NEWARK, N.J. – Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced that Brendan W. Gill will be taking over as his State Director effective January 18.

Gill has served as a Senior Advisor to Senator Lautenberg since 2007.  He also managed Senator Lautenberg’s successful 2008 primary and general election campaigns.  Prior to working for Senator Lautenberg, Gill held a variety of federal and state leadership positions including District Director for Reps. Steve Rothman (D-NJ) and Bill Pascrell (D-NJ).  Gill has also served as Communications Director for the Department of Transportation and Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Peter C. Eagler.  In addition, Gill served as statewide field director for Robert Menendez’s 2006 Senate campaign and managed campaigns for Congressman Bill Pascrell, State Senator Nia Gill and other members of the General Assembly.     

“Brendan is a tremendously skilled adviser with a deep knowledge of New Jersey government and politics,” said Senator Lautenberg.  “Brendan has already proven to be a valuable member of my staff, and I know that he will excel in this new leadership position.”

“It’s an honor to step into this role for Senator Lautenberg,” said Gill.  “I look forward to helping the Senator expand his list of accomplishments for New Jersey and continue providing everyday New Jerseyans with the help they need from the Federal Government.”

Gill will be replacing Steve Lenox, who has served as state director since 2007.  Lenox is leaving Senator Lautenberg’s office in January to start his own communications firm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Robert Corrales
609-777-2600

GOVERNOR CORZINE FILES PROSECUTORIAL AND JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS

TRENTON – Governor Jon S. Corzine today submitted the following prosecutorial and judicial nominations to the State Senate.  The nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

COUNTY PROSECUTOR

Nominate for appointment Robert Taylor (Stone Harbor, Cape May)

SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE

Nominate for appointment Edward McBride (Pennsauken, Camden)

Nominate for appointment Thomas Walsh (Westfield, Union)

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE

Nominate for appointment John Russo, Jr. (Toms River, Ocean)

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION JUDGE

Nominate for appointment Joan Burke (Lumberton, Burlington)

Nominate for appointment Salvatore Martino (Point Pleasant, Ocean)

Nominate for appointment Kay Walcott-Henderson (Pennington, Mercer)

For Immediate Release:             For Further Information Contact:
November 13, 2009                                  Peter Aseltine (609) 292-4791

      
FORMER HUDSON CO. ENFORCEMENT OFFICER MPROVEMENT AUTHORITY SENTENCED ON CHARGE OF PROMOTING GAMBLING

TRENTON – Attorney General Anne Milgram announced that a former enforcement officer for the Hudson County Improvement Authority was sentenced today for promoting gambling.

According to Criminal Justice Director Deborah L. Gramiccioni, Harry L. Aceti, 52, of Flemington, was ordered to serve four years of probation, pay a $5,000 criminal fine, and provide 50 hours of community service by Superior Court Judge Lourdes I. Santiago in Hudson County.  Aceti was also ordered to enroll in Gambler’s Anonymous as a condition of probation.  Aceti pleaded guilty on Sept. 29 to an accusation charging him with fourth-degree promoting gambling.

Aceti was required to forfeit his job as an enforcement officer for the Hudson County Improvement Authority and is permanently barred from public employment in New Jersey.  Aceti was arrested on June 2, 2009 as a result of the investigation.

In pleading guilty, Aceti admitted that he was actively involved in promoting an illegal bookmaking operation in which he solicited individuals to place bets on sporting events by distributing telephone numbers which these individuals could call to place bets.  Aceti admitted that he also was responsible for collecting money from these bettors to cover their losses and ensuring that money was delivered to the winners.

Members of the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption Bureau North Unit conducted the investigation.  Deputy Attorney General David M. Fritch prosecuted the case for the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.   Deputy Attorney General Anthony Picione, Deputy Chief of the DCJ Corruption Bureau, represented the state at the sentencing.

(TRENTON) – Legislation Assembly members John McKeon, Al Coutinho, Gordon Johnson and Nilsa Cruz-Perez sponsored to ensure members of local authorities live up to their responsibilities and to also make it easier for residents to put their names forward for appointments has been signed by Gov. Jon S. Corzine.

“Civic participation is the cornerstone of our society, yet many qualified residents find it hard to put their names forward to serve their communities,” said McKeon (D-Essex). “We are making it easier for residents who truly have both the desire and time to serve on the various boards and authorities that are a vital part of every municipality.”

The law (A-2784) enables towns to enact ordinances that set strict attendance policies for the members of local zoning and planning boards, among other municipal authorities and commissions.

Under former law, local offices were deemed vacant when the incumbent accumulated unexcused absences for eight consecutive weeks or four consecutive regular meetings, whichever is the longer time-span.

The law also creates a one-page form that residents could file with municipal officials to signal their interest in serving on a local board when a vacancy exists. Among the information included on the form will be educational or work-related experiences that will qualify the person for appointment to a local post.

“The work of local boards is important on so many levels, from ensuring development that makes sense to providing adequate open space and recreational opportunities for residents,” said Coutinho (D-Essex). “These posts should be reserved for resident-leaders who want to give of their time and energies to make their towns a better place for everyone.”

“Membership on a local board comes with very important responsibilities that can impact a community for years to come,” said Johnson (D-Bergen). “It is entirely proper to send the message to the individuals who sit on these bodies that they must take those responsibilities seriously, or they will be replaced by someone else who will.”

“Civic involvement on the local level is the very essence of grassroots activism in our communities,” said Cruz Perez (D-Camden). “This measure will ensure that those individuals most interested in serving and making a difference have every chance to participate not just with, but as part of our local government structures.”