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ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS HERALD |
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EDITOR: The admission by Atlantic Highlands Borough Attorney Bernard Reilly that he is in violation of the borough's "pay-to-play" ordinance means it is time for him to go. Reilly's confession comes over seven months after he was required to file with the borough clerk a "certification of compliance of professional/professional business entities in regard to campaign contributions" as required by borough ordinance and after several reminders by Borough Hall. The ordinance requires all professional appointees to file the compliance certification before assuming office or being paid for work they perform. The Reilly admission came during the Aug. 16 Borough Council meeting in response to questioning by Councilman Stephanie Ladiana and produced a promise from Reilly to file forthwith. He also confirmed that he had been reminded about filing the document several times. Ladiana then pointed out that Reilly was in violation and technically shouldn't be working for the borough. Reilly was appointed as borough attorney Jan. 1 by the new Republican Council majority following its firing of two-year Borough Attorney Janice Miller,who ironically drafted the ordinance for Mayor Peter E. Donoghue and the then-Democratic majority. The compliance certification requires all professionals working for the borough to attest that they haven't made any campaign contribution in excess of the borough-imposed limit -- $300 -- and to acknowledge a "continuing duty to report" ... any contribution made in violation of the borough ordinance. Incredibly, Reilly still hasn't filed the required certification despite conducting a public seminar on pay-to-play regulations prior to a recent Council meeting. Reilly's promises to comply is not enough. The ordinance dealing with contribution limits prohibits professionals from working for the town unless they certify they are in compliance. Because Reilly has failed to do what he knew had to be done, it is time for him to step down and for the Council to hire someone who will follow the rules. Stephen D Noonan  |
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