gore makes his case for Corzine
- Potential LG rivals Allen and Weinberg ally for county committee reform legislation
- Final debate schedule
- Torricelli on making perfection the enemy of good
- Autistic man seeks Assembly seat in 37th
- Jeb Bush attends Christie fundraiser
- Correction: Weiner departure was not his own idea
Recent Posts From Inside Edge
Quote of the Day
"An Irish wake." -- New Jersey Sierra Club director Jeff Tittell, on Senate President Richard Codey's party in Atlantic City.
Recent Press Releases
- Nov 20 2009
- Nov 20 2009
- Nov 19 2009
Syndicate
