Firm cited in pay-to-play lawsuit quits job with N.J. town
Updated Mar 01, 2021;
A firm cited in a “pay-to-play” lawsuit resigned an appointment to a township government post last month days after it had been appointed for an additional year, local officials confirmed last week.
Capehart Scatchard resigned its position as conflict counsel with Washington Township, Gloucester County, after a pair of citizen watchdogs accused it of making campaign contributions to several elected township officials, including the mayor. The firms were then paid more than $17,500 for annual no-bid contracts, which is a violation of state pay-to-play laws, according to the suit.
Local politicians took donations from firms, then hired them, lawsuit alleges
Updated Feb 24, 2021;
A Superior Court judge in Gloucester County will hear a lawsuit alleging Washington Township officials have awarded no-bid contracts to two companies that have made political contributions to municipal officials including the mayor and four council members. Town officials say the suit is baseless.
A hearing is scheduled for later this month.
The lawsuit was filed last month by Brian McBride and Joe Junfola, who describe themselves in the court filing as concerned local residents and government watchdogs.
“The donations to an incumbent mayor’s reelection and council members’ 2018 elections is a clear violation (of) state law...’flipping the bird’ at not only New Jersey law but every resident of Washington Township,” the complaint said.