GOP calls on Dems to return contribution
Pay-to-play accusations surface over train station development once again
BY TOM CAIAZZA
Staff Writer

ABERDEEN — Republican Municipal Chairman Michael Borg has accused the Aberdeen Democrats of pay-to-play activities by indirectly accepting a 2001 campaign donation from the company chosen by Aberdeen to redevelop the train station.

Dean Development Co. Inc., a Monroe Township development firm linked to Silver Oak Properties, donated $5,000 to the Monmouth County Democrats. William Bocra is the president of both companies. The same amount was then donated to the Aberdeen Township Democratic campaign fund for 2001 less than two weeks later, a process Borg labeled in a press release as a “pass thru.”

Borg thinks they should return the money.

“We think they should give the money back,” Borg said, citing a need for the township to “police themselves” when it comes to campaign finance issues.

Mayor David Sobel, a Democrat, denied having any knowledge of the contribution.

“Mr. Borg should do some research before making accusations,” Sobel said. “This is the first I’m hearing of this.”

Sobel said that Borg should check to see why Dean Developments would give money to the Monmouth County Democrats before accusing the Aberdeen Democrats of accepting campaign money for development influence. He likened it to dirty politics.

“If Mr. Borg wants to engage in dirty politics, that’s fine,” Mayor Sobel said. “As for an influence, I’m not aware of the donation and I don’t think anyone else is either.”

Deputy Mayor Owen Drapkin declined to comment on the accusations claiming he had not seen the press release.

This is not the first time pay-to-play accusations have been an issue regarding the train station. In past months the Matawan Republicans came under scrutiny for allegedly changing their preference for developer after a $50,000 donation was made to state Sen. Kyrillos from Jack Morris, of Columbia Group. It was an issue that may have helped the Matawan Democrats to sweep all contested council seats in November’s election.

Borg called it “smoke and mirrors” in the release. He asked the Aberdeen Democrats to return the money as a way of policing themselves, and not relying on campaign finance law that he said “lulled the public into thinking everything is above board.”

Neither Dean Development Co. Inc. nor the Monmouth County Democratic Chairman Victor Scudiery could be reached for comment regarding the matter.