Following corruption arrests, Jersey City passes pay-to-play ban

//September 14, 2009

Measure bars developers from making contributions.The Jersey City Council voted unanimously to prohibit developers who have entered redevelopment agreements with the city from making political contributions.

The city was rocked especially hard by a series of corruption arrests in July, raising concerns about the costs to business of a Âcorruption taxÂ in the state.

The measure, developed with the aid of the nonprofit CitizensÂ Campaign, bars developers from contributing to candidates for city office, city or Hudson County political parties or committees, or any political committee that regularly supports candidates, parties or committees. The measure passed with an 8-0 vote Wednesday night.

The restrictions also apply to consultants or lobbyists who work on redevelopment projects. The ordinance allows candidates to return contributions within 30 days of when they are reported to the state. Those who violate the measure would be disqualified from city redevelopment for four years.

Heather Taylor, spokeswoman for the CitizensÂ Campaign, said the organization hopes to work with the city council on more pay-to-play restrictions.

ÂWe see it as a first step,Â she said.

Several Jersey City officials were charged as part of the 44 arrests by the U.S. AttorneyÂs Office on July 23, including Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini and health officer Joseph Castagna.

E-mail Andrew Kitchenman at [email protected]

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