Corzine Threatens Ridgefield Takeover

RIDGEFIELD, N.J. - Mayor Anthony Suarez of Ridgefield, New Jersey is refusing to resign despite being arrested in a corruption probe last month.

Suarez says he is innocent of all charges.

Governor Jon Corzine doesn't like the idea, so his administration may step in to run the town.

Suarez was among 44 people arrested and charged with corruptionn July 23 in an FBI sting. And Corzine has called on all elected officials charged in the probe to resign.

Corzine told The Record of Bergen County that he's directed the state comptroller to begin an immediate review of Ridgefield's
procurement practices, development contracts and records.

He also will issue an executive order tomorrow that will direct all state departments, agencies and authorities to immediately
freeze all applications, permits and approvals for development.

It would apply to Ridgefield and other similar municipalities where elected officials are facing an arrest or indictment, he said.