Murky Waters: Inside Bloomfield’s Stormy Pay-to-Play Saga
More on Remington and Vernick
Just as I was about to rest on the day of the Spring Equinox, I came across an article about how pay-to-play corruption in New Jersey has worsened. According to NJ.com, public contractors poured twice as much money last year into political party accounts controlled by the very politicians responsible for hiring them. The article included a revealing graphic showing that our engineering firm, Remington & Vernick, is the top donor to political campaigns in the state.
The full NJ.com article can be found here: https://www.nj.com/news/2025/03/pay-to-play.html?gift=f9265e49-db58-4281-94ae-293c2a7f0c2d.
We are not surprised by these findings. In fact, we have been following this firm for a while; I even published a Twitter thread (RIP Twitter) on this issue in September.
To review: In the wake of severe flooding from storms (e.g. remnants of Hurricane Ida in 2021), Bloomfield, NJ sought an engineering firm to analyze and improve its stormwater system (Bloomfield Seeking Qualified Engineer to Conduct Stormwater Management Study to Combat Future Flooding - Montclair Local). In late 2021, the township issued a Request for Proposals for a comprehensive stormwater management/flood mitigation study, aiming to model future storm impacts and recommend upgrades (Bloomfield Seeking Qualified Engineer to Conduct Stormwater Management Study to Combat Future Flooding - Montclair Local). Remington & Vernick Engineers, Inc. (RVE) was ultimately awarded this contract in early 2022 (as a professional service under a fair-and-open process). The study’s scope included mapping all drainage infrastructure, identifying problem areas, and suggesting mitigation measures.
RVE’s Bloomfield Stormwater Drainage Study was not completed until September 2024, nearly three years after the contract award and on the strong urging from former Mayor Ted Gamble. This extended timeline raised concerns among some local officials and residents. For context, the study produced a “comprehensive map showing every piece of stormwater management infrastructure in Bloomfield” and found that the system was “in dire need of updates” – with congested outfalls, clogged catch basins, and aging pipes contributing to flooding (Stormwater Survey Identifies Drainage Problems Throughout ...). However, taking almost 36 months for a municipal drainage study is unusual. They also proposed work for $171 000 000 to improve our storm drainage.
Since RVE contributed to Jenny Mundell’s primary and general election campaigns, it is no mystery why they might have felt comfortable prolonging the study and making such an extraordinary request for $171 million.
What is the moral of this story? Ultimately, those of us in Bloomfield — and indeed throughout New Jersey — pay what amounts to a corruption tax. Bloomfield’s experience highlights the importance of oversight and accountability in public contracts. When towns hire firms with strong political ties, they must ensure that the work remains on track and meets modern standards—or risk delays and public distrust. The intersection of politics and contracting can affect outcomes: a firm secure in its political standing might not feel compelled to deliver with urgency, whereas a firm chosen on merit (and under proper scrutiny) will be more pressured to excel and finish on time.
As New Jersey municipalities address urgent flooding concerns, many are watching not only the solutions engineers propose but also how quickly and conscientiously they deliver. By ensuring a fair, transparent selection process and setting clear expectations from the outset, local governments can prevent “three-year flood studies” from becoming the norm. In essence, political influence should never trump performance—and Bloomfield’s case serves as a reminder that aligning politics and projects for the public good must be a priority. And this is what we stand for, Bloomfield Democrats for Change. Read about us on our website: https://www.bloomfielddemsforchange.com/
I can only think of the lady from Llewellyn, Ave, by the 2nd River, whose impassioned plea at council, after her home, her life, was almost destroyed by flooding...
Years go by and nothing done....
Maybe asking atca council meeting what Mayor will do with the money..... we don't need election flyers..
Or turn over to Attorney General...