In the realm of political fundraising, the line between generous support and undue influence can be blurry. Pay-to-play laws exist to maintain a level playing field, ensuring that political decisions are made in the public’s best interest, not just for the benefit of deep-pocketed donors. However, recent events highlight the persistent challenge of enforcing these ordinances, raising concerns about the integrity of the political process.
Recently, Councilman Rich Brescher said he has received information that the developer of 604 & 610 Old Post Road has been contributing to Mayor Sam Joshi’s 2025 re-election fund in hopes a favorable ruling in front of the Zoning Board. “I have been advised that Mayor Joshi has solicited campaign contributions from the developer” said Councilman Brescher. “Unfortunately, this information can not be verified as Mayor Joshi has not filed his quarterly reports with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission as required by law since the second quarter of 2023. I would ask Mayor Joshi to comply with the law and disclose all his contributors immediately.”
NJELEC records do show that Mayor Sam Joshi has not filed his last four quarterly reports as required by law, despite a January press release that he raised $200,800 in January 2024, none of which have been reported. Mayor Joshi’s last report was filed for the 2nd quarter of 2023. In that report only $16,800 of the $115,200 reported came from residents of Edison. That equates to only 15% of the reported money raised by Joshi coming from Edison residents.
Among his donors are Darshna Patel from Windham, New Hampshire who managed to contribute $2,600 despite listing their occupation as unemployed. Darshan Mehta of Hicksville, New York is also unemployed but managed to contribute $2,600. Shelly Gabriele of Kennilworth also contributed $2,600 while reporting to be unemployed. Anthony Gabriele of Roselle Park reports being retired and gave $2,600. Gita and Hena Patel of Piscataway both report being retired and gave a total of $5,200. In all Joshi has raised $31,750 from individuals who report being unemployed or retired almost double the $16,800 he raised from Edison residents. Only a total of 14 of the reported 75 donations came from Edison residents.
“One would have to ask the question, why would people who do not live in Edison contribute this kind of money to Mayor Joshi and what are they looking for in return” asked Rob Kentos a Democratic Committee Person in District 20 and an expert on campaign finance. “Our town is being bought by outsiders who are using it for their own personal benefit and Mayor Joshi is signing off on it as long as they write a check to his campaign.”
Look at The Toth Senior Center, Sports Building and North Edison Library projects which have become synonymous with delays, cost overruns, and public frustration, all designed by SAGeach Architect according to their website. The firm was awarded the Edison projects at Mayor Joshi’s request despite a glaring lack of experience in public work. This decision has raised eyebrows and fueled criticism, as the projects continue to languish, far exceeding their initial timelines and budgets.
The consequences of pay-to-play extend far beyond the individual cases of corruption. When political decisions are influenced by campaign contributions, the public’s trust in government erodes. This can lead to cynicism and disengagement, undermining the democratic process itself. Additionally, pay-to-play can stifle innovation and competition, as businesses that cannot afford to make large donations may be excluded from government contracts, regardless of their qualifications.
“Ultimately, the fight against pay-to-play is about protecting the integrity of the political process and ensuring that decisions are made in the public’s best interest” said Councilman Rich Brescher. “By working together, we can create a system where merit, not money, determines access and influence.”
