Statement from the Gloucester Township Republicans
On the Hiring of Assemblyman Dan Hutchison as
Gloucester Township Solicitor

Gloucester Township, NJ March 8, 2026

The Gloucester Township Republicans strongly object to the hiring of Democratic Assemblyman Dan Hutchison as township solicitor. This appointment, detailed in a recent Politico report, appears to be a blatant backroom deal rewarding a loyal Democratic Party insider at taxpayers’ expense.

Assemblyman Hutchison, a longtime Democratic Party insider and former council member, was given a $175,000 salary—an 81% increase over his predecessor’s $96,657. Township officials have offered no explanation for this massive jump, dodged questions, and failed to produce a contract even through public records requests.

Key unanswered questions remain:

• Why the enormous salary increase?

• Is this now a full-time position, or is the township simply paying full-time rates for what has historically been part-time work?

• What justifies nearly doubling the cost when the predecessor earned far less?

• Was there any competitive process, or was this a closed-door favor?

This decision adds at least $78,000 annually to the township budget—paid directly through property taxes already straining Camden County families. In New Jersey, municipal lawyer salaries are significantly lower; $175,000 stands out as excessive without proof of expanded duties or superior qualifications.

The conflict is obvious: Hutchison represents Gloucester Township in the state legislature while now drawing a large paycheck from the same municipality. This dual role exemplifies the cronyism that plagues Trenton and local government.

We demand immediate transparency from Mayor David Mayer and the Democratic-controlled council:

• Release Hutchison’s contract

• Justify the salary in detail

• Disclose all discussions and negotiations leading to the hire

• Confirm whether the position was advertised or competitively sourced

Taxpayers deserve answers, not more political patronage. Gloucester Township residents—regardless of party—should not subsidize party loyalty. It’s time to put people over politics.

For more information, contact the Gloucester Township Republicans at gtwprepublicans@gmail.com