Hickey/Alvarez Calls on NJ ELEC to Investigate Armstead for Mayor Campaign Account

 Armstead Fails to Explain How $32,000 Appeared in His Campaign Slush Fund

 (LINDEN) – The Campaign of Gretchen Hickey for Mayor and Jorge Alvarez for Council President is calling on the New Jersey Election Enforcement Commission to investigate the campaign finances of Linden Mayor Derek Armstead, citing at least $32,000 in undisclosed campaign contributions.

“I am contacting you to bring to your attention once again the glaring failure of Mayor Derek Armstead of the City of Linden, currently seeking re-election in the June 5th Democratic Primary, to meet the statutory filing requirements of your agency” said Hickey/Alvarez Campaign Manager Ryan Vasquez in a letter to NJ ELEC Executive Director Jeffrey Brindle. (Letter attached) . 

The Hickey/Alvarez Campaigns note Armstead is a repeat election law offender. The Commission fined Armstead in 2010 and 2014 for failing to file reports.

“All New Jersey candidates receive the same letter from NJ ELEC. Our opponent is no novice, he has been an elected official for over two decades. Anyone can see, as clear as day, that the data over time shows a surge in campaign funds raised since 2015, including in quarters which have incomplete or no reports. The Mayor has raised and significant money over the past 4 years. Linden voters deserve to know who is giving money to the Mayor and where that money is going,” added Vasquez.  

Coincidentally, according to the ELEC website, Armstead running mate and current 1st Ward Councilwoman Lisa Ormon currently has pending complaints filed for failing to file reports in the 2015 Primary and General elections. Ormon, who is Armstead’s sister, has also failed to file disclosures for the 2018 campaign.

“We urge you to fulfill the clear mandate of your agency by holding Derek Armstead accountable to live up to the same requirements followed by other candidates.,” concluded Vasquez.