Gottheimer, Pascrell Say Paramus Veterans Home CEO Must Resign

PARAMUS, NJ — Congressmen Josh Gottheimer and Bill Pascrell, Jr. have seen enough of the leadership at the Paramus Veterans Home.

Following the release of damning details from a federal inspection at the home, the duo are now calling for the resignation of CEO Matthew Schottlander.

"As the coronavirus swept through New Jersey, mismanagement and a lack of transparency at the state-run Paramus Veterans Home resulted in needless death and preventable tragedy," they said in a joint statement. "The situation demanded transparency, honesty, cooperation, and competency. The response by those in charge at the Paramus Veterans Home did not meet this moment. Worse, it set the facility up to fail and hindered response efforts."

This comes after a Northjersey.com and USATODAY Network report which said federal inspectors determined the home's coronavirus response was so riddled with negligence and incompetence that all residents and staff were found to be in "immediate jeopardy" of contracting COVID-19.

Emails from the report show Schottlander actively tried to dismiss staff concerns which would keep them away from the home, which had become overrun by the virus.

According to Northjersey.com reporting, Schottlander called concern regarding child care needs and health conditions which could put employees at greater risk of contracting the virus "vague," and said absences related to these concerns could "cripple our operation."

Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, 81 residents and one staff member have died, more than any other state-run home in the country. Many more have tested positive for the virus.

In late April, doctors and infectious disease experts were sent into the Veterans Home as consultants.

Experts from hospitals including Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health, Holy Name Medical Center and Valley Hospital met with staff to review medical protocols, collaborate on best practices and help prioritize residents with pressing medical needs, according to an April news release.

Mark Piterski, the New Jersey official who oversaw the state's veterans homes left his post in April, he said to run for Congress in the Fifth District. By that time, 102 people had already died in the state's three homes.

New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Division of Veteran's Healthcare Services Director Sean P. Van Lew Sr. gave an update on the three facilities on July 28, saying it had been over 60 days since a positive test was received in the Vineland, 50 days in Menlo Park and 35 days in Paramus.

In addressing the impending flu season, which could bring a resurgence of the coronavirus, Van Lew said the homes are better equipped to handle it.

"I can assure you that we are better prepared, better stocked, and we are ready to be sure that our most precious national resource, our veterans, is number one in our priorities," he said.

With the flu season quickly approaching, and Schottlander's shortcomings now public, Gottheimer and Pascrell believe new leadership is necessary.

"Knowing a resurgence of coronavirus later this year remains a threat, there must be accountability now for these documented failures. Our veterans and seniors deserve better," the Congressmen said.

"We believe the Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Veterans Home in Paramus must resign."