Pay-to-Play Resolutions for 2013

Out with the old, in with the new. Here are a few practical tips government vendors in New Jersey should add to their list of resolutions:

• Become familiar with upcoming changes to local pay-to-play ordinances (such as the adoption of the increasingly stringent Jersey City Ordinance).
• Re-familiarize yourself with changes to county pay-to-play ordinances that occurred within the past year (i.e., adoption of the Bergen County Ordinance and rescission of the Monmouth County Ordinance ).
• Obtain a working knowledge of New Jersey’s statewide Executive Branch pay-to-play restrictions as the 2013 gubernatorial election season kicks into high gear.
• Remain apprised of ELEC’s efforts for pay-to-play reform.
• Become aware of increases to New Jersey contribution limits in anticipation of the upcoming 2013 elections.
• Adopt a company political activity compliance policy and train relevant employees on the scope of that policy.
• Resolve to live by compliance in every aspect of political contribution review and decision-making, for neglect of compliance almost inevitably leads to corporate disaster.

As a final resolution, be proactive. Don’t wait for problems to arise before you give attention to your compliance plan. The pennies you invest today in prevention will avert draining your dollars in hope of a cure tomorrow.