BY DAN NEWMAN
Staff Writer
Amy Handlin MIDDLETOWN – Assembly-woman Amy Handlin (R-Monmouth/Middlesex) plans to propose a bill that would require public officials convicted of crimes, not taxpayers, to be responsible for paying the legal fees associated with their defense.
This comes in light of recent reports that the Office of Legislative Services has already incurred over $55,000 in legal fees to resist a federal investigation into the practice of awarding taxpayer money to special-interest projects or politically connected organizations.
“The Legislature is being peppered with subpoenas and this really is unprecedented,” Handlin said. “Once the investigations are done, there could be one or more legislators [who] may be guilty of criminal activity, and they are the ones that should be footing the legal bills.”
This new proposal comes along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office expanding a probe into the possible improper award of grant money to politically connected people and groups. Handlin also noted that some of the officials under investigation are scheduled to receive pensions in excess of $100,000 as a result of holding office at the state and local levels.
“That’s an insult to taxpayers and it should not be allowed to stand,” Handlin said.
Another factor that bothers Handlin is that the $55,000 figure may only go higher as time goes on, as that was only the bill for the month of January. Still, Handlin’s main focus is on the issue of those who are found guilty, and them having to pay the appropriate legal fees.
“We’re taxpayers and we should have to pay for this?” Handlin asked. “That’s deplorable and disgusting. Taxpayers are being asked to pay to defend … we don’t know what.”
Handlin said the bill is not complete yet but, fundamentally, it would say that forfeited pension funds are to be placed in a special account to pay the state’s legal expenses, similar to an escrow account. She said the bill is designed to protect all taxpayers.
“This will also be a deterrent to future criminal activity. If people abuse their power, they will pay the price as a result of this bill,” Handlin said.
Her goal is to have the bill completed by this week or if not, then as soon as the Legislature reconvenes.