Attorney choice splits council along party lines Redevelopment lawyer represented Democrat in recent lawsuit BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer MATAWAN - Republican Councilman Paul Buccellato called the Democratic majority's choice for a new redevelopment attorney "possibly pay-to-play" at the March 20 Borough Council meeting. Buccellato, one of two Republicans on the dais, reiterated his stance against the hiring of William Northgrave, of the law firm McManimon & Scotland. Buccellato, along with fellow Republican Council-woman Debra Buragina, each voted against hiring Northgrave because of his involvement in a lawsuit that involved Democratic Councilman Michael Cannon. Northgrave and his law firm represented the Monmouth County Democratic Committee in that lawsuit, defending Cannon's eligibility to run for local office. "I'm going to say it again - this appointment is wrong," Buccellato said. "Mr. Cannon received money from Victor Scudiery," Buccellato continued, referring to the chairman of the Monmouth County Democratic Party. "This is quid pro quo, possibly pay-to-play." Councilwoman Meghan Mullaney and Councilman William Malley voted in favor of hiring the attorney. Because councilmen Joseph "Bud" Mullaney and Cannon were unable to vote due to their involvement in the suit, the mayor voted to break the tie, passing the measure. During an exchange between Cannon and Buragina, Buragina said she believed it was not necessary to hire a new redevelopment attorney at this time because the process was at a standstill. "You and I both know 90 percent of the work is going to be catching up on six or seven years," Buragina said. She added, "The minute we take on this attorney, the money starts adding up." Residents Andy Lopez and Agnes Falk both commented about the council's decision to hire Northgrave. "I think we deserve a better answer as to why we switched attorneys," Lopez said. "As a resident, I'm a little disappointed." "I agree with Mr. Lopez," Falk said. "I didn't hear an answer. Are we not entitled to one?" No member of the council replied. After a brief pause, Borough Attorney Pasquale Menna replied that the council had simply "changed their mind." "So whether it's right or wrong we're just supposed to go with it?" Falk asked.