Working Families Alliance Submits OPRA Request for Release of Linden Report on Senator Scutari’s Conduct

Senator was compensated $200,000 for hundreds of absences over five years as Linden municipal prosecutor

On Tuesday afternoon, New Jersey Working Families Alliance and coalition partners filed an OPRA Request to access Linden City’s report on State Senator Nicholas Scutari’s legal practice. The report, conducted by the law firm Calcagni & Kanefsky, examines Senator Scutari’s serial absenteeism over the course of five years as Linden municipal prosecutor, when he missed 255 of 628 court sessions and cost the municipality almost $200,000. Existence of the report was confirmed by Terrence McDonald in a May 19 article.

Senator Scutari’s absences and enlistment of replacement attorneys on at least 120 occasions were not formally approved by Linden officials.

“There is no reason that the City of Linden’s report should be kept from public view,” said Sue Altman, State Director of New Jersey Working Families Alliance. “Nicholas Scutari is a sitting state Senator with enormous influence over judiciary matters and other issues of significance to New Jerseyans across the state. Residents deserve to know the full story.

The OPRA request is Working Families’ second relating to the report on Senator Scutari. The first request – submitted in April – was denied due to citations of attorney privilege. Tuesday’s submission requests a Privilege Log pursuant to Burke v. Brandes (App. Div. 2012), and requests additional documentation.

“Given Senator Scutari’s alleged history of taking advantage of New Jersey courts, pension system and public funds, it is deeply troubling that he holds the chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee – a panel responsible for deciding whether nominees for the bench get a hearing,” Altman said. “The public deserves to see the entire Calcagni and Kanefsky report.”

Working Families also issued a formal complaint to the Joint Legislative Committee on Ethical Standards in June.

A copy of the OPRA Request is attached below.