Bramnick wants Murphy to react to political patronage

Assembly Minority Leader Jon Bramnick wants Gov. Phil Murphy to react to news of a string of potentially-nepotistic hirings at the Schools Development Authority under SDA CEO Lizette Delgado-Polanco.

“I want to hear what Gov. Murphy says about hiring people for political purposes and firing people who maybe are the most competent people,” Bramnick said. “I haven’t heard much from Gov. Murphy, so I think the best question would be ask Gov. Murphy has he made a decision on how to handle this

Murphy has said his office is looking into the matter but has added little more.

The Bergen record on Monday reported that a slew of staffers at the SDA were let go and replaced by people close to Delgado-Polanco.

Legislators on both sides of the aisle have espoused support for investigations into the hires.

Assemblywomen Betty Lou DeCroce, Holly Schepisi and Nancy Munoz have called for the Select Committee on Oversight to investigate the hires made under Delgado-Polanco, though it is unlikely the panel will increase the scope of its inquiry with budget so close on the horizon.

Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Joann Downey, Democrats both, on Thursday said they supported an investigation into hiring practices at the authority.

Bramnick, much like Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, was undecided on whether the matter should be investigated.

“I’m going to let Gov. Murphy first respond, and after Gov. Murphy responds, I’ll tell you whether it’s adequate,” Bramnick said. “I can tell you they should probably re-hire the competent people.”