The NJAPAC was registered
with the State of New Jersey on January 25, 1997. Officers listed with the State were:
Ervin Moss, M.D. Chairman
Scott Hernberg, D.O. Vice Chairman
Linda Bartolo Treasurer
In subsequent filings Roger Moore, MD became
Secretary/Treasurer with Linda Bartolo as Assistant Treasurer. Members at large were Vidja
Bardwa, M.D.; Lawrence Kushins, M.D.; Kenneth Mirsky, M.D.; Joel Rock, D.O.; Aryeh
Shander, M.D.; and James Tyler, M.D.
Beverly Lynch from Governmental Relations firm of Martin-Bontempo was retained as a
lobbyist.
John Fanburg Esq. of the firm of Brach Eichler was listed as the "Agent".
The NJAPAC office was listed as 14 Washington Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550. In 2000
it was moved to 2 Princess Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, and in 2002 it was moved to 3 Regent
Street, Livingston, NJ, 07039. The Cherenson Group serves as management of business
affairs.
Background of PACS
"PAC" is a term for a political organization established for the purpose of
raising and spending money to elect or defeat candidates. Although most PACs represent
business, labor or ideological interests, more and more branches of Medicine have created
PACs in order to bring to the political arena their viewpoints and special interests and
remain within the law. The rise of Managed Health Care, Medicare and Medicaid policies and
the widening scope of practice issues has resulted in physicians entering the political
mainstream by voicing their support or protests through the financial power of PACs.
Labor unions formed PACs in the 1940s to support Franklin D. Roosevelt. Corporations were
barred from doing so until the FINANCIAL CAMPAIGN ACT of 1971 (FECA). FECA changed the way
political money is raised and resulted in an enormous increase in the number of PACs and
the amount of money spent during elections.
NJAPAC Purpose
The goal of the NJAPAC is to support the medical practice of Anesthesiology and the
anesthesiology profession in the State of New Jersey. The NJAPAC will support the
nomination and election and reelection of candidates to New Jersey state offices whose
philosophy is consistent with the mission, goals and objectives of anesthesiologists in
New Jersey.
NJAPAC funds will be used to those seeking
office and holding office who recognize Anesthesiology as the Practice of Medicine, and
support the prime objective of New Jersey anesthesiologist and that is Patient Safety and
equal quality care to all no matter race, color, religion or financial ability to pay.
Nevertheless, PAC funds will be used to correct the injustice in anesthesia reimbursement
exemplified by the Medicaid anesthesia fees, the lowest in the nation.
NJAPAC Fund Raising
Since 1997 there have been 2 active fund drives with many groups and individuals
contributing $1000 per person. Unsolicited contributions between fund drives were common.
The year 2001 is an election year in New Jersey with all Assembly and Senate seats
contested. PAC contributions were made in person by most cases by Key Contacts. Candidates
were identified by our lobbyist as friend of Medicine or supporters of issues addressed by
anesthesiologists. There was no Party distinction and in the race for Governor equal
contributions were made.
While only 13% of New Jersey Anesthesiologists contributed to the national ASAPAC our
membership represents at least double the national average of contributions to the ASAPAC.
Speaker of the House, Tip O'Neil was often quoted as stating that "all politics is
local." The NJAPAC agrees by its action on the home front and the results obtained.
The Bush decision on nurse anesthetists' scope of practice leaving it to the States to
decide is an example of the need of PAC money for battles to be fought at the state level.
Rules on Contributions to the NJAPAC
Contributions are not tax deductible. There is no limit as to what an individual can
contribute to a PAC. PAC laws differ from State to State.
An individual can contribute directly to a Candidate but it cannot exceed $2200 per
election cycle. An election cycle is both the primary and general elections.
A Professional Corporation of Anesthesiologists can contribute unlimited funds to a PAC.
A PAC is limited to $7200 per candidate per election cycle.
Quarterly reports are made to the Election Law Enforcement Commission in which all
contributions received over $400 are listed as well as all contributions to candidates.
You may make a contribution to the NJAPAC at any time. The check should be made out to the
New Jersey Anesthesia PAC and mailed to 3 Regent Street, Suite 301, Livingston, NJ 07039.
Ervin Moss, MD
Chair
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