Public Advocate Celebrates 1-Year Anniversary, Announces 2007 Agenda, 3/27/07
TRENTON, NJ -- During the Public Advocate’s first year, the newly recreated department protected the interests of people across New Jersey, especially the state’s most vulnerable residents. The department is celebrating its first anniversary today, having reopened on March 27, 2006, after being disbanded for 12 years. To mark the anniversary, the Public Advocate released his top priorities for 2007. Over the past year, the Public Advocate scored some major victories, including leading the fight against eminent domain abuse, advancing specific measures to help students in special education programs and people with mental illness, and bringing close scrutiny to the proposed merger between PSE&G and Exelon Corporation, which was ultimately abandoned. “It was a strong start, one we will build on this year,” Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen said. “We were able to assemble a very talented and dedicated staff and we expect to make even more progress toward protecting the interests of all New Jersey citizens.” In one of its first acts, the Public Advocate opposed the PSEG-Exelon merger as it was proposed by the companies. The merger would have created the nation’s largest utility company. The Public Advocate was concerned that such a monopoly would fuel increased energy costs for all New Jersey consumers. The companies opted to abandon the merger plans. In addition, through the Division of Rate Counsel, the department saved ratepayers an estimated $473 million in reduced rate hikes or other credits. The Public Advocate was also on the winning side of a state Supreme Court ruling that helped to guarantee adults with developmental disabilities a more secure future. That ruling overturned a state regulation that denied disabilities services to people if they were unable to prove that at least three specific limitations, such as speech or mobility problems, had existed before a person turned 22. Chen had presented oral argument and filed an amicus brief in the case. “This was a significant win for families across New Jersey – and the Public Advocate’s first court victory,” Chen said. The Public Advocate also helped protect the rights of children to receive special education services when it released a report arguing that school districts must prove they are providing a student with an appropriate education, if parents challenge that plan. That report prompted legislators to sponsor a bill that would change the current law. The Public Advocate will work for passage of S-2604/A-4076 in the coming months. In addition to broad changes in public policy, the Public Advocate gave people a place to turn when they need help with an unresponsive state or local government agency. The department’s Division of Citizens Relations was re-established and is now responding to citizens’ concerns. This year also promises to be a busy one, with the Public Advocate planning to advance a host of measures and policies. Reforming the use of eminent domain for private redevelopment will continue to be a top priority. The department is working with lawmakers to craft a reform bill that would narrow the definition of “blight,” provide people with adequate notice of a government’s intent to take property through eminent domain and ensure just compensation when homes are taken. The Public Advocate is involved in three court cases centered on eminent domain. They are in Lodi, Long Branch and Paulsboro. Chen expects to present oral argument before the state Supreme Court at the end of April in the Paulsboro case. “We have seen homes being condemned for little more than peeling paint and uncut grass,” Chen said. “We understand that redevelopment is vital for the state’s economic future. That’s why these reforms are critical to prevent abuses and allow good redevelopment projects to move forward with full public support.” The Public Advocate’s other top priorities include:
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