Scutari signs his first law

It’s now legal for people to consume alcoholic beverages while riding in a pedicab under a new law signed today by New Jersey Acting Gov. Nicholas Scutari. 

Scutari was in Asbury Park today to sign the bill sponsored by State Sens. Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) and Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro).   It is the first law on the books to bear the signature of Scutari, who took office as acting governor on Saturday morning.  With the governor and lieutenant governor out of state today, Scutari, as senate president, is next in the line of succession. 

“Pedicabs offer the opportunity to create a new business sector that will breathe added life into local economies,” Scutari said.   “This will give pedicab operators every chance to succeed under a safe, well-regulated environment.”

Gopal said that the new law “will allow our local small businesses such as pedicabs to compete and continue to prosper within the hospitality industry.

“Pedicabs are mom-and-pop small businesses and our support for this growing small-business sector is important,” he said.

In his hometown of Linden, Scutari joined Mayor Derek Armstead, a political foe, for  the naming of a street after the late Joseph Suliga.  Suliga was Scutari’s predecessor in the 22nd district Senate seat.

“I am proud to recognize and honor one of Linden’s best, the honorable Senator Joe Suliga,” Scutari said. “I considered Joe a friend and a mentor. He was a dedicated public servant who was instrumental in improving the lives of others. He set an admirable example of selfless service that will be long remembered.”

Oliver will be back in New Jersey later today and will assume the acting governorship until Murphy returns to the state on Sunday.