To the Editor:

The recent news that Assemblyman Anthony Chiappone pled guilty to charges stemming from his involvement in taking legislative aides’ paychecks and depositing this money in both campaign and personnel accounts has shocked many. The reason this admission of guilt was so shocking was that Mr. Chiappone steadfastly denied these allegations even to the point of saying they were fabricated and politically motivated. His guilty plea has put an end to a lackluster political career and further supplants the notion that he is a man without morals and has made no positive impression on the citizens of New Jersey.

Since his guilty plea, Mr. Chiappone continues to show a total disregard for the taxpayers and the political establishment of this fine state. He continues to receive a taxpayer funded paycheck and medical benefits while large segments of our state are jobless. This is something that I find completely unacceptable.

Mr. Chiappone is not different from many other corrupt officials that have plagued our state; however, there is one thing about Mr. Chiappone that stands out as egregious. That is that since his indictment, Mr. Chiappone has hurt the citizens of Bayonne and Jersey City by his inability to be a trusted member of our State’s Assembly. Ignored by his colleagues, he continues to disregard the laws of this state by not voting on important issues such as the state budget.

His admission of guilt coupled with his lack of representation shows a blatant disregard for the laws that Mr. Chiappone swore to uphold. Therefore, he must resign now and quietly crawl back beneath his special rock. I implore that Mr. Chiappone resigns his seat immediately so the public’s trust can be repaired from this travesty. We, as citizens of this state, must send a message that this behavior will not be tolerated and call Mr. Chiappone’s office and demand his immediate resignation.

Finally, I would ask that if Mr. Chiappone’s name and/or likeness is displayed on any public facility that it be removed immediately.

BRIAN GAJEWSKI