Alternate prosecutor OK'd amid concerns over process BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer East Brunswick EAST BRUNSWICK - The Township Council last week appointed a new alternate prosecutor after getting an answer to the question of where he is employed. The appointment of Spero Alexander Kalambakas was scheduled to be made in July, but questions regarding his employment status prompted the council to ask for a clarification. Officials noted that his résumé indicated he had his own law firm, but the township's resolution said he worked for the firm of Robert G. Smith, who also serves as a municipal prosecutor for East Brunswick. Councilwoman Christi Calvano questioned last month how he could work at two firms, and since no answer was immediately available, the council postponed the vote. But according to a resolution approved Aug. 14, Kalambakas does work at Smith's firm, and Smith was the person who suggested that his name be added to the list of alternate township prosecutors. Kalam-bakas' appointment was then recommended by Township Attorney Michael Baker and Mayor William Neary. The council voted 4-1 to approve Kalambakas for a one-year term, with Calvano casting the dissenting vote. Calvano noted how a former public defender for East Brunswick had been charged with bribery in 2003, and said the council should take extra care in selecting these types of appointees. "In light of the lack of attention to this résumé, it's not up to par," she said, adding that she did not see where Kalambakas had substantial experience in public sector law. She also noted how the first résumé submitted, which stated he had his own firm, did not list criminal law experience. It was only after she asked for more information that a current résumé, including such experience, was submitted, she said. "It was not there the first time," she said. Baker then asked if she was suggesting the résumé had been falsified or "puffed up." Calvano did not answer directly, but reiterated that she felt the situation was not handled properly. Councilman David Stahl, also an attorney, noted that his own résumé is not always up-to-date. He added that he knows many people who work in Smith's office and that they are a professional, highly esteemed group.