Monday, December 12, 2011

Christie Announces Major Cabinet Changes

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie today announced that, after nearly two years of successfully leading the Department of Law and Public Safety, Attorney General Paula Dow will take the position of First Deputy General Counsel in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Office of General Counsel. Considering the Port Authority’s history of mismanaging its finances and the aggressive audit now beginning, it is clear on the ground oversight at the Authority is needed to make sure toll payers’ interests are being protected. Attorney General Dow will be in a unique position to bring her law enforcement experience to monitor the audit process and recommend structural and procedural changes that will end the abuse and waste that has marked the Authority’s past.

“Paula Dow has been one of my most trusted and effective cabinet members which is why she is needed to help keep the Port Authority accountable,” said Governor Christie. “It is clear that the Port Authority has struggled to meet its fiscal and transparency demands which is why Paula will bring much needed on the ground, day to day oversight to ensure past mistakes are not repeated. Paula will accomplish this through a reassessment and reorganization of the Authority that will go hand in hand with the audit process so that there is a structure in place that will best serve the people of the region.”

Attorney General Dow has effectively led the Department of Law and Public Safety as New Jersey’s 58th Attorney General. Under General Dow’s tenure, New Jersey has aggressively prosecuted corrupt public officials, successfully targeted violent criminals, protected and educated consumers and distributed millions of dollars in technology grants to aid urban police departments hard-hit by budget cuts.

In addition, General Dow enacted strict reforms to curtail improper steroid use among law enforcement, provided additional tools to law enforcement by enacting a sensible stun gun policy, managed the department’s resources efficiently and brought hundreds of millions of dollars to the state through civil litigation. Attorney General Dow took action to protect children against drug and alcohol abuse by cracking down on designer drugs and underage drinking, implementing programs for at-risk youths through her Office of Community Justice, and combating bullying in schools.

Following Attorney General Dow’s near-term task to reassess and reorganize the Port Authority to meet the Authority’s fiscal and transparency demands, Governor Christie is today filing a notice of intent to nominate Dow to the Superior Court of Essex County. Putting forward a nominee like Attorney General Dow, who has been signed off on and voted for by all Essex senators twice in the last six years, will provide an easy confirmation and partial relief to Essex County while an agreement is being reached with the Essex County senators on a broader package of nominations.

Governor Christie also announced today that he will nominate Jeff Chiesa, Chief Counsel to the Governor, as New Jersey’s next Attorney General. Chiesa has served as Chief Counsel since January 2010. Prior to that, Chiesa served as Executive Director of Governor Christie's Transition Team and was previously a partner at the law firm of Wolff & Samson in their litigation group.

“I am honored that Jeff has agreed to bring his extensive legal and law enforcement experience and no-nonsense approach to lead our state’s law enforcement efforts. Jeff has long been a close, trusted advisor and friend who has always put his duties and responsibilities first with considerable talent and integrity. I have no doubt that he will build on Paula Dow’s record of success in leading the Department of Law and Public Safety,” said Governor Christie.

Prior to joining Wolff & Samson, Jeff worked in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of New Jersey from 2002 to 2009, last serving as the Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney. He also served as Counsel to the U.S. Attorney and as Chief of the Public Protection Unit. Jeff was involved in all aspects of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including the management of the Criminal, Civil, Appeals and Special Prosecutions (Corruption) Divisions.

Jeff is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Catholic University of America.

Chiesa’s nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

No comments: