The court requires all three towns to agree on court appointments. Ghassali said he spoke to Bocchi, mayors Misciagna and Rendo, and Schepisi and noted he had a “commitment” from the mayors to meet regularly on joint court matters, noting “there will be constant feedback between us and the court system on this.”
Ghassali said that Bocchi was suggested by Park Ridge and Woodcliff Lake, noting “We were looking for someone else.” However, Ghassali said to continue the court system, they agreed with Bocchi’s nomination, which will be submitted by Schepisi for Murphy’s consideration. Judgeship is a lifetime appointment.
Should Murphy not approve Bocchi, the selection goes back to the three towns to come up with another candidate.
Ghassali said he supported Bocchi and said the new judge “will do the right thing for us” and that the towns need to make court operations a priority.
In an update to residents on Dec. 29, Ghassali wrote he had met with Misciagna and Rendo. “We are all in agreement that our committees need to meet on a regular basis, especially next year, and to provide regular updates to the mayor and council on the court operation.”
He said “A regular standing quarterly meeting is sufficient but if our staff need an ad hoc meeting for a quick decision, that the three towns’ committee are obligated to … provide what our staff needs….”
He wrote his governing body “decided today to continue with the joint court and to work closely with the committees and staff as we move forward. I will also be more involved in the process as well and I feel confident that the new judge and prosecutor will serve our towns well.”