Ethics Lawsuit Arguments Begin Next Month

Arguments in a Wayne gadfly and former Assembly candidate's case against a state legislative committee will begin next month in state Superior Court.

Bill Brennan is suing the Joint Legislative Committee on Ethical Standards for what he claims was an illegal vote in the matter of whether or not to bring charges against Assemblyman Scott Rumana (D-40). Oral arguments begin Feb. 4.

The committee voted to bring charges against Rumana in connection with his attempt to appear before the state Board of Public Utilities to advocate on behalf of a non-profit energy company he founded. Brennan filed the charges.

However, the committee cleared Rumana of six of the charges in April 2011 and a seventh in September of that year. 

Brennan claims Daniel Mecca's vote shouldn't have counted because Mecca cast it on the telephone. Superior Court Judge Linda Feinberg threw the ruling out. She ruled that members of the joint committee are required to be “available throughout the year to attend meetings.”

Brennan unsuccessfully ran against Rumana, who was mayor before incumbent Chris Vergano, in 2011. 

"It’s just my intention to make a difference," Brennan said. "I understand the reality in my community and the 40th Legislative District."

Rumana considers the matter closed. 

"As far as I’m concerned it’s over. I was completely vindicated by the committee," Rumana said. "I’m very confident that the court will find in the committee’s favor.” 

Brennan has sued the township multiple times in recent years.

Brennan filed a lawsuit against the township regarding former environmental commission chairman Jerry Bello. Brennan's suit stated that Bello should not have been allowed to serve on the commission because he was convicted of official misconduct in 1994.

He filed a lawsuit against the town and William Paterson University for their refusal to broadcast a show he produces on public access television.

Brennan had to be escorted from a council meeting in 2011 after he attempted to respond to comments Councilman Joseph Scuralli made about him. 

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