Connecting the Dots

Connecting the Dots

The state of New Jersey is firmly cracking down on the pay-to play method of doing business within every branch of government containing elected officials; from the local level of government to the state level. The terminology pay-to-play refers to a methodology of giving lucrative government contracts to campaign contributors. After reading the front page of yesterday’s Star Ledger, I was pleased to read the article on the founder of a leading engineering corporation in our state being found guilty of soliciting funds to two city officials. It behooves me to come to the realization that this same company was hired, extensively, by the past administration to perform engineering work here for our city of Plainfield. My reason in bringing this connection up to our blogging community is that the past administration, at the end of their term, awarded this very company a no-bid contract worth over a million dollars.

In recent months, Councilman Cory Storch has complained about these pay-to-play tactics, but has simultaneously had the SAME corporation donate thousands to his campaign, as well as to the past administration. Councilman Storch would like for you the public to believe that he has never received nor accepted any donations from such contractors. However, it is my duty to report and share truth with our growing community. Unfortunately, Councilman Storch has either a short memory, or I dare say, suffers from a selective memory. Anyone can look up the election reports from the past four years and verify this information. It is easy to see how he and the “New” Democrats have benefited tremendously from these types of vendors. I, for one, realize and understand this is an issue we are trying to combat statewide, because many elected officials, including myself, have benefited in the past from vender’s support. But to be obtuse and points fingers, while your hands are soiled with vendor appreciation and benefit, is baffling.

I am hoping that in the future, the near future, that Councilman Storch will refrain from sending deceptive, mixed messages that state his denial, or unawareness of benefitting from these sorts of vendor donations. His messages attempt to leave readers or listeners with the thought of ‘this information is all new to me’, when in fact; these types of dealings are evident within his own campaign. You do not have to be a learned politician to know that without support, it is hard for any candidate to express or dictate effective, political party messages. However, once there are laws in place to prevent pay-to-play schemes, one must find alternative means of financing campaigns. So while we are currently taking steps towards disrupting and banning the practice of pay-for-play, a word to the wise would be for the Councilman and any other elected official active in this way of business, to cease and desist in any and every activity that can be labeled as a pay-for-play initiative. Remember, we as a community, are pressing to evolve from good, to better, to BEST!