By Matt Rooney
An obscene amount of state aid pours into Newark on an annual basis, Save Jerseyans, including over $1.3 billion for the school system alone. The city itself is a notorious financial mess and hotbed of wasteful spending, and Newark’s aid allotment is reportedly a topic of discussion during the ongoing FY2027 process.
The latest example of Newark’s shameful fiscal culture, however, is positively maddening. Even by historically low Brick City standards.
On Wednesday night, Newark City Council will consider a “Fringe Benefit Arrangement” resolution granting LIFETIME health benefits to a retiring member of its own body.
Must be nice!
The city’s official website describes twenty-year Councilman Carlos M. Gonzalez as “a seasoned leader with a global perspective and a strong background in finance and law” evidencing “a deep commitment to public service, economic development, and improving the quality of life for Newark residents.”
What is a global perspective? Who the f*ck knows.
But if you want to know why Newark is always begging for cash despite a massive percentage of its budget being subsidized by the rest of the state (you, me, and everyon else)? Look no further than this “Fringe Benefit Arrangement” for a man who should use his “seasoned” leadership skills to pay for his own health insurance.
