For Immediate Release:
RECORDS OF PENSION PROBE IMPLICATING LT. GOV. GUADAGNO ARE SO SECRET NEW JERSEY SEEKS TO ARGUE THE SECRECY IN SECRET
Records of a pension scandal involving Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno are so secret that New Jersey authorities are seeking to argue their reasons for secrecy in secret.
Under order, the state Treasury has turned over 26 documents for an in camera review by the Office of Administrative Law. After review, a judge will rule on which, if any, documents must be released to a New Jersey Watchdog reporter.
The attorney general also submitted two briefs arguing why the documents should be kept confidential. One brief was submitted only to the judge – and not the reporter's attorney.
The main brief disclosed the existence of the secret filing: "The custodian (Treasury) is submitting additional briefing on these documents for review by Your Honor in camera."
The secret brief – a rare legal tactic designed to ensure a one-sided argument – is the latest twist in a lengthy public records battle that began after a New Jersey Watchdog investigative report three years ago.
The contested records focus on false statements by Guadagno that enabled her chief officer, Michael W. Donovan Jr. to improperly collect nearly $85,000 a year in state retirement pay in addition to his $87,500 annual salary.
The complete story is now online at http://newjersey.watchdog.org. The direct link is http://newjersey.watchdog.org/2013/10/07/9078/. Please direct media inquiries to Mark@Lagerkvist.net.
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