Freeholder Ordinance 13-06
On May 15, the Bergen County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders voted to override County Executive Kathleen A. Donovan’s veto of the new pay-to-play ordinance that passed on May 1.
This is the second pay-to-play ordinance vetoed by the county executive in the last eight months. On October 5, 2012, Donovan had vetoed a prior pay-to-play measure passed by the Board.
Freeholder Ordinance 13-06 changes the code to include lowering the debarment period for future county contracts from four years to one year. Under the new ordinance, contractors will also be able to make political contributions up to $5,200 to county political parties.
According to NorthJersey.com, another vote on the ordinance is required because the public notice for the legislation was not properly published. The board next meets on Wednesday, May 22.
May 2, 2013 •
Pay-to-Play Ordinance Passes in Bergen County, NJ
6-1 Vote
The Bergen County New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders passed an ordinance yesterday modifying the county’s pay-to-play laws.
NorthJersey.com reports the Board voted 6-1 in favor of changes to the code that include lowering the debarment period for future county contracts from four years to one year. Contractors will also be able to make political contributions up to $5,200 to county political parties.
The ordinance must next go to County Executive Kathleen Donovan. Executive Donovan vetoed prior pay-to-play measures last year. If the ordinance is not vetoed, or if a veto is overridden, it will become effective 20 days after publication.
Freeholder Maura DeNicola cast the single vote against the ordinance, calling it “an incumbent protection program” according to NorthJersey.com.
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