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| Web Special, May 29 |
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| Local officials questioned by prosecutor's office |
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| By ALYSSA PASSEGGIO |
| Senior Staff Writer |
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Some Highlands councilmen opened their door to a surprise last week: an
officer from the Monmouth
County prosecutor's
office.
Councilman William Caizza said an official stopped by his house late last
week and left a card to make an appointment for questioning. Caizza said he
is awaiting instructions from his attorney.
"We know what it's about: the bridge. I am not worried because none of
us did anything wrong, from the ex-mayor for the rest of us," Caizza
said.
Councilman Frank Nolan confirmed that he was also visited by a member of the
prosecutor's office, received a card, obtained a lawyer and has called to
make an appointment.
Some residents have called for the prosecutor's office to further investigate
dealings with the borough and the Department of Transportation regarding the
replacement of the Highlands drawbridge with
a fixed-span structure.
Urgings for an investigation increased after an April 1 charge against a
22-year DOT employee for allegedly forging a signature on an agreement of
sale for a land transfer between the borough and the state agency.
The county prosecutor's office would not confirm an investigation in the
borough or that any municipal officials had been approached.
Although Councilman John Urbanski has not received a visit, he said he
obtained an attorney. Urbanski also assumed the questioning would be related
to the Route 36 bridge replacement and echoed Caizza's sentiments about the
situation.
"It is really a shame it has gone to this point. There is no wrongdoing.
I don't believe anybody up there volunteering their time had malice or
criminal intent at all," Urbanski said.
Urbanski noted the responsibility of the borough professionals to straighten
out any paperwork or liabilities, specifically after the council voted to
pass something.
Councilwoman Nancy Burton and former Mayor Richard O'Neil did not return
calls by press time.
Urbanski pointed out that the borough would pay for the individual attorneys
representing the council members during the questioning, since it relates to
their council duties.
Borough Clerk Nina Light Flannery said she could not discuss the attorney
payment process, as it had never happened in the borough before. She added
that if it had happened it would have been in executive session and she would
not be allowed to talk about it.
Borough Attorney Joseph Oxley did not return a phone call regarding the
borough's stance by press time. |
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Lieberman & Blecher, P.C.
10 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 100
Princeton, N.J. 08540
Telephone: (732) 355-1311 · Fax: (732) 355-1310 · Email: info@liebermanblecher.com · Website: www.liebermanblecher.com |
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