Gov.-elect Phil Murphy’s picks to scrutinize candidates for hundreds of judgeships, county prosecutors, members of commissions and authorities, and old-fashioned patronage jobs are Adam Alonso and Scarlett Rajski.
Alonso, a consultant who has worked on Hudson County campaigns for Hoboken politicians Beth Mason, Tim Occhipinti, and Peter Cammarano, will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Scarlett Rajski, a former aide to U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, will be the Director of Appointments.
Alonso worked in New York as the Chief of Staff to State Sen. Jose Peralta, a progressive Democrat from Jackson Heights, and worked on campaigns for Peralta and New York City comptroller candidate Melinda Katz.
Alonso also worked as a fundraiser for Republican Bobby Jindal in Louisiana, and for New York State Sen. Tony Avella, a member of the Independent Democratic Conference that has a power sharing agreement with the Senate Republicans.
According to the Governor-elect’s press release, Murphy will also manage constituent relations and the office of appointments.
Rajski worked for Bill Castner at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey during a heated battle over the state budget last year. She grew up in Perth Amboy and interned for Menendez in college. She has also worked as a project manager at the Gibbons law firm, at Michael Kempner’s public affairs firm, MWW, and for the American Institute of CPA’s.
Rajski enters the Governor’s office well-liked by party leaders and with a reputation for competence.