September 3, 2007. The Observer ran a story last week entitled "Tanski’s sentencing postponed until Sept. 24". The article written by Observer Assistant Editor Celeste Regal covered both the human interest side of the story and the facts surrounding the plea and impending sentencing. The Observer quoted Mayor Raymond McDonough who said in part that Tanski "had a heart of gold and was there for everybody, ask anyone ... "

The Observer article revealed for the first time that the payment of restitution is not part of the current plea agreement. Tanski pled guilty on June 20^th to official  misconduct for the theft of a reported $100,000 in quarters from the town’s parking meters. Under the current plea agreement there is no provision for Tanski to return the proceeds of his theft. Coincidentally, Governor Jon Corzine will be signing legislation that will allow prosecutors to seek monetary penalties from those convicted of public corruption crimes to reimburse defrauded public entities. It is not clear whether Tanski’s appropriation of parking meter quarters for his own use will fall into the definition of public corruption in the new legislation. It would make sense that as part of his plea agreement the Hudson County Prosecutor’s office should require that Tanski repay the taxpayers of Harrison the proceeds taken by him. Harrison’s taxpayers could use the tax relief. Tanski is suppose to receive a two year sentence. If he is not required to return the proceeds of his theft, Tanski will in effect be making $50,000 per year while the taxpayers pay for his room and board.