Township bans pay-to-play

East Windsor Township Council limits the amount professional service providers can contribute to certain political campaigns.

By: Michael Ross
   EAST WINDSOR — Township Council unanimously passed a law Tuesday that limits the amount professional service providers can contribute to certain political campaigns.
   The measure bans contributions made in exchange for no-bid government contracts in a practice known as "pay-to-play" and sets a maximum amount that can be given to mayoral and council candidates, municipal and county parties and political action committees.
   "We feel that this is a positive step for the town," Mayor Janice Mironov said Wednesday — a measure that will help instill "public confidence."
   Any person belonging to a firm, corporation, partnership, organization or association seeking a no-bid contract with East Windsor may contribute up to $400 annually. Spouses of such individuals, and any of their children living at home, are included.
   Partners, officers or principals of a corporation are considered a group and can donate up to $2,500 annually.
   Donations made prior to April 1, when the law goes into effect, will not be considered a violation.
   If a township candidate or officeholder, or a municipal or county party returns any excess contributions within 30 days after the general election, they will avoid violating the law.
   Any group or individual that is in violation of the law is banned from obtaining contracts with the township for a period of four years.