Newark pols urge caution on UMDNJ-Rutgers merger

NEWARK, N.J. - Officials in Newark said that it's important the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey remain a major presence in the city if the school is merged into Rutgers University.

Mayor Cory Booker, State Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver, and other local officials held a news conference Friday to express their concerns over the consequences of a merger.

"Any plans for reorganizing UMDNJ and its assets must contribute to the continued vibrancy, strength, and growth of higher education in the greater Newark region," Booker said.

The Newark-area officials said they wanted a careful review process of the merger plan and would oppose any changes to the school that hurt the city's economy.

Gov. Christie wants to fold UMDNJ's New Brunswick-based schools into Rutgers' flagship campus there.

It's an idea Rutgers officials have long supported and UMDNJ leaders opposed. But this month, UMDNJ officials changed course, saying they were willing to have the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the School of Public Health, and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey as part of Rutgers.

What would become of UMDNJ's Newark-area and southern New Jersey outposts remains unclear. Christie asked for a report recommending a course for those schools and Newark's University Hospital. It is due next month.

Oliver said she had concerns especially over the fate of the hospital. "Nothing is more important than ensuring quality and accessible health care for Essex County residents," she said, "and I am not convinced that this merger plan protects that priority."