TRENTON – Governor Jon S. Corzine today released the following statement regarding Camden.

“This time of transition in Camden presents us with a great opportunity and a key challenge. We have the opportunity to refocus the state’s engagement in Camden’s revitalization and make a real difference in the future of the city, the region, and our state.  Our challenge is to assess honestly the successes and setbacks of the last four years under the Recovery Act and make the changes that are needed to improve conditions for city residents and ensure accountability for taxpayers.

“In order to take advantage of this opportunity and successfully meet this challenge, we must extend the provisions of the Recovery Act related to the state-appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) for another five years, and we will work with the Legislature to implement this extension.  In anticipation of this action, we will immediately begin the process of conducting a national search for a new COO for Camden, and a search committee has been created to assist in this effort.  Also, in the next few days I will name an interim Acting-COO to replace Randy Primas, who has indicated that his resignation will be effective at the end of this month.  We all owe a debt of gratitude to Randy Primas for his long career in service to the public, especially to the people of Camden.

“As we move forward, the focus of the state’s efforts in Camden will be to improve basic governance, including the delivery of essential municipal services, and to foster constructive community engagement.  The state also will continue its close involvement with all stakeholders in the vital areas of public safety, public education, and economic and community development.

“Everyone in New Jersey has an important stake in the revitalization of Camden, and it will take a continuing commitment to hard work, integrity, and transparency to bring about success.  My administration is making that commitment.”

The membership of the search committee for the Camden Chief Operating Officer is listed below:

• Jeannine LaRue, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor and Search Committee Chair
• Al Alvarez, Policy Advisor to the Governor     
• Rev. Willie Anderson, Co-chair of Camden Churches Organized for People
• Michael Camardo, Lockheed/Martin executive and Economic Recovery Board member
• Dr. Henry Coleman, Rutgers professor and municipal government/finance expert
• Father Michael Doyle, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church and long-time Camden resident
• Becky Doggett, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Social Justice, former auditor for Newark City Schools
• Susan Bass Levin, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs
• Hon. Deborah Poritz, Former Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court
• Ed McBride, Deputy Chief Counsel to the Governor
• Rosa Ramirez, Member of Economic Recovery Board and Camden resident
• Rev. Floyd White, Secretary of Concerned Black Clergy
• Ken Zimmerman, Chief Counsel to the Governor
• Barry Zubrow, Chairman of the Schools Construction Corporation