Wiechnik Letter 8-24-09

08/24/2009 MON 17~13

FAX 609633

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9252 ETHICS5055

State of New Jersey STATE ETHICS

Jon S. Corzine

COMMISSrON

POBox 082 Trenton, NJ 086:ZS-()08Z www.nj.govlc.[hjc~

GQvernor

Paula A. Franzese, Esq. Chair

Karhleen C. Wiechnik, Esq. executCve Dlreaor

Tel; (609) 29M891 (888) 223-/355 in NJ Fax: (609) 633-9252

August 24, 2009

t:tnail; [email protected]

Edward G. Werner Strawbridge Professional Center 212 West Route 38, Suite 200 Moorestown, NJ 08057 Dear Mr. Werner: I am writing in response to your June 21, 2009 letter regarding State Ethics Commission ("Commission") staff member Jeffrey Stoolman, Your letter contains various criticisms of an investigation conducted by the Commission, including failure to recuse and a criminal allegation of official misconduct. The Commission's investigation was conducted in accordance with established practice and sound investigative procedures. A review of the facts surrounding the recusal issue confirms the staffs initial conclusion that there was no basis in the Conflicts Law or the Commission's regulations for the rccusal that you have suggested was necessary. Your characterization ofthc relationship between Mr. Stoolman and a former member of the VCeB is not supported by the evidence. Matters involving allegations of criminal activity are riot within the jurisdiction of the Commission. In appropriate circumstances, the Commission refers allegations of criminal activity to law enforcement authorities, Of course, the Commission maintains confidentiality with respect to such referrals. If you believe that your allegations warrant a criminal investigation, you arc free to refer the matter to appropriate law enforcement authorities. You have indicated that the Commission owes you an accounting of the resources utilized in connection with its investigation. I am unaware of any statutory or regulatory authority for your request. However, the Commission does have a statutory obligation to conduct a proper and through investigation of alleged. violations of the Conflicts Law or the Code of Ethics. In the instant matter, the Commission utilized the resources necessary to fully investigate the matter and bring it to an appropriate conclusion.

New Jersey Is An Equal Opportunity t;rnp/oy<Jr. Printed Qn Recycled Paper and Recyclable

08/24/2009 MON 17:13

FAX 609 633 9252 ETHICS5055

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Edward Werner August 24) 2009 Page 2

In view of the foregoing, an upcoming meeting.

there is no issue to be addressed by the Commission

at

Very truly yours,

Ka

cen C. Wiechnik Executive Director

KCW!arw c: Paula Franzese,

Chair

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