Free Republic

UMDNJ lobbyist may face conflict Christy Davis-Jackson was hired last August to serve as a $156,000 vice president and full-time legislative lobbyist for the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.While on the public payroll, though, Davis-Jackson continues to be registered with the state as a private lobbyist representing business clients that include a casino industry association - an outside interest that UMDNJ officials said would violate their conflict-of-interest policy.UMDNJ on Thursday said Davis-Jackson reported to them in August that she had "discontinued her interest" in her firm - Davis & Partners LLC on Halsey Street in Newark. But...

OPINION THE RECORD Education, politics and a tasteless display Wednesday, April 6, 2005 By JAMES AHEARN AS PLANNED, the party for John Petillo's inauguration as president of the state University of Medicine and Dentistry was going to set a New Jersey record for vulgar extravagance. Bear in mind that the university is a public institution, supported by taxes. Bear in mind that the State House is struggling to fill a $4 billion hole in the budget for next year. Against that background, consider that the university was going to spend $20,000 to rent the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in...