"Attached is the recent Final Decision of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission ("ELEC") which imposes one of the largest penalties I have seen coming from ELEC in recent memory. ELEC found one of Peter Cammarano's strongest supporters, and long-time Freeholder and former Chair of the Hoboken Democratic Party, Maurice Fitzgibbons, had violated major requirements of New Jersey election law.
Amazingly, Mr. Fitzgibbons repeatedly failed to file timely campaign reports in the 2005 general election when he was running for Freeholder, as required by the New Jersey Campaign Contributions and Expenditures Reporting Act, N.J.S.A. 19:44A-1, et seq. (the "Campaign Reporting Act"). Mr. Fitzgibbons filed his three required R-1 forms (reflecting Reports of Contributions and Expenditures) 429, 412 and 381 days late!
Considering all the factors in Mr. Fitzgibbons case, an ELEC commission unanimously voted (4-0) to reprimand Mr. Fitzgibbons, and order a penalty of $2,625.00, which it agreed to reduce to $2,100, if Mr. Fitzgibbons timely made all of his required penalty payments, persuant to N.J.A.C. 19:25-17.3C(e).
While Mr. Cammarano is entitled to his day in court, Mr. Fitzgibbons had his, and has been found in violation New Jersey law.
This is a story that should be reported by Hudson County's hometown political reporters, and it is suprising to me that you haven't given this story any treatment at all."
My Response: I am featuring/covering this story now. Thanks to the reader for the information. Parable for this eletion: beware the company that candidates keep.
On the MSV blog today (see link: http://hobokenhorse.blogspot.com/2010/10/maurice-fitzgibbons-im-with-tim.html) Maurice is quoted as saying "For months, supporters of Mr. Lenz have repeatedly attempted to tarnish me and my reputation using the various blogs affiliated with his campaign, blogs which regularly see fit to promote racism, attack ethnicity, and belittle an individual’s sexual preference. Mr. Lenz would have liked to run on his reform playbook."
I don't know which blogs Maurice is referring to and he can try to smear them all he wants but the fact remains a key player is on Tim Occhipinti's campaign has been found guilty of ELEC violations and here is the proof. Voters should be aware is all I am saying. This is not a personal attack but rather it is a commentary on a public official and their conduct with respect to the rules governing elections.
Attached below is the ELEC ruling on Maurice Fitzgibbons for 2005 violations:
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