The Star-Ledger Editorial Board considers the NJ Senate’s inability to confirm (Acting) Education Commissioner Christopher Cerf:

What’s this all about? It started with state Sen. Ron Rice (D-Essex), who believes that Cerf is at the center of a conspiracy by hedge fund managers, like David Tepper of Appaloosa Management in Short Hills, to take over public education and turn it to private gain.

No one who is firmly based on the planet Earth believes that nonsense. Tepper is worth about $6 billion and his engagement in education reform is charity work. Does Rice really believe Tepper would need to engage in the mess of Jersey politics to earn a few more bucks?…

Gentlemen, please. Here are the key facts in this dispute: Cerf is doing a fine job. Rice’s objection to him is crazy. And the most important stake in this game is to end the stranglehold on Essex County courts.

It is way past time to move this nomination.