Why Corruption Persists

Yesterday, Trenton Mayor Tony Mack and six others were arrested in a corruption bust by federal prosecutors. Today comes word that one of those six was caught on a wiretap describing his actions as "good corruption."

Yes, you read that right.

They didn't think anything of engaging in criminal acts, and considered corruption to be part and parcel of their doing their work.

Joseph “JoJo” Giorgianni called it “good corruption.”

Just two months into Trenton Mayor Tony Mack’s administration, a parking garage development deal emerged in the city. Bribes were offered and accepted. Money changed hands. And the FBI recorded all of the details over a two-year span with the help of two cooperating witnesses, authorities said yesterday.

“One thing about the Mack administration, when I say that, it’s me and Mack, we’re not greedy,” Giorgianni was recorded telling an FBI witness. “We’re corruptible. We want anybody to make a buck.”

Federal authorities arrested Mack, Giorgianni and Mack’s brother Ralphiel Mack yesterday after a corruption probe that has spanned nearly the entire Mack administration. The 31-page criminal complaint charging them with extorting bribes provided extensive detailed conversations regarding $119,000 in cash payments the trio conspired to receive as part of the parking garage deal.

If convicted, Mayor Mack and his brother Ralphiel, who is the Trenton Central High School football coach, face up to 20 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Paul Fishman said. Giorgianni, who also charged separately with trafficking prescription pills, faces up to 50 years if convicted of all counts.

This is one of the reasons for the pervasive nature of corruption in New Jersey. Everyone that seems to get involved in politics considers it their right to take a swipe at the public till, despite the fact that it's criminal.