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To the Loser Asselta Go the Spoils
Nicholas Asselta, left, seated with Jeff Van Drew at the October League of Women Voters debate at Middle Township High School Photos by Al Campbell
TRENTON –– Former 1st District Sen. Nick Asselta, a Republican, out of a Senate job Jan. 8 at noon, has landed a high-paying state nomination from Gov. Jon S. Corzine, a Democrat.
Corzine spokesman Jim Gardner confirmed for the Herald that the governor Jan. 8 named Asselta to a commissioner’s seat on the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which regulates critical services such as natural gas, electricity, water and telecommunications and cable television. BPU commissioners serve six-year terms.
If former Senate colleagues approve his nomination, Asselta will earn $125,000 a year in his new post. His annual salary as a legislator was $49,000.
The timing of the nomination, however, has been called into question.
On the same day he was named to the post, Asselta voted in favor of Corzine’s controversial $7.8-billion school funding formula, which squeaked to victory in a 23-13 vote in the Senate when it needed a minimum 21 votes to pass. Asselta was one of only five Republicans to approve the measure.
Corzine’s funding plan is expected to hit schools in the First Legislative District particularly hard, including all school districts in Cape May County as well as those in Asselta's hometown of Vineland, an Abbott district. For that reason, Democratic legislators Jeff Van Drew, who won Asselta’s Senate seat, and Nelson Albano went against the party line and voted against the formula.
Asselta, 56, was a state Senator since 2004, with seats on the following committees: Budget and Appropriations; Community and Urban Affairs; Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens; and State Government.
He also served on the state Assembly for eight years before that and was a member of the school board in Vineland from 1993-96.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
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Sun, 06/15/2008 - 12:39pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Congratulations to Nick Asselta. The State of New Jersey can only benefit from a man that has dedicated his life to the people and continues his dedication. I can speak from experience to say Nick has and will continue to speak for the voices of the people that would otherwise go unrepresented. He is a kind, sensitive and caring political advocate. I wish him all the best, and he certainly deserves the new appointment.
Michelle, Cherry Hill
Fri, 01/11/2008 - 12:25pm - Posted by: Anonymous
For those who have read about the new formula, It certainly is not helping schools in Cape May County. Regardless of his service to the county, His vote was purchased by Corzine, who knows if Asselta actually thinks this funding formula will work or not. Thanks for leaving a low note. Enjoy your cushy new job, Maybe Corzine will cut it next year in cost cutting measure, sweet justice.
Pete - Lower Township
Thu, 01/10/2008 - 7:48am - Posted by: Anonymous
"The timing of Asseltas' yes vote for the states school funding formula is questionable." What is questionable about it? Asselta was voted out of a very good government job and Van Drew was voted in. Asselta was about to be unemployed, he broke party rank and supported a bill that will have a devastating effect on his former constituents in Vineland and all of Cape May County and that same day gets a huge government appointment. Van Drew voted against this funding formula which will kill us in property taxes in 3 years after the "hold harmless clause expires". But the bright side is, Asselta now has a governor appointed lucrative job in the BPU. Guess this proves the people were right in voting in Van Drew, who really cares about his people. Unlike the previous poster, I don't give "atta boys" to people who blatantly hurt the people, they used to represent, for personal benefit. I will give an "atta boy" to Jeff Van Drew for going against his party and voting against this bill which will hurt the people he represents. Thanks for trying Jeff. To Asselta....shame on you.
Wed, 01/09/2008 - 7:54pm - Posted by: Anonymous
Congratulations to a man that has dedicted his life to public service. Nick has been good for Cape May County. He will be an asset at the BPU, and well deserving!
Mike Voll, Rio Grande