Jackson councilman says new county job not a patronage position

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Jackson Township Councilman Giuseppe Palmeri is defending his recent appointment to an Ocean County position after questions surfaced about whether the job was the result of political patronage.

In a statement posted publicly, Palmeri said he had been pursuing a career change for more than a year after spending 16 years in retail. He said he applied and interviewed for positions with multiple municipalities and other public-sector employers before accepting a position with Ocean County in late April.

Prior to working for the county, Palmeri worked for Staples.

“I completed the same background checks and onboarding process required of any new employee,” Palmeri wrote. “There was no collusion, no favoritism, and nothing improper about this process.”

In the past, township councilpersons and mayors have been rewarded with county jobs. Currently, approximately 40 elected officials and politically connected individuals are working for the county.

Palmeri was appointed to the position of Analyst Trainee in the Buildings & Grounds Department. The appointment became effective April 20 at an annual salary of $65,000 and was made subject to a working test period. A July job posting for the same job this week showed a starting salary of

Palmeri said the position aligned with his experience and long-term career goals after an extended job search.

“This opportunity was simply the result of over a year of applying, interviewing, and waiting for the right fit,” he wrote.

A board agenda from the county shows a relative possibly of New Jersey state lawmaker Brian Rumpf receiving a job at the same time as Palmeri.

“I hope this clears up any misinformation being circulated,” he wrote. “Attempts to distort this into something improper or to use it as a way to attack my character are unfair, inappropriate, and frankly hurtful.”

Why it matters

Political patronage has long been a topic of public interest in Ocean County, particularly when elected officials or politically connected individuals obtain government employment. Palmeri maintains his hiring followed the standard county hiring process and says the position resulted from months of applications and interviews rather than political influence.

It has been alleged that his appointment was facilitated through the Ocean County Republican Party leadership.

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