The hiring of Maria Del Cid to the post of director of legislative services at the New Jersey Department of Health, first reported by InsiderNJ, increased speculation that Assemblyman Jerry Green (D-Plainfield) might step down from his 22nd district seat.
The 78-year-old Green stepped down as Union County Democratic Chairman last month, saying that a series of health issues necessitated a reduction in his workload as he focused on his recovery. Green has not been present in the State Assembly for several months and missed the reorganization ceremonies; he was sworn in later in a private ceremony.
There have been reports that Green is recovering – two weeks ago, he was making phone calls from his hospital bed in support of State Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Linden) for county chairman – but the departure of his top aide will undoubtedly fuel rumors that he will resign from the Assembly after next week’s special election for county chairman if Scutari wins.
Most of the conjecture has centered on Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp replacing Green in the Assembly. Scutari reportedly believes that Plainfield, the largest city in the district, has a claim to the Assembly seat.