Hillside, NJ Democratic chair sentenced to six months in prison for tax fraud, secures $80,000 teaching job.
In January, Anthony Salters, the chairman of the Democratic Party in Hillside, N.J., pleaded guilty to federal tax fraud. Despite this, three months later, the Hillside school district hired him for a new position teaching homebound students, which paid $80,000. He was later sentenced to six months in prison in August. However, the school district then gave him another job as a club adviser at a middle school, showing a blatant disregard for his criminal activities.
The fact that the district hired Mr. Salters for two taxpayer-funded positions, as well as his continued role as the Democratic leader of Hillside while in prison, is particularly noteworthy in a state known for political corruption. This situation underscores the challenges faced by those looking to reform the traditional ways of exercising power in New Jersey.
The mayor of Hillside, Dahlia Vertreese, expressed frustration at the situation, stating, “People keep stealing our watch and telling us what time it is.” This case highlights how political patronage can override logical policy decisions, as evidenced by the hiring of Mr. Salters after his conviction.
It remains unclear whether Mr. Salters is being paid while in prison, as the school district has not provided information on his job status or salary. However, his hiring post-conviction illustrates the extent to which political connections can influence hiring practices and compromise ethical standards.
Source: The NY Times
