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UPDATE: A press account used to cite when Gov. Corzine called for resignations of arrested politicians was wrong. The Governor called for resignations on Thursday, the day of the arrests - Rosi Efthim
Charged in last week's corruption sweep with taking a bribe, Secaucus mayor Dennis Elwell, 64, is now the first to resign. Elwell's resignation letter was released through his lawyers:
Effective today, July 28, 2009, Dennis Elwell will resign his position as Mayor of the Town of Secaucus. After careful deliberation, Dennis determined this action is in the best interest
of both his family and the people of Secaucus.
Those who perceive this action to be an admission of culpability as to the pending criminal allegations are gravely mistaken. Dennis pleaded not guilty to the charges, is presumed innocent and will vigorously defend the unproven allegations made against him.
We hope that all the citizens of Secaucus who Mayor Elwell has served throughout his
many years in public service stand by him and are not swayed by an accusation. Dennis has faced adversity before in his life serving in Vietnam as a paratrooper and suffering the loss of his 18-year-old son.
Dennis will fight with the same intensity and courage that he displayed in these life experiences. Mayor Elwell thanks all of his friends and supporters for their kind words and
encouragement over the last several days.
Jeffrey G. Garrigan, Esq.
Thomas J. Cammarata, Esq.
Attorneys for Dennis Elwell
Elwell was arrested last Thursday, in a corruption bust run by the FBI and the US Attorney's office, the result of an investigation begun under Chris Christie's tenure as US Attorney, during which time an 8-year old investigation into money laundering crimes in NJ-NJ grew to include political officials hauled on the money laundering and corruption charges. Christie wasted no time tying his own political fortunes to the sting.
The next day, Friday See update, above Gov. Corzine called on all the elected officials - among them three mayors and two state assemblymen - to resign.
Elwell is the first out. Fellow mayor Peter Cammarano still insists, at least publicly, that he'll fight the charges against him from the Hoboken Mayor's office.
Town Administrator David Drumeler has announced that Secaucus Deputy Mayor John Reilly will become the acting mayor. Reilly's the Third Ward councilman, and police liaison.
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