Stakes high for Codey at Ramapo

[Freddie Stubbs]

His actions may affect its board, an ally's future, and the 2005 race.

By Tom Turcol

Inquirer Staff Writer


Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey is coming under fire for packing a state college board with political allies in an attempt to steer the college's $195,000-a-year presidency to a Democratic Party official.

Codey is trying to secure the job at Ramapo College for Joseph V. Doria, a state senator and longtime ally, even though Doria did not make an independent search committee's list of final candidates.

Codey's move would enable Doria to reap substantial gains in state pension benefits, because the salary would more than double what he makes as a part-time legislator. Doria is also the mayor of Bayonne in Hudson County.

Faculty and students at Ramapo, a 5,600-student liberal arts school in Bergen County, have accused Codey of trying to politicize the taxpayer-supported college and submitted a petition to the Statehouse this week urging him not to interfere with the choice of a president.

more: http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/news/politics/10419737.htm