‘Double-Dippers’ Dominate Sheriff Elections Across New Jersey

NJ Spotlight reports:

Jim McDonald is on the verge of hitting a jackpot in New Jersey’s election sweepstakes as a new double-dipping county sheriff.

In January, he retired as Washington Township police chief at age 54 to draw a $94,000 a year state pension – and run for Warren County sheriff. After winning the GOP primary on a platform of “fiscal responsibility,” McDonald is almost a sure bet to add a sheriff’s salary of $128,000 to his income next year – increasing his annual public pay to $220,000.

His sole opposition is longshot Joseph DeWitt, an independent candidate who skipped the primary. If elected, the retired part-time Independence Township cop has promised not to collect his $13,000 a year pension while sheriff. McDonald and his campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

“Public pensions are not really intended to be a way to change your lifestyle and double your income,” said Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Red Bank), a longtime opponent of double-dipping. “It was created to support you when you are no longer working.”

Currently, three-fourths of the state’s sheriffs — 16 out of 21 — take advantage of existing loopholes to draw county salaries while receiving pensions as law enforcement “retirees,” according to NJ Spotlight analysis.

What better proof that many go into to politics to get wealthy.