A Superior Court judge set a hearing for Mack to fight his likely removal from office for Feb. 26. The mayor's federal conviction means he is in violation of state law.
TRENTON - Mayor Tony Mack, who was convicted last week on federal corruption charges, has 14 days to decide whether he wants to fight a state Attorney General's effort to force him out of office.
Today, Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson set a Feb. 26 hearing for Mack to appear in a courtroom and fight his removal. The order to show cause signed by Jacobson was in response to a complaint filed by the Attorney General's Office Monday.
Mack's federal conviction puts him in violation of state law that forbids convicted officials from holding public office. But the federal judge who oversaw Mack's trial will not strip him of office until sentencing on May 14.
The complaint also seeks to take away Mack's pension and benefits, as well as impose a ban on him holding public office in New Jersey. Unless he resigns in the meantime, Mack will remain in office and retain full executive authority until Jacobson declares him in violation.
Last Friday, a jury convicted Mack of all six federal corruption charges against him, finding him guilty of soliciting bribes from parking garage developers working undercover for the FBI.
Council president George Muschal, who will be next in line to be acting mayor, has been waiting since Friday night to take over. He will be able to reverse any decision Mack may make, as Mack's removal will be retroactive to the day of his conviction.
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