Wayne Protesters Speak Out Against Potential Republican By-Law Change

Local residents protested a potential major change in Passaic County politics Tuesday, one that could allow a convicted felon to lead a major Republican organization again.

Residents held up signs at the Passaic County Regular Republican Organization’s headquarters on Hamburg Turnpike in protest of a change to allow Peter Murphy to be a leader with the group again.

PCRRO’s executive board was slated to vote on a resolution that would permit Murphy to serve on the board or be a municipal leader. The organization’s by-laws prohibit anyone convicted a third-degree crime or greater from serving in either of those capacities.

Murphy is a former chairman of the PCRRO. He directed a kickback scheme 15 years ago that netted four associates $70,000 from a contractor, Politickernj.com reported. He was indicted in 2000. A federal jury found him guilty of mail fraud in 2001.

Chairman John Traier could not be reached for comment.

Politicker reported that Murphy’s supporters are confident they have enough support to approve the change. If the change is approved, the matter would go before the full county committee for a vote.

(Protestors hold up signs outside the PCRRO’s headquarters on Hamburg Turnpike/Photos courtesy of Al Frech)