Essex Leaders Criticize Proposed UMDNJ Reorganization Effort

Politicians in Essex County want Gov. Chris Christie to slow efforts in merging the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with Rutgers University.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr., Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver (D-Essex) and other local officials outlined their concerns about the consolidation plan to reporters Friday at a news briefing in Newark City Hall.

The nearly 15 leaders said they want an in-depth review of the plan and would oppose any decisions that hurt the city's economy.

An advisory panel, convened by Christie to investigate the merger, released an interim report in September that recommended combining three of UMDNJ's New Brunswick-Piscataway-based divisions — Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the School of Public Health and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey — with Rutgers University's New Brunswick-Piscataway campuses.

The advisory committee's final report on the future of UMDNJ's Newark-based schools and programs is due by the end of this year.

UMDNJ's Newark complexes, including University Hospital, are considered by officials as economic powerhouses that provide jobs and education.

"We must strengthen one of New Jersey's economic engines," said Booker, who said he had not talked to Christie about his concerns. "But we must have a full plan … and detailed financial accounting must take place."

During the briefing, the officials also outlined five principles they said must be met before a merger can take place. They are:

• Any reorganization must improve upon these critical offerings by supporting the continued functioning of University Hospital as a state-supported research and teaching hospital, partnered with an institution of higher learning.
• Any plans for reorganizing UMDNJ and its assets must contribute to the continued vibrancy, strength and growth of higher education in the greater Newark region.
• A comprehensive, substantive and deliberative process must be established in order to serve the highest aspirations of our entire state.
• A detailed financial accounting must be undertaken before any alterations of UMDNJ or its assets takes place.
• Any changes to UMDNJ should be additive to the overall competitive and economic strength of our region and state.

The officials insisted they do not oppose reorganizing UMDNJ, but said they want more than an advisory committee report.

"This train needs to be slowed down and that's what this is about," said New Jersey Sen. Ronald L. Rice.

Christie's office did not return calls or emails requesting comment.

In recent weeks, some people have protested outside University Hospital in fear it could close or move operations out of Newark.

But DiVincenzo squashed rumors those, "UMDNJ will remain in Newark and University Hospital will remain in Newark."

Once the final report is released, Christie must submit a plan to the state Legislature for lawmakers to accept or reject within 60 days, according to Oliver.

She said she will reject the plan if her concerns and the principles addressed Friday are not met.