Senator Lautenberg Says I Don't Know Dwek

Public service has many rewards. It has permitted me to give something back to the people of New Jersey who have been so supportive of me. However, there are moments that bring disappointment, such as when a bill you have worked hard on is not approved, or a cynical swipe is taken at your reputation.
One example of such a disappointment was the article that ran on the front page of the Asbury Park Press May 24 that characterized a connection between me and an individual who has been accused of a major felony. ("Court posts list of Dwek assets; Lautenberg co-investor in real estate venture.") It was an attempt to sensationalize a story.

In the article on Solomon Dwek, the Press wrote ". . . the surprising link between Dwek and New Jersey's senior senator shows the extent of Dwek's financial empire." Anyone who read that would believe there is some sort of relationship between Dwek and myself. However, there is not. I don't know Dwek.

I was an investor with at least 35 other people in projects managed by a New Jersey real estate developer, Jerold Zaro. It turns out Dwek was also an investor in Zaro projects. If Dwek's records had shown he owned shares in a mutual fund and it was discovered I did as well, would that mean we are linked together? Hardly. Yet the sub-headline and lead paragraph of your story insinuated that we collaborated on business projects.

The Press has a reputation as being tough, but fair. I have enjoyed reading it and will continue to do so. I hope the story was an anomaly and not a sign that the Press is going to abandon its historic fairness and accuracy.

It is simply unfair to sully my reputation on such a scant connection. I have built my reputation by founding a major international business headquartered in our state, chairing one of the largest charities in the world, and proudly serving the people of New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.

Frank R. Lautenberg

U.S. SENATE

WASHINGTON