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Friday, January 18, 2008
Levinson Cleared of Hatch Act Violations
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The US Office of Special Counsel, Hatch Act Unit, has concluded its inquiry and closed the case concerning allegations that County Executive Dennis Levinson violated the Hatch Act when he spoke to Meadowview Nursing Home employees last October to clarify his position against any possible sale of the facility.
In a letter to Levinson, Justin M. Marteil, OSC attorney, stated "OSC is unable to substantiate the allegations that you used your official authority or influence as county executive to affect the result of an election. Accordingly we have closed our file in this matter."
The allegations against Levinson were made by his opponent at the time, Sheriff Jim McGettigan, and Ron Ruff, Chairman of the Atlantic County Democratic Party. They contended that Levinson addressed a group of assembled nursing home employees and informed them that Meadowview would not be sold while he was county executive as part of his effort to gain re-election.
Levinson said it was ironic that McGettigan and Ruff attempted to use the Hatch Act for political purposes when its intent is to prevent the use of federal funds for political purposes.
"Their allegations were in no way meant to protect any public interest. Instead they were meant to embarrass me and cause me a loss of support at a critical time in the campaign. They also cost the taxpayers a significant amount of money since the allegations had to be investigated by an attorney," he stated.
According to Marteil, the OSC concluded that all evidence against Levinson "suggests that you made the speech in your capacity as the County Executive." The OSC further concluded that his comments were made to help allay fears among staff, residents and their loved ones, concerning the facility's ownership.
Levinson noted that Ruff had previously filed a judicial ethics complaint against Freeholder Jim Curcio when he was running for re-election and that McGettigan had filed a complaint against Sgt. Steve Caldwell when he opposed him in the race for sheriff.
"Filing false or exaggerated election complaints against one's opponents is becoming an increasingly common and disturbing trend in local elections," said Levinson. "It does not serve the public interest. It imposes an unnecessary cost to our taxpayers and it is a deceitful campaign practice."
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