Irecently read an article about the disgraced former senator, Wayne Bryant, I was saddened to learn the sordid details of how another state official has betrayed the public trust. Even more than I was saddened, I was angry at the fact that Mr. Bryant's unethical activities are seen as the norm among the public.

And to read the outrageous statement from Bryant's attorney that "Bryant did nothing nefarious — he was just conducting politics as usual in the Garden State" disgusted me. For far too long this type of attitude had prevailed in Trenton and this is why voters have little or no confidence in their government.

I am hopeful that the recent spate of corruption arrests and convictions will help to weed out the corrupt politicians who put their own selfish interests ahead of the interests of the people they were elected to represent.

The citizens of the Garden State should insist and demand that all of our public officials should serve with distinction and honor. All others should receive the same fate that Bryant and other allegedly corrupt politicians will likely receive — long jail sentence with plenty of time to think about how their actions have further eroded the public's faith in their elected officials.
Mary Pat Angelini
Assemblywoman, 11th District