Republican News Headlines
Republican senators want to re-examine Atlantic County judge in wake of ethics complaint
September 14, 2009
In response to a complaint filed last week by the state Supreme Court's Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct against state Superior Court Judge Steven Perskie, who sits in Atlantic County, Senators Gerry Cardinale (R-Bergen) and Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) Monday expressed concern with the vetting process of judicial nominees and what they see as the lack of time allotted to fully review each candidate.
They said they want to see the process changed so that the Senate Judiciary Committee has enough time and resources to fully review a judicial nominee.
In a three-point complaint filed by the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct, Perskie allegedly repeatedly acted improperly and then lied about his actions to the Judiciary Committee when it was considering giving him lifetime tenure on the bench in on Oct. 6, 2006.
An 11-page complaint alleges Perskie did not properly disclose a long-standing relationship with an Atlantic City businessman, Frank Siracusa, as a potential witness in a court case he was overseeing. Although Perskie recused himself, he visited another courtroom where the case was being heard and talked with an attorney and the defendant, potentially creating the appearance that he was trying to influence the outcome, according to the complaint.
Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), the Judiciary Committee chairman, said that in light of the complaint, he is considering calling a hearing to reconsider Perskie's tenure.
Perskie is a former state senator, a member of an influential Democratic family in Atlantic County and is credited with drafting the state Casino Control Act that brought legalized gambling to Atlantic City.
Perskie issued a statement that he would respond to the complaint this week.
"I believe that my only appropriate is to assure the public, as well as my colleagues and co-workers in the judiciary and the members of the Bar, that I am fully confident that, at the hearing, the (Judicial Conduct) committee will be presented with the facts that will clearly demonstrate that at all times, I discharged my responsibilities in an appropriate fashion."
Cardinale and Beck said they want to see Perskie recalled by the Judiciary Committee.
Cardinale said, "As members of the Judiciary Committee, we take seriously our responsibility to fully scrutinize all judicial candidates. We need the relevant information to closely review a candidate's experience, credentials and any and all complaints levied against him or her so that only the best, brightest and most ethical are allowed to serve."
Beck added, "The appointment, review, and confirmation of judges is a vital task for ensuring a fair and impartial court," Beck said. "Now that it appears that Judge Perskie may have perjured himself before the Judiciary Committee we must recall him. If it is determined that he did perjure himself the committee must issue a reprimand otherwise the oath that those appearing before the committee take is all but meaningless."
"A thorough review of all nominees will create more trust and greater accountability in our courthouses," Cardinale said. "The review process must be structured so that ample time is set aside and every bit of information needed is gathered to ensure we are nominating and confirming the best candidates possible.'
"Ensuring each judicial nominee is completely candid with the Judiciary Committee so that they can be thoroughly vetted,' Beck said. "This process will prevent inexperienced and flawed candidates from taking the bench."
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Kevin O'Toole
Position: Senator
Date: 9/25/09
Contact: 973-237-1360
DeCroce and O'Toole call for special investigator to review Corzine's hedge fund investments. Republican legislators also plan to introduce legislation requiring blind trusts for Governor's investments.
