Corrado: Senate investigators need subpoena power

State Sen. Kristin Corrado (R-Totowa), one of two Republicans named to the Senate Select Committee on Investigation to probe the handling of sexual assault allegations against former Murphy administration official Albert Alvarez, wants the Senate to authorize subpoena power so the panel can complete a thorough investigation.

“For this committee to be truly effective it must have all the necessary powers including subpoena powers,” Corrado said. “We should also immediately notify all members of the governor’s campaign, transition and administration to preserve all documents, communications, emails, and text messages.”

Corrado praised Senate President Steve Sweeney for authorizing the special committee and called on Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin to sign on.

“As a co-equal branch of government, the Legislature plays a critical role in protecting the integrity of our government,” said Corrado.  “I look forward to serving on this committee to unearth how these hirings occurred.”

Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean, Jr., one of the first to call for a legislative investigation, praises the creation of the committee.

“The Senate is taking the right step in forming a select committee to investigate government hiring practices, review the handling of the allegations raised by Ms. Brennan, and examine how our criminal justice system handles cases like hers,” said Kean. “I sincerely hope our colleagues in the General Assembly will demonstrate their understanding of the importance of this effort and make this a joint effort by the full Legislature.”

State Sen. Steve Oroho (R-Franklin), the other Republican named to the committee, promises to take his role in the process seriously.

“The important matters that will be investigated by the select committee will help us to protect our institutions of government and improve the ability of our state to provide justice to the victims of sexual assault,” Oroho said.  “I thank the Senate President for the confidence he has expressed in me through this appointment. ”

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story was updated to include comment from Kean and Oroho.