Why should a part-time attorney make $50,000 a month? That’s what our township pays in “billable hours” for a part-time attorney, who treats West Orange like just another client. That comes to $600,000 a year and $2.4 million over four years. When the law department is contracted out, it creates an incentive for attorneys to maximize billable hours spending time on frivolous lawsuits. As Mayor, Joyce will inaugurate West Orange’s first full-time, in-house law department, because our town deserves an attorney that has only one client: West Orange. With an in-house law department, our cost will be fixed, predictable and free from excess. An in-house law department will work exclusively for West Orange, not for billable hours that can add up to millions.

Why hasn’t Mayor Susan McCartney and previous mayors created an in-house law department? Campaign contributions, pay to play and cronyism are part of the reason. For example, former West Orange Town Attorney, Richard Trenk, has contributed $4,000 to various municipal elected officials including $1,300 to Councilwoman Tammy Williams. Susan McCartney has also accepted campaign cash from law offices. As Mayor, Joyce will bring new ideas and strategies for governing West Orange that challenge old assumptions. Together, we’ll usher in a NEW ERA of what West Orange can be!