Democrat Jan Bidwell demands Assemblyman Schroeder resign to restore constituent-confidence

UPPER SADDLE RIVER – (March 1, 2013) – On the heels of Assemblyman Robert Schroeder’s criminal arraignment, 39th District Democrat Jan Bidwell is demanding that the beleaguered Republican state lawmaker immediately resign.

“Mounting criminal and civil allegations about bad checks, delinquent loan repayments to banks and creditors, shoddy business practices, and looming foreclosures are more than enough reason for Mr. Schroeder to step down now,” said Bidwell, the Democratic candidate for 39th District state Senate seat.

Bidwell, who is challenging Schroeder’s fellow Republican, state Sen. Gerald Cardinale, in the Nov. 5th general election, said she is “appalled” that Bergen County GOP bosses have not insisted Schroeder quit.

“Other than a halfhearted, lukewarm request for Mr. Schroeder to step down after his indictment, Bergen Republican leaders, including Mr. Cardinale, have done nothing to restore constituent-confidence,” Bidwell said. “As a voter, I am appalled.”

“The only reason I can fathom for letting Mr. Schroeder hang around Trenton is that Republicans are playing political games, just waiting until it is strategically advantageous for their party to have him step down,” Bidwell said.

Besides the criminal and civil allegations, the U.S. Army recently banned Schroeder’s military supply company from doing business with federal government, saying he failed to pay subcontractors and to deliver on tents ordered for soldiers in Afghanistan.

"To me, it is despicable that our troops were left in the lurch when we should be
doing our utmost to protect, support and honor their service and sacrifice,” Bidwell said.

Bidwell is a social worker with an extensive record of community service and activism. She has pledged to promote legislation that would stabilize taxes; create jobs and strengthen small businesses; encourage shared municipal services, champions omen’s pay-equity and healthcare; and fight for practical flood-control initiatives.

The 39th Legislative District covers towns in Bergen and Passaic counties,
including Mahwah, Ramsey, Bloomingdale, Closter, Demarest, Dumont, Emerson,
Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Montvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan,
Park Ridge, Ringwood, River Vale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Wanaque,
Washington Township, Westwood, and Woodcliff Lake. 

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