Edison, NJ – Mayor Joshi has refused to provide records for nineteen days since questions were raised regarding the transparency and accountability of the reimbursement of police expenses. The central issue revolves around a reimbursement made by Mayor Sam Joshi for police officers who accompanied him to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. Mayor Joshi was the only Mayor in Middlesex County to bring a police detail with them to Chicago.
Council members are demanding clarity on the legality and appropriateness of the expenditures and reimbursements. They’ve raised concerns about where the money used for reimbursement came from, and if proper procedures were followed. There is also confusion about the nature of the officers’ role during the trip. Mayor Joshi originally claimed the officers were there in a volunteer capacity, however police department records have shown they were in fact scheduled to work. Leaving council members questioning whether they were providing personal security for the mayor, which would be illegal.
Councilman Rich Brescher has expressed his determination to get to the bottom of the matter. He has requested detailed information on the expenses, including:
- A copy of the reimbursement check from Mayor Joshi’s office.
- Proof that the check was deposited into the appropriate account.
- An explanation of how the expenses were approved and accounted for.
- Clarification on the officers’ duties during the trip.
- Detailed information on credit card expenditures, vehicle mileage, fuel, airplane tickets, meals, lodging and officer payroll related to the security services.
- All overtime caused for lack of manpower why the four officers were away.
The councilman has stated that he will take his concerns directly to Attorney General Matt Platkin’s office if the administration does not provide the requested information in a timely manner. He emphasized his responsibility to ensure that every penny of taxpayer money is accounted for and that any potential impropriety is brought to light.
“It is almost three weeks since Mayor Joshi stated he reimbursed the township for all expenses incurred. It is almost a month and a half since he took four police officers on a political vacation to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention and he refuses to even provide a copy of the check he wrote to the township for reimbursement” said Councilman Brescher.
The Councilman continued “The refusal to provide clear and comprehensive information is a blatant insult to the hardworking taxpayers who fund the very operations they’re being kept in the dark about. It’s a betrayal of the public trust, a demonstration of arrogance and disregard for the people who have a right to know how their money is being spent and what actions are being taken in their name. This lack of accountability breeds cynicism and resentment, undermining the very foundations of good government.”
New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission records show that Mayor Joshi has not filed his quarterly fundraising reports as required by law since the second quarter of 2023. Joshi’s persistent failure to file his required political contribution forms for five consecutive quarters has raised eyebrows and fueled speculation. Whispers have circulated about the origins of his campaign funds, with suspicions ranging from illicit backroom deals to undisclosed conflicts of interest. His evasive behavior and refusal to address the discrepancies directly have only deepened the mystery surrounding his financial activities and where the reimbursement money came from.
This incident highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending. It also underscores the need for clear guidelines and procedures for handling reimbursements and other financial transactions involving public officials.
The public will be watching closely to see how the administration responds to these concerns and whether the requested information is provided. This issue is likely to remain a topic of discussion in the coming weeks as the council seeks to ensure that proper procedures were followed and that taxpayer money was used appropriately.
