Almost exactly one year ago — Jan. 18th, 2011 — Christopher Cerf was sworn in as NJ’s Acting Commissioner of Education after his nomination by Gov. Christie. And for the full year his confirmation has been blocked by State Sen. Ron Rice (D-Essex) through an archaic practice known as “senatorial courtesy,” which means that the representative of the nominee’s place of residence gets to whimsically nix confirmation. This titular purgatory has no impact on the nominee’s ability to perform duties of office. Still, it’s annoying.
Solution: Chris Cerf has moved from Essex County to Somerset County. The senator there is Christopher Bateman, who says, according to the Star-Ledger, that he expects to sign off on the appointment today. Welcome to New Jersey, Education Commissioner Cerf.
