CONTACT PHIL MORIN – 908-709-1450
JUNE 29, 2006
UNION GOP CALLS FOR OUSTER OF COUNTY INSURANCE BROKER AND PUBLIC BIDDING PROCESS FOR REPLACEMENT
Union County Republican Chairman Phil Morin issued the following statement today in response to the report that despite the fact that Hale Insurance Brokerage has been charged by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance with forging the former Cranford Township Mayor’s signature to illegally assume control of the township’s health and dental policies,[1] the all-Democrat Union County Freeholder Board stands behind Hale Insurance as Union County’s insurance broker of record.[2]
Unfortunately, it’s clearer than ever that pay-to-play politics is alive and well in Union County. Despite serious charges of illegal conduct of Hale Insurance Brokerage, including forgery of a municipal official’s signature and the alleged admission of the forgery to a member of Cranford’s governing body and Cranford’s township attorney, the all-Democrat Freeholder Board has chosen to defend a big-time political contributor rather than protect the taxpayers of Union County. Hale’s principal and his wife have donated nearly $90,000 to the Union County Democrats since 1998.[3] I guess $90,000 not only buys a big chunk of insurance business, it also insures a blind eye to reality. The Freeholders should immediately remove Hale Insurance as its broker and undertake an open and public bidding process for a replacement – now.
[1] The Star Ledger, June 29, 2006, Union County Section http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/union/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1151569620266490.xml&coll=1
[2] The Eagle (Worrall Community Newspapers, Inc.), June 29, 2006 (Union County Public Information Director Sebastian D’Elia said "the allegations concerning Hale Insurance Brokerage have absolutely nothing to do with county government, nor do they affect or impact the work that Hale conducts for the county of Union.") http://www.localsource.com/articles/2006/06/29/the_eagle/news/local/doc44a3e999ef872872794509.txt
[3] The Star Ledger, June 29, 2006, Union County Section.
