Former Edgewater Councilwoman Calls on Gov to Veto Senate Bill, End ‘Crony Capitalism’

To the Editor:

New Jersey Bill #S-2072 is a perfect example of legislators talking out of both sides of their mouth. On one, side they claim to be against “Pay-to-Play,” No Bid Contracts - Crony Capitalism, and on the other side they support Bill #S-2072.

#S-2072 is touted as a $70 million cost savings for government. It is not and will cost NJ taxpayers millions more and disenfranchise small vendors. This Bill is a back door effort to circumvent tighter “Pay-to-Play” laws and protect Crony Capitalism practices.  

Bill #S-2072 defies the spirit of NJ Local Contracts Law (40A:11-13), which encourages free, open and competitive bidding. Moreover, section (40A:11-5 (3.A) and key to the misguided motivation of this bill,  requires entities  to only advertised bids twice: if no bids are received, the governing body may then “negotiate” with an applicable contractor and award a contract. Hence no bid contract. Presently, NJ Local Public Contracts Law (40A:11-23) requires that bids be published in an official newspaper, once, 10 days in advance to the bid due date. Hence open competitive bidding. 

There are 21 counties, 566 municipalities and numerous agencies throughout NJ and most charge to cover the cost for bid packages and advertising costs. For those that do not, they can and should charge a fee. Therefore, for the most part, the claim that this is a cost saving measure is bogus.

Currently, while reading their daily newspaper (hardcopy or online) the public is able to review the Legal Notice Section and instantly get an overview of government purchasing opportunities and how their tax dollars are being spent. Bill #S-2072 purposely eliminates this convenience, thereby deterring government transparency.

Upon enactment, daily, at a minimum, perspective bidders will be required to surf 600 NJ Government websites just for an opportunity to submit a competitive bid. For taxpayers, now they will need to visit their government websites regularly to learn how their tax dollars spent. 

Newspapers are encouraged to publish the names of all those legislators who vote in favor of this bill.

I urge Governor Christie to veto Bill #S-2072 and put an end to Crony Capitalism.

Maureen Holtje, Certified QPA

Former Edgewater Councilwoman