State Dems: Accusations Against Vicari Are Perfect Reason To Vote Him Out

The vice chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee says accusations of sexual harassment and corruption against Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari show that it’s time for Ocean County voters to make a change.

Lizette Delgado-Polanco cited the recent Asbury Park Press report that said Vicari used his position as freeholder to ensure a contract went to his longtime friend, Joseph Veni. It also said Vicari ignored sexual harassment of female county employees by Veni. Vicari is named as a co-defendant in an ongoing sexual harassment lawsuit against the county.

“The examples of sexual harassment that Mr. Vicari appears to have condoned — if not encouraged — in the workplace are appalling. His behavior is deplorable, and the stink of corruption in the contracting process is equally sickening. The taxpayers should be outraged that they are shouldering the burden for Mr. Vicari’s legal defense,” Delgado-Polanco said.

In the Asbury Park Press article, William Santos, the county’s retired Buildings and Grounds supervisor and a Republican, said Vicari engaged in a variety of behavior that is unethical and possibly illegal. Santos said Vicari pressured him to bypass standard legal protocols and grant a contract to Veni. Santo said Vicari then removed him from the committee that awarded county contracts.

Veni was ultimately awarded a taxpayer-funded position worth $150,000 per year, and enjoyed preferential treatment in that role. He even billed the county $100 per hour for his conversations with Vicari. According to county records, Veni’s firm has received an estimated $1 million in funding since 2005.

“It is time for voters to reject the disgusting attitudes and practices of a bygone era, and move Ocean County forward. In Timothy E. Ryan — a longtime Ocean County resident and independent business owner — this community, which is so eager for change, has a refreshing opportunity to choose a capable alternative. I hope they seize it,” said Delgado-Polanco.

While Vicari is exploiting a loophole to collect both a pension and a paycheck for his freeholder job, earning more than $150,000, Tim Ryan, by contrast, has pledged to donate his entire freeholder salary to charity if elected.