A retired state police captain has been nominated to New Jersey's five-person Casino Control Commission, which oversees Atlantic City's $4.5 billion gaming industry.

Edward J. Fanelle was tapped for the position by Governor Jon Corzine, whose term will end with the January 19 inauguration of Chris Christie. Corzine, a one-term Democrat who was trounced by Republican Christie at the polls last November, is devoting the final days of his administration to "a rush of patronage appointments," according to the Atlantic City Press.

A 25-year veteran of the state police force, Fanelle now works as the public safety director for Camden County. If confirmed by the Senate, he will serve five years at an annual salary of $125,000.

The appointment comes despite suggestions from some Republican lawmakers that the commission be pared from five members to three as a cost-cutting measure (commissioners' salaries are paid by Atlantic City's 11 casinos). It has also come despite an agreement between Corzine and Christie that the outgoing governor will not fill any vacancies on "policymaking boards whose influence will be felt long after he leaves office," the Press reported.

Fanelle would assume the seat previously held by Michael A. Fedorko, who resigned in 2009 to become public safety director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Like Fanelle, Fedorko was a state police commander before joining the commission.

Fanelle has no prior casino experience.

By Staff