WALSH TAKES AIM AT PROPOSED PAY TO PLAY ORDINANCE IN

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION

August 9, 2007

Poc: Patricia A. Walsh
Democrat for 13th District Assembly
Tel: 908-601-1252/Email: walshforassembly@yahoo.com/
Website:

www.walshforassembly.blogspot.com

WALSH TAKES AIM AT PROPOSED PAY TO PLAY ORDINANCE IN
MIDDLETOWN

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP (MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ):

Democrat for 13th District Assembly Patricia A. Walsh is not satisfied that the proposed Pay To Play ordinance introduced by the Republican Majority on the Middletown Committee this week is far-reaching enough in her hometown.

“They introduced a pay-to-play ordinance, so to speak. They sent it to committee members at 11 a.m. on Monday at their place of employment for review. So much for careful and thorough review: I believe as public officials we have the responsibility to give every measure careful consideration on behalf of the residents of our community,” Walsh said.

Walsh said the committee introduced the proposed ordinance on Monday, July 16, and when asked questions for about its content could not answer. Even the Attorney could not answer the questions of residents. The committee sat there silent.

“Except for Committeeman and former Mayor Tom Hall, who directed a barrage of questions at the resident who dared to question the ordinance's content, the Committee Majority refused to answer questions about this ordinance they are trying to pass.

“This proposed ordinance does not include restrictions on current Township Committee members from taking a contribution from a professional. It only directs candidates and political committees and not current members of the township’s governing body. To restore public confidence, restrictions should be implemented for office holders and candidates in a uniform manner. What is good for one is good for all,” she said.

“Comprehensive Pay To Play reform is so important to establishing trust and confidence of the public in township government. The model process instituted at the county level should be embraced so that interested civic groups, as well as residents, can provide input and feel their voice is heard. It’s not enough to pretend to be a leading reformer: A true public servant works with their own community to develop reform and implement it,” Walsh concluded.

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