Proposed Ban On 'Double Dippers' Stirring Political Controversy In Burlington County

Local politics appears to be fueling policy in Burlington County.

Burlington County Freeholders are considering legislation to prevent the county’s government from hiring anyone who is already collecting a publicly-funded pension, the Burlington County Times reports.

Republican Freeholder Latham Tiver proposed the ban during Wednesday’s meeting, according to the report. Republicans have labeled Democratic candidate for Sheriff Jim Kostoplis as a “double dipper.”

Kostoplis has an $88,491 police pension. The sheriff’s position offers a $120,000 salary, according to the report.

Kostoplis is challenging Republican Sheriff Jean Stanfield in the Nov. 8 election.

Tiver is also up for re-election, and is being challenged by Democrat Reva Foster. The Board of Chosen Freeholders currently consists of five members, all Republicans.

Democrats have accused Tiver of proposing the ban for political reasons, but Tiver calls it a “common sense” policy, according to the report.

The freeholders will vote on the proposal at their Sept. 28 meeting, 7 p.m. in Mount Holly.

In New Jersey, 16 of the state’s 21 county sheriff’s were “double dippers” as of late 2015, according to watchdog.org.

In Morris County, Republican James Gannon has said he will freeze his annual $78,160 if he is elected sheriff this year.

The Burlington County Republicans have called on Kostoplis to make the same pledge, according to the report.