WC Democrats Support Stronger 'Pay to Play' Law

Editor's note: The following is a submission from West Caldwell Democratic Candidates, Alex Trento for Mayor, and Bob Natko and Len Luciano for council, who are running in November's election, and is not the opinion of The Caldwells Patch.

West Caldwell Democratic candidates Alex Trento, candidate for Mayor, and Bob Natko and Len Luciano, council candidates, have announced their intention to introduce, if elected, a very strong local "Pay to Play" ordinance which will severely limit the amount of money individuals and businesses which are awarded local contracts can contribute to local political candidates.

The State of New Jersey has permitted local municipalities to adopt more stringent regulations. Approximately 70 towns have adopted some version of a model ordinance which was developed by Citizens' Campaign, a non-partisan statewide organization, in cooperation with constitutional lawyers at the Brennan Center for Justice.

Mayoral candidate Alex Trento, in a letter dated January 28, 2010, wrote to the West Caldwell Council recommending that the Council adopt a strong local "Pay to Play" ordinance, similar to the one adopted by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills in Morris County.

"Council President Cecere never acknowledged my request and has avoided the issue. My mayoral opponent has been silent on this issue. " Trento stated.

Trento reported that according to New Jersey Election Law reports filed by the Republican campaign, the tax appeal attorney, that was awarded a contract for 2010 by the Council donated $2,600 to the Republican campaign.

"Under the current system of "Pay to Play," money is a significant factor in local elections. When elected, we will not accept contributions more than $300 from contractors or individuals who are awarded contracts with the Township," said Luciano.

"Everyone knows that running a political campaign can be very costly and raising money is part of the process. We do not believe, however, that individuals or businesses that are awarded contracts with the Township should be solicited for large political donations.

West Caldwell needs ethics reform legislation and a strong local "Pay to Play" ordinance is a first step," Natko stated.