PETRONKO AND SCRUDATO "WHY ARE JONES AND BENGIVENGA HIDING CHARGES OF ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES"

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) last week filed a seven count complaint charging illegal election activity by Republican Chairman Bob Jones and Candidate Robert Bengivenga. Upon learning of the complaint Democratic Council Candidate Ray Petronko said, "This development is very disturbing. All people read about is political corruption and pay to play in New Jersey. Mr. Jones and Mr. Bengivenga must put politics aside and come clean with our residents. I suggest they supply the local newspapers with all information concerning these charges of illegality. That will be a good first step."

Council Candidate Joe Scrudato expanded upon his running mate's comments saying, "The most disturbing thing is that the charges brought against the local Republican Organization say that they are "continuing violations". That means that Mr. Jones and Mr. Bengivenga have refused to provide the information concerning their political contributors. You can only conclude that they must be hiding something."

Council Candidate Ray Petronko summed up the local Democrats position: "Joe and I take no joy in this development. It is a negative reflection on the entire political process. I urge Bob Jones and Robert Bengivenga to act immediately and disclose whatever illegal or unethical acts they were involved in. It's high time they come clean with the residents of South Plainfield."