PRESS RELEASE: NJGOP Calls For Transparency On Alvarez Resignation

NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt is insisting on transparency over the Alvarez resignation.

NJGOP Calls For Transparency On Alvarez Resignation 

Submits Open Public Records Requests 

Trenton, NJ - One of Governor Murphy's longtime, top staffers, Al Alvarez abruptly resigned last week. Since then, details are emerging on allegations that he was accused of sexual misconduct.

When questioned about the resignation Governor Murphy refused to comment.

NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt said, "We've called for bipartisan hearings into Governor Murphy's hiring practices, but there is a more immediate question that should be easily answered; why did Alvarez resign? Why won't Governor Murphy answer that simple question?" 

The NJGOP has submitted Open Public Records Requests for all relevant documents surrounding the hiring and resignation of Alvarez. 

Steinhardt continued, "If the Governor refuses to answer the press, his constituents or a formal request under the State’s open public records laws, then Senate Democrats like Sweeney and a Coughlin owe it to this State to put partisan politics aside and their money where their mouths are, convene public hearings and subpoena them."

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Challenger Sheriff Candidate Gets Paid To Campaign. Is He Costing Salem County Taxpayers Money?

Bob Gant (from Facebook)

The race for Salem County Sheriff is becoming a heated contest. Incumbent Sheriff Chuck Miller is being challenged for the first time ever and that challenge is coming from a lieutenant in the Sheriff’s Department, Bob Gant. There’s a reason Miller hasn’t faced a challenge - he does an excellent job. I have never met a person who has said a negative word about Sheriff Miller and that includes my neighbor who spent a little time in the Salem County Jail.

The thing is, sources watching this race have confirmed Gant has been “on leave” since some time in August. Sources say Gant has been collecting personal and/or vacation pay since going on leave. This is funny coming from a guy who is campaigning on reducing the “size of county government.” One would think that a lieutenant in the Sheriff’s Department who wants to be sheriff might actually go to work. Nope! Not Gant.

If Gant isn’t showing up for work doesn’t that mean someone else has to do his job while he isn’t there? And, if someone has to do his job it is likely there is some overtime pay involved, meaning Gant is costing county taxpayers money to run his campaign. So much for reducing the size of county government.

Let’s not forget that as President of the Salem County Superior Officers Association Gant negotiated the contract that allows him to get paid vacation and/or personal time for not going to work while he campaigns.

If Sheriff Miller can go to work every day, why can’t Gant? It’s a fair question and Gant needs to explain to voters why he chooses not to go to work, possibly costing taxpayers money. He certainly doesn’t appear to be worried about shrinking “the size of county government for the sake of the taxpayers,” which he claims he intends to do.

Frankly, Gant sounds like he’s practicing politics as usual.

PRESS RELEASE: NJGOP Chairman Calls For Independent Investigation Into Sexual Misconduct In The Murphy Administration

Earlier this week it was reported former Schools Development Authority Chief of Staff Albert J. Alvarez resigned. And, yesterday Politico broke the story that Alvarez had been accused of sexual misconduct. This morning, NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt has called for an investigation. Steinhardt’s press release is below:

NJGOP Chairman Calls For Independent Investigation Into Sexual Misconduct In The Murphy Administration

Trenton, NJ - As a candidate for Governor, Phil Murphy vowed to "fight to stop sexual harassment and assault". 

Yesterday, Politico reported former Murphy transition team member and Schools Development Authority Chief of Staff Albert J. Alvarez, was accused of sexual misconduct against a woman last year, but only just resigned last week.

NJGOP Chairman Doug Steinhardt reacted swiftly to the news by calling on the legislature to conduct an independent, bi-partisan investigation.

"While it might be Governor Murphy's “new norm” to overlook illegal actors and bribe takers, it cannot be New Jersey's norm," said Chairman Steinhardt. "The stakes are too great and the country is watching."

Steinhardt continued, “New Jersey needs to know if Governor Murphy would go as far as to shelter someone like Al Alvarez. We call on the State legislature to conduct an independent investigation into the treatment of sexual misconduct within the Murphy Administration," said Chairman Steinhardt. "Transparency in this matter is tantamount. America's zero tolerance for this kind of behavior is well documented and well justified. What exactly were the criminal charges? What did the administration know and when? Finally, what happened to the allegations and, more important, the accuser? New Jersey deserves answers to these and the scores of other questions raised by this article and these revelations. We call on the State’s legislative leaders, Sweeney, Kean, Coughlin and Bramnick, to come together and conduct a thorough investigation.”

“If this is the “new norm” then we are failing.”

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