Step down

by: Thurman Hart

Wed Oct 22, 2008 at 04:49:12 PM EDT

I called for Javier Inclan to resign or be fired because he testified in court that he had assisted David della Donna in committing numerous felonies.  I went after John Shinnick because there is no way he puts in the hours to earn his pay (which is still true) and because I had information that he was violating the rights of people that worked for him.  There has to be a reason for wanting someone to give up their position.

There's a reason for wanting Dick Codey to step down as President of the State Senate.

Dick Codey is accused of having used his dual positions as State Senate President and Acting Governor to direct funding based on political expediency.  That isn't much, but it's bad enough.  Mr. DeCroce is now alleging that Mr. Codey tried to buy his silence with public funding in DeCroce's district.  There is, allegedly, a paper trail of people suggesting this action to Mr. Codey.

This puts Codey front and center in the scandal brewing under the surface of the Wayne Bryant trial.  Bryant is desperately trying to paint everyone with the same brush so he can look a little less crooked.  The seriousness of the allegations that have come out require an independent investigation.  Such an investigation would not only help restore public faith in our leaders, but would help clear the names of those who are unfairly being portrayed as Bryant-clones.

But such an investigation, if it occurs with Dick Codey still holding the reins of power in the State Senate, will do little but confirm that no one will talk badly about the man who runs the upper house of the state legislature.  Plus, the holding of both executive and legislative offices means that there is a blending of legal privileges to be considered.  In short, it is too complex and too important to allow it to move forward with Dick Codey having the power to derail it - even if one believes he would never use such power.

If doing the right thing for the public and the reputation of the state senate isn't enough for Dick Codey, he should think about next year's election.  Jon Corzine is going to have a tough uphill climb to get back to Drumthwacket.  He's going to be hit with raising taxes, ongoing financial problems with state finances, widespread corruption, and a faltering economy.  Looking back over recent history, it is rare for a party to lose the Governorship and not lose control of the legislature as well.

If Dick Codey stepped aside and let an investigation go through unhindered, I believe he would regain his leadership position within six months - provided he is found to have done nothing wrong.  His position and his career would only be reinforced by cooperating and setting an example above and beyond what is generally expected of our Jersey politicians.

Mr. Codey.  It's time to step down from your leadership position.