Hudson County Suspends Ethics Watchdog, Official Says

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — When Frank Alonso ran for state Assembly on Steven Fulop's gubernatorial ticket in the spring, he described himself as a "government ethics watchdog."

The unsuccessful candidate — who works full-time as Hudson County Director of Weights and Measures — was suspended without pay from the county job on Wednesday by County Executive Craig Guy over allegations of irregularities, Guy said in a statement.

However, Guy's office did not release specifics.

He said the information had been turned over to the County Prosecutor's Office.

Hudson County Prosecutor's Office spokeswoman Caitlin Mota said the office would not comment on the existence of an investigation, as is their protocol.

“Since day one as County Executive, I have been committed to increased transparency and accountability in Hudson County government," Guy said. "Today, I authorized the county to immediately suspend Hudson County Weights & Measures Superintendent Frank Alonso without pay due to allegations ... regarding his duties and responsibilities."

As the county director of Weights and Measures, Alonso's job was to protect residents from unfair pricing and scams.

In October, the Hudson County Board of Commissioners voted to move the division from under the County Sheriff's Office to the oversight of the Law Department. Alonso spoke about the measure, which passed unanimously, according to Hudson County View.

A phone message left for Alonso on Wednesday was not returned by press time, but Patch will update this story if more information is received.