Nicholas P. Scutari

TRENTON – Noting that a decision to grant bail this week is a step in the right direction, New Jersey State Senators Raymond Lesniak and Nicholas Scutari today renewed their calls for clemency for New Jersey medical marijuana user John Ray Wilson, a Franklin Township resident who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) and grew marijuana plants in his backyard to help relieve the symptoms of his disease.

Earlier this year, Mr. Wilson was sentenced to five years in prison on charges of possession and second-degree drug manufacturing. The second-degree manufacturing charge – an offense that was designed to be brought against drug cartels and large-scale drug pushers and not against individuals growing marijuana for personal, medical use – precludes Wilson from entering into supervised probation, which the legislators say would be a more appropriate setting for someone suffering from a chronic illness like MS.

The recent decision by Governor Chris Christie to eliminate County Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointment Committees (JPACs), coupled with substantial modifications to the long existing compact between the Governor’s Office and the New Jersey State Bar Association is a matter of “substantial concern” said Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nicholas P. Scutari (D-Union). Under the prior compact, which was in effect for almost fifty years, all Governors agreed that any candidate for Judicial or Prosecutorial Office who was not favorably approved by the State Judicial and Prosecutorial Appointments Committee would not be released for nomination. The new agreement, which was signed by State Bar President Alan Etish last week, eliminated the binding effect the State JPAC’s recommendation would have on an unqualified candidate, and provides that a candidate, if deemed not qualified, could still be nominated by the Governor.

Senator Scutari took time off from reviewing gubernatorial nominees as the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday to meet with members of local Boy Scout Troop 310. One of the requirements for Scouts Andrew and Daniel Wojciak to attain the rank of “First Class” was to meet with an elected official and to discuss constitutional rights and obligations we have as U.S. citizens. In addition to civil duties such as serving on a jury, or the right to due process of law, Scutari emphasized the importance of voting in local, state, and national elections. Topics ranging from creation and implementation of laws to governmental policy, public service, and community involvement were also discussed.

TRENTON – Calling a Franklin Township man’s five-year prison sentence for growing marijuana used to alleviate his suffering from multiple sclerosis “cruel, unusual and unnecessary,” Senators Raymond J. Lesniak and Nicholas P. Scutari (both D-Union) today called on Governor Chris Christie to issue a pardon in the case.

A state court last week sentenced John Ray Wilson to five years in prison for growing marijuana in his backyard. Wilson – who suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS) and used the drug only to alleviate his symptoms – was given the minimum term for second-degree drug manufacturing and a three-year sentence for possession.

LINDEN – Democratic Legislators from New Jersey’s 22nd District today announced that they will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 7 PM at the Rahway City Council Chambers to raise awareness of the national 2010 Census among their constituents. Senator Nicholas Scutari, Assemblywoman Linda Stender and Assemblyman Jerry Green stressed the importance of ensuring a precise count of residents both in the district and throughout the State as a whole.

“The need for an accurate count of the residents in our district and in our state has never been greater,” Senator Scutari said. “It is imperative that New Jersey residents receive aid from all possible sources in these tough economic times. There are over 210 federal domestic assistance programs whose funding depends on the Census’ ability to obtain an accurate count. Total participation is key to ensuring that residents receive our fair share of annual federal aid.”