O'SCANLON - CASAGRANDE TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION BANNING CONVVICTED OFFICIALS FROM LOBBYING

Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande, both R-Monmouth and Mercer, said they will introduce legislation when the General Assembly reconvenes this fall that will prohibit an elected or appointed official, who is convicted of a crime involving their office, from becoming a lobbyist in New Jersey for a period of 10 years.  The legislation also provides for a $10,000 fine for those who would violate the new law.

Presently, there is nothing in the law that would prevent convicted government officials, once they are released from prison, from returning to State Street as high-priced lobbyists.  For example, former state Senator John Lynch, who recently returned to a halfway house in New Jersey to complete his 39-month sentence for bribery, would be unable to work as a government affairs agent if the proposed legislation were in effect.

“It is time to put sharper teeth into the system where it is apparent the existing consequences are not deterring public corruption,” said O’Scanlon.  “This legislation would jam a wedge into the potential revolving door between prison and lucrative work on State Street.  It essentially prohibits convicted public officials from continuing to profit from their ill-gotten influence while in State government. 

“However, should they try and circumvent these restrictions; the legislation also imposes financial penalties,” continued O’Scanlon.  “We must send a clear message to those who believe they can make an attractive living after betraying the public trust and poisoning government.  This bill is more than a slap on the wrist.  It will hit people where it hurts – their wallets.”

The latest bill joins previous legislation initiated by O’Scanlon and Casagrande that focus on the issue of ethics and corruption in New Jersey. 

A-3432 and A-1444 were introduced in 2008 that would provide for mandatory imprisonment and forfeiture of retirement benefits for public officials convicted of certain crimes.  A-1444 was tabled last June along a party line vote.

“The arrest of 44 public officials last July was a harsh reminder that there are still too many public officials who put personal profit ahead of the public interest,” said Casagrande.  “It is evident that our current laws do not go far enough in deterring their devious behavior. 

“Our goal is to send a strong message that the public has zero tolerance for those who are ethically challenged,” continued Casagrande.  “Ten years without being able to act as a government affairs agent for those who are convicted should get their attention.”

Both legislators added they intend on pursuing the aforementioned bills that would require forfeiture of a public pension for convicted officials as well.

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