Mayor Derek Armstead Demands Hickey Campaign Manager Release Request for Leave of Absence

LINDEN, NJ—Linden Mayor Derek Armstead today called on Councilwoman Gretchen Hickey’s campaign manager, Ryan Vasquez, to release the written request for his 6-week leave of absence from his County job to manage Hickey’s Mayoral campaign. Armstead’s campaign also demanded that Vasquez answer a series of questions about how his leave of absence is affecting Linden taxpayers.

“As Mayor, I have always put Linden families ahead of politics and personal gain. This responsible, accountable approach to running City Hall made it possible for me to eliminate the garbage tax and reduce Linden’s municipal taxes,” said Mayor Armstead, “When I see a County employee getting a leave of absence to run another County employee’s campaign, all I can think about is the wasted resources this causes and how that affects increases in the County’s property taxes. That is why I am calling on Councilwoman Hickey and Mr. Vasquez to answer these basic questions about Mr. Vasquez’s leave of absence.”

According to County records, Mr. Vasquez began his job at the County on April 2^nd. His 6-week leave of absence started on May 1^st, exactly 30 days after he started at his job. The County Handbook makes it clear that any request for a leave of absence must be submitted in writing at least 30 days in advance. That means Mr. Vasquez must have submitted his request for leave his first day on the job.

To ensure that everyone in Linden understands how this happened and how it affects the way their tax dollars are spent, Mayor Armstead is demanding that Councilwoman Hickey’s campaign release Mr. Vasquez’s written request for leave and answer the following questions:

1. In his job interview, did Mr. Vasquez reveal to the Freeholder Chairman that he would be requesting a leave of absence on his very first day?
2. Did Mr. Vasquez submit in writing the request for a leave of absence and the reason for the request? If so, when and please release a copy of that request.
3. Is Mr. Vasquez being paid or receiving County benefits while on leave?
4. What was the stated purpose for Mr. Vasquez requesting the leave of absence on his very first day on the job?
5. Was the leave granted as family leave or for some other reason?
6. Was this taxpayer-funded job quid pro quo for agreeing to manage Councilwoman’s Hickey’s Mayoral campaign? Or was it political payback for managing her Council campaign?

“I look forward to hearing Councilwoman Hickey’s answers to these important questions,” said Mayor Armstead. “Linden cannot afford a Mayor who puts political favoritism above the needs of our residents. We cannot tolerate County political bosses running our city for their gain.  Linden needs a Mayor who puts what is best for our city ahead of what is best for her political allies or County party bosses.”

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Mr. Vasquez,

Before I address the issues raised in your most recent letter, I want to congratulate you on your new county job! Having a county job and managing a Mayoral campaign is quite an accomplishment. I hope the county residents are not footing the bill for your political work on behalf of Councilwoman Hickey.

The reason I bring this up is that it is my understanding that you were hired on April 2^nd and granted a six week leave absence effective on May 1^st, only 30 days after your first day. According to the County Employee Handbook, a request for leave of absence must be made in writing at least 30 DAYS in advance.

That would mean that you submitted the leave of absence on your very first day as a County employee.

There are some questions the taxpayers of Linden need answered.

1. In your job interview, did you reveal to the Freeholder Chairman that you would be requesting a leave of absence on your very first day?
2. Did you submit in writing the request for a leave of absence and the reason for the request? If so, when and please release a copy of that request.
3. Are you being paid or have county benefits while on leave?
4. What was the stated purpose for requesting the leave of absence on your very first day on the job?
5. Was the leave granted as family leave or some other reason?
6. Was this taxpayer funded job quid pro quo for agreeing to manage Councilwoman’s Hickey’s mayoral campaign? Or was it political payback for managing her Council campaign?

A leave of absence from a county job to go manage a political campaign granted on your VERY FIRST DAY ON THE JOB is quite impressive, even for Union County. You must have set a record for the quickest leave of absence ever granted to a Union County employee!

Union County taxpayers deserve an answer to these questions! I know because for the last three years I have been on the side of taxpayers by making Linden government more efficient and effective, by eliminating the dreaded garbage tax, by lowering taxes this year in Linden, by doing more with less.

As for the town hall meetings referenced in your letter, that is what elected officials are supposed to do — stand before the constituents and answer their questions. This is not a closed meeting. It is open to ALL Linden residents and all questions.

Having mastered how to take advantage of county benefits for your own personal gain, I am offering a personal invitation to you to attend the Town Hall Meetings so you better understand the real reason this is called public service.

Sincerely,

Daniel Yamakaitis

Campaign Spokesperson