O’Dea Demands McGreevey Reimburse Taxpayers, Stop Taking Medical Benefits From Low-Show County Job Scam

McGreevey Gained Lifetime Health Benefits Valued at Over $150K After “Working” Four Months for County of Hudson

JERSEY CITY, N.J.— Ten years ago, Jim McGreevey was hired by Hudson County government at the title of “lawyer” with the stated purpose of applying for grants on behalf of the county jail. But McGreevey retired just four months later, walking away with lifetime free health benefits paid for by Hudson County taxpayers that he still receives to this day, an outrageous scam that was called out by news outlets at the time. Now, County Commissioner and Mayoral candidate Bill O’Dea is demanding that McGreevey stop the scam, give up the fraudulent health benefits and reimburse Hudson County taxpayers their full value, which the O’Dea campaign estimates are worth at least $150,000. 

“Jim McGreevey deliberately scammed Hudson County taxpayers, did no legal or any other work we can find, and resigned this fake ‘low-show job’ as soon as he qualified for lifetime health benefits,” O’Dea said. “This is one of the most outrageous government ripoffs in Hudson County history, and it’s a slap in the face to taxpayers for McGreevey to run for Mayor while still receiving these fraudulent health benefits — he needs to stop this abuse, pay for his own benefits and reimburse the taxpayers at least $150,000 immediately.” 

O’Dea was a County Freeholder at the time, and in response to the McGreevey Benefits Scam he wrote and passed a new ordinance that requires a county employee to work at least ten years before earning lifetime benefits – protecting taxpayers from future abuses like McGreevey’s fake job.

Despite receiving several OPRA requests from O’Dea’s campaign, Hudson County officials have refused to turn over basic public information related to McGreevey’s county job. The county admitted that there are “no time and attendance records” for McGreevey’s fake job at the county jail, meaning he didn’t have to sign in or sign out like other civilian employees. How often McGreevey actually showed up for work is not known.

When initially criticized for the scam, a defensive McGreevey claimed he worked on a state grant but county officials could not produce one single document with McGreevey’s name on any emails, reports or correspondence with any state or county officials regarding the grant application. 

“We have to wonder what county officials are hiding when they refuse OPRA requests for basic public information related to McGreevey’s scam job,” said O’Dea. “It really isn't clear that McGreevey did any work at all during these four months, and he’s still receiving those health benefits today. This is just one of the many scandals that have defined McGreevey’s political career, including resigning the Governor's office in disgrace, and Jersey City voters deserve to know the real Jim McGreevey before they choose our next Mayor.” 

In contrast to McGreevey’s blatant taxpayer ripoff, O’Dea has never voted to raise his own pay and has consistently refused to accept any pay increases as an elected official. O’Dea has also pledged to immediately reduce the Mayor’s salary by 20% after he is elected to set an example for government efficiency.