Garden State Times

Senator Michael Testa (R-1) has sent a letter to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) expressing his opposition to State funding for the Pompidou project. He demanded that the EDA take measures to prevent a convicted bribe-taker from being involved in the project.

Reports indicate that Jersey City retained an employee previously convicted of accepting bribes to work on certain construction projects. This action is reportedly in violation of State law, which prohibits rehiring felons convicted of crimes related to their office.

"This is obviously poor judgment, but it is also illegal," wrote Sen. Testa in his letter. "I am requesting that should the Economic Development Authority award grants or tax credits to Jersey City projects, including the Pompidou X, that it conditions awards on compliance with the law and disallow involvement by convicted bribe-takers."

The full letter sent to the EDA can be found online: (Click Here for a PDF)

In his letter addressed to Executive Director Sullivan, Sen. Testa emphasized that Jersey City's decision to retain a "temporary employee" who had served prison time for taking bribes as a city employee was both poor judgment and illegal. He cited N.J.S.A. 2C:51-2d, which states: “In addition to the punishment prescribed for the offense…any person convicted of an offense involving or touching on his public office, position or employment shall be forever disqualified from holding any office or position of honor, trust or profit under this State or any of its administrative or political subdivisions.”

Jersey City recently provided the EDA with plans to address a $19 million annual operating deficit directly attributable to the proposed Pompidou X Project. The EDA is expected to announce soon whether it will release a portion of $58 million appropriated for the project.

"I continue to believe that no State taxpayer money should be provided to Pompidou X," stated Sen. Testa. "Subsidizing the project is especially offensive while the State budget cuts funding to 150 school districts. But if the EDA allows the release of grants without prohibiting Jersey City from allowing a convicted bribe-taker from being involved in the project, it will be a slap in the face to State taxpayers and Jersey City residents alike."

Sincerely,

Senator Michael Testa