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NJMC Receives Questionable Appointees
Political patronage is still alive and well in the Meadowlands...unfortunately By Hugh M. Carola Good for the environment?? Those are direct quotations from the newest members of the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. The first "gem" was uttered by South Hackensack Committeeman James Anzevino in his public testimony at the Mills DEIS hearing in September 2000. The second "pearl of wisdom" was offered by North Arlington Mayor Leonard Kaiser at the same venue. Both men took their seats on the Commission – courtesy of Governor McGreevey and the State Senate – on March 27. "Almost one year ago today Governor DiFrancesco declared that a new day was dawning in the Meadowlands," said Captain Bill Sheehan. "Unfortunately it appears as though our new Governor is returning to the old days when New Jersey's wetlands were traded for political favors." Both men were appointed on February 13 and fast-tracked through the Senate Judiciary Committee and the full Senate. Mayor Kaiser is a Republican career politician who serves as the Assistant to Bergen County Executive William "Pat" Schuber for municipal and labor relations. Mr. Anzevino is a Democrat with ties to organized labor and Bergen County-based construction companies. Both men have a long and vocal history of supporting the proposed Meadowlands Mills mega-mall which, if approved, would turn nearly six hundred acres of wetlands into parking lots, detention basins and discount shopping. Mr. Kaiser's influence with Mr. Schuber and the Bergen County GOP organization is widely believed to be the reason why he was tapped for the NJMC. Political patronage was the reason why Mr. Anzevino was selected. According to one Democratic Party insider, "Jimmy delivered the labor votes; that's why he got the job." "Jimmy" Anzevino is also known for his personal attacks on opponents of the Virginia-based developer's plan. Despite a month-long direct mail and fax campaign to the entire State Senate by Hackensack Riverkeeper and a statewide e-mail blitz against the two by the Sierra Activist, Trenton politics prevailed. That was particularly distressing in light of the fact that during his campaign, Governor McGreevey said he was opposed to allowing Mills to build on wetlands. With Kaiser and Anzevino now seated, that promise rings very hollow. "Hundreds of people across New Jersey contacted their Senators to voice opposition to these two," said Capt. Bill. "They have my sincerest thanks and they have my word that Hackensack Riverkeeper will be watching our new Commissioners closely—very closely." Hackensack Riverkeeper Receives New Ride
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