Christie urges voters to set high standards
U.S. Attorney: Citizens must pay attention to politicians' ethics
BY TALI ISRAELI
Staff Writer

MARLBORO - U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie believes it is up to the voters to solve the problem of public corruption.

Christie discussed his views regarding the state of government and public corruption in New Jersey at the Township Council's reorganization meeting Jan. 4.

Also in attendance at the meeting were Gregory Paw, director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice; state Sen. Ellen Karcher (D-Monmouth and Mercer); state Assemblyman Michael Panter (D-Monmouth and Mercer); Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin; FBI Agent Bob Cook; Monmouth County Sheriff Joseph Oxley; Freehold Regional High School District Superintendent of Schools James Wasser; and Marlboro High School Principal James Mullevey.

In his opening remarks to the public, Mayor Robert Kleinberg described the township as being the "poster boy" for all that could go wrong in government.

"Decades of bipartisan political corruption have taken its toll on our township by means of high taxes, overcongested roadways [and] overcrowded schools and recreational facilities," the mayor said.

Kleinberg commended the efforts of Christie and FBI agents Bob Cook and Jim D'Orio for helping to put an end to public corruption in New Jersey.

"The arrests and indictments of the nine individuals who have allegedly committed crimes in Marlboro are helping to bring closure to a dark chapter in Marlboro's history," Kleinberg said. "Mr. Christie has shown that no political figure, if corrupt, is too big or powerful to avoid indictment."

The mayor described Christie as vigilant and determined and said his steadfast commitment to helping to put an end to corruption is "tireless and exemplary."

Christie began his remarks to the standing room only crowd in Town Hall by thanking the residents for their patience, endurance and confidence in him and his colleagues.

"The wheels of law enforcement move slowly [and] quietly," he said.

Over the last five years, Christie said, the U.S. Attorney's Office has convicted approximately 100 people who were involved in public corruption in New Jersey.

There is no more important issue than that of honesty and integrity in government, Christie said. He noted that public corruption is not a partisan issue and that neither the Democratic or Republican party can claim the moral high ground. Christie's speech on ethical reform centered around residents of the Garden State becoming more involved in choosing representatives to the local, state and federal governments. The U.S. Attorney believes it is up to the residents to make a difference.

"We can not [fix the problem] ... We're severely outnumbered. You are the solution to the problem. You have to elect the right people," Christie said. "I came to you tonight with a pretty simple message: 'it's up to us ... as individuals to decide firmly and with conviction that we've had enough ... enough of public embarrassment, of public corruption ... enough of people looking us in our eyes and lying to us.' You and you alone have the power to do that ... My investigations take years."

Reflecting on the recent passing of President Gerald R. Ford, Christie said, "This was a man of the Greatest Generation (men who came of age in the era of World War II). A generation that stood up, put aside their own personal interest ... They fought to save democracy. Wouldn't it be a shame for us to give it away."

The U.S. Attorney questioned what future generations would say about the state of the government today.

"When our children and grandchildren judge us in this time and in this place, what will they say about us?" Christie asked. "That [we said] it's not our problem? Or will they judge us as having stood up no matter what the personal cost and saying [it's] enough [already]?"

The U.S. Attorney's Office has cast a great light on the problem of public corruption and the cockroaches are running, Christie said.

In comments to the News Transcript, Marlboro police Sgt. Christopher Cherbini said Christie's public remarks "humanized the U.S. Attorney's Office and brought it down to our level. He made us feel like we are all a part of the solution, that we have a shot at making our communities better."

Wasser, who invited students from the Freehold Regional High School District to attend the meeting, said Christie sent a great message to the young people.

"I was very impressed with him and his message. He's an outstanding law enforcement agent and attorney," Wasser added.

Jon Hornik, a member of the Reformed Democratic Club of Marlboro, said the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI agents deserve 100 percent of the credit for cleaning up Marlboro.

"I am glad [Marlboro's] administration is cooperating pursuant to the federal subpoena and complying with the law like every law-abiding citizen is supposed to do," he said.

Hornik agreed with Christie's remarks and said voters have to elect people with ethics to serve in government.

"We can't elect anyone with any lapses of judgment to any office," he added.

Council President Jeff Cantor also shared the U.S. Attorney's views and said, "The process starts with each one of us to elect people that are true leaders, people who are not afraid to take on big issues and people who are moral and ethical. New Jersey is in desperate need of new leadership. We have a track record of public service that is deplorable."