Local Officials React to NJ Corruption Sweep

While South Orange is removed from the sordidness of the New Jersey corruption sweep that led to the arrest of three mayors, two assemblymen and other elected officials on Thursday morning, many of whom are from perennially scandal-plagued Hudson County, the effect on morale could be felt by residents throughout the state.

"I don't think it has an impact on South Orange and Maplewood other than the ultimate global impact of people wondering if their elected officials are up to no good," said Village President Douglas Newman, who didn't know any of the officials who have been charged, though, ironically, he had read about Hoboken mayor Peter Cammarano's reputation as a pay-to-play reformer. (Considered in some circles to be a rising star in New Jersey politics, Cammarano, 32, is accused of accepting $25,000 in bribes to push development projects forward.)

"To read about corruption at any level is disheartening," said Newman, who added that charges against even a handful of officials can erode the public's faith in their elected leaders. "It gives a bad name to anyone who's trying to help."

Trustee Michael Goldberg finds the obtuseness of the people charged to be startling, since even in a small town like South Orange, where elected officials are volunteers, they're aware that any missteps could land them on the front of a paper. "It's just unbelievable that people can be so stupid," he said.