Fourth Ward Councilwoman Felisha Reyes-Morton announced today that she will introduce a resolution next week to suspend Mayor Vic Carstarphen’s salary until a municipal budget is signed and approved.

“This resolution sends a clear message to the mayor: no work, no pay,” said Councilwoman Felisha Reyes-Morton. “It’s really that simple.”

Carstarphen, who took office on May 11, 2021 to serve as interim mayor, has had since the beginning of May to work on a spending plan for the city of 70,000 plus residents, often referred to as one of the poorest in America, noted the councilwoman, who placed third in the June 6th Democratic Primary for mayor won by Carstarphen.

“In the real world, when you don’t produce a work product and fail to show up, you don’t get paid,” said Reyes-Morton, who represents the fourth ward. “Mayor Carstarphen isn’t showing up for Camden – and he needs to be held accountable.”

Under last year’s municipal budget of $186 million, $124 million came directly from the state Department of Community Affairs Transitional Aid program.  This is equal to approximately 67% of Camden’s municipal budget.

City council will meet at 5:00 PM on August 3 for a pre-meeting conference. Councilwoman Reyes-Morton will propose the resolution to withhold Mayor Carstarphen’s pay at this meeting.

“You can’t campaign on accountability and transparency and then put your head in the sand when it’s time to deliver on those things,” said Reyes-Morton. “It’s time for Mayor Carstarphen to learn a lesson, one that’s going to hit his wallet.”