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Senate Judiciary Committee advances slate of judicial and authority nominations
Summary
The Senate Judiciary Committee released a package of judicial, authority and commission nominees — including two Superior Court nominees and candidates for the DRPA, MVC and several commissions — all by roll call; nominees gave brief remarks and senators voiced broad support. (Nominations move to the full Senate for confirmation.)
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Friday advanced a slate of gubernatorial nominations to judgeships, authorities and commissions, releasing each nomination by roll call and sending them to the full Senate voting session later in the day.
Chairman Stack opened the session by confirming a quorum and outlining the committee’s business: a series of appointments and one bill. Nominees who appeared described their public-service backgrounds and pledged to follow court and agency procedures where applicable.
Michael Antonowitz of Edgewater, introduced for reappointment to the Superior Court, told the panel he is “very proud and humbled” by his service and said he will adhere to the New Jersey bench manual on jury selection and accept electronic submissions. With no questions from members, the committee moved and released his nomination.
Christopher F. Struben of Colonia, also nominated to the Superior Court, received endorsements from county senators and Senate leadership. Struben said his desire to serve grew over a 30-plus-year legal career and that he would follow the bench manual and accept electronic filings; the committee released his nomination following a roll call.
Jeffrey (Jeff) Nash, nominated for reappointment to the Delaware River Port Authority, described the authority’s bridge and PATCO operations and said the DRPA had not raised tolls for 13 years before a recent $1 increase and commuter discount. Senators praised his stewardship and the committee released his nomination.
Other nominees advanced by the committee included Susan McCabe for an administrative law judge position; Al Comaffey for the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission; Alvin Bontero for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission; M. Earl Ransom for the Delaware River and Bay Authority; and Colonel Arthur Roscoe for brigadier general of the Army National Guard. Many nominees thanked Governor Murphy and legislative sponsors and noted their willingness to accept electronic submissions and follow agency rules.
Senators offered brief praise and, in some cases, asked procedural questions. For example, during Alvin Bontero’s appearance for the Motor Vehicle Commission, Senator Gopal asked about the board’s role in overseeing day-to-day operations and Real ID implementation; Bontero said he would encourage the commission to improve customer access and efficiency.
All nominations on the agenda were released by roll call without recorded opposition. The committee adjourned after completing the nominations and advancing a separate bill, S1989, to the Senate with amendments.
The nominations now proceed to the full Senate for confirmation votes.
