Rumor post

Several new members will be appointed to the Governor's Search Committee for a new COO in Camden. It seems to be an attempt to expand representation. One of the new appointees will include Carmen Ubarry-Rivera, a resident of Cramer Hill, an activist, a prime critic of Primas, and one of the litigants in the Cramer Hill lawsuit.

If this committee is truly empowered to guide and oversee the search it will be one of the more remarkable things that I've seen in Camden: an act of faith in civic engagement and a vote of confidence for the wisdom of a group. Important decisions like this are usually made behind close doors by power brokers. Governor Corzine is to be applauded for trying something new and opening up this process.

Another rumor has it that Randy Primas is trying to retain a seat on the CRA- Camden Redevelopment Agency. Also, as reported in the newspapers, he is staying another week because they can't find someone to take his job on an interim basis. His exit from Camden is as disorganized as his tenure.

Finally, I've heard that Randy Primas and Arijit De have been working to move money and properties into a non profit called the Camden Redevelopment Corporation. It is rumored to have just 3-4 board members with Randy and Arijit being two. Is this an exit plan for Arijit De? Hopefully more information will be forthcoming. If this is true, its concerning since the records of this non profit corporation are not directly accessible through an OPRA request.

-Jeff Brenner