COLTS NECK, N.J. – New Jersey is well known for its corruption. Asw. Joann Downey first sponsored and twice supported a bill that goes easy on corrupt politicians by eliminating mandatory minimum sentences for violating the public trust. Law enforcement opposed the bill, arguing it gets rid of a critical deterrent and tool for holding officials accountable.

“Joann Downey has proved with this vote that she takes orders from her political bosses instead of the people she represents,” said Marilyn Piperno, a candidate for state Assembly in the 11^th Legislative District. “Twice she voted to give a pass to crooked politicians against the advice of police. Monmouth County deserves better.”

Downey’s two votes, on S3456 and S3658, were never going to become law. The bill was amended by a North Jersey political boss to help his girlfriend’s son avoid a minimum five-year sentence for falsifying public records. The bill was originally supposed to eliminate mandatory sentences for non-violent crimes to reduce racial disparity in prisons.

“There is a reason these laws are on the books, and we all know New Jersey’s history,” said Kim Eulner, a candidate for state Assembly in the 11^th Legislative District. “Downey openly supported a bill that could lead to more corruption. Those are the people we need to keep out of office. We need a check and balance on Trenton.”