Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey created the position of inspector general today with responsibility for ferreting out fraud and wasteful spending at all levels of government. The inspector general will report to the governor and have duties that include reviewing procurements and public contracts and conducting investigations wherever public money is spent to ensure accountability. The inspector general will also examine programs to assess their effectiveness and look at the latest technology and business practices to determine if they can save time and tax dollars. The position will be nonpartisan and the officeholder will be prohibited from seeking elected office for two years after leaving the job. Codey expects to name someone to the post within two weeks and have the office up and running by Jan. 1, eventually with a staff of 12.

Acting Governor On Education

Acting Governor Codey says his “education initiatives have helped improve New Jersey schools by ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education and achieve their educational goals. For example, to assist schools in teaching students the important lessons of the holocaust, Acting Governor Codey created the State Commission on Holocaust Education.”

“Currently, Acting Governor Codey is working on passing a measure to make community service a requirement for high school graduation. He believes such a requirement would teach students a valuable life lesson and could help foster a lifelong commitment in New Jersey's youth to helping others less fortunate than themselves.”