NJ Veterans Home Official Quits

PARAMUS, NJ — The New Jersey official who oversaw the state's veterans homes where 102 people have died from the new coronavirus as of Tuesday has resigned and announced a congressional run for New Jersey's 5th district.

The New Jersey Globe reports Mark Piterski is challenging Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) for the state's 5th district. Piterski originally announced his congressional run April 21, dropping out a day later to focus on running the state's three veterans homes.

Walter Nall, the current Director of Veterans Services, will serve as the acting deputy, Gov. Phil Murphy said in a news conference Wednesday.

Frank Pallotta is also running for the 5th Congressional District as a Republican.

“General Piterski and I agree: our veterans have been treated disgracefully in this pandemic," he said in part in a statement. "I would encourage General Piterski to look at my record, including designing a Time magazine-awarded program that helped keep veterans in their home during the financial crisis, and my broad support across several county organizations in seeking this seat. Together, we can take on Josh Gottheimer’s weak and ineffectual leadership in our district.”

The long-term care facility in Paramus is the state's hardest-hit veterans home. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, 189 residents of Paramus' Veterans Home have tested positive for the new coronavirus, and 57 residents have died. Four residents have recovered.

Earlier this month, Patch reported the Paramus Veteran's Home told a family their 91-year-old relative had recovered from the new coronavirus. In a phone call four hours alter, the home admitted they'd mixed up patients and that the man, a Korean War veteran, had died.

The Veterans Home in Menlo Park has 76 positive cases of the virus, 45 deaths and 20 recoveries. The Vineland location reports three cases, zero deaths and zero recoveries.