Politician tries something new

Usually politicians rob the rest of us through the legislative process. Here is a story of one using a different tactic.

Irvington police say a newly appointed state lawmaker tried to switch pricetags on sheets and bedding while shopping at a discount store this week. Evelyn Williams was arrested on shoplifting charges Tuesday afternoon. The 53-year-old Newark resident was chosen to fill the term of Assemblyman Donald Tucker, who died in October. She represents the 28th legislative district, which includes part of Essex County. According to a report published today, Williams was caught by a security camera at Valley Fair Super Discount Center in Irvington while putting 14-99 pricetags on a 59-99 set of bedsheets and a 49-99 comforter.

Funny thing is the story completely omits any reference to her political affiliation. In a negative story that omission automatically means the politician is a Democrat. Oddly enough, when she was sworn a couple weeks ago in they remembered to highlight her being a Democrat.

Williams served four years as the first female president of the Essex County Policemen's Benevolent Association. Williams is a longtime Newark South Ward Democratic Committee leader and is involved with many local neighborhood advocacy and service organizations including the Clinton Hill "Weed & Seed" program.