New York, NY —

Governor Corzine is putting more pressure on elected officials who are still in office, despite facing federal corruption charges. WNYC's Bob Hennelly has more.

REPORTER: Corzine has decided to freeze state approvals for projects generated in any town where the sitting mayor faces charges. The mayors of Hoboken and Secaucus have stepped down even as they assert their innocence. So that leaves Ridgefield Mayor Anthony Suarez, who also says he's innocent, and has chosen to remain in office.

The governor's executive order mentions no town by name, but it effectively suspends progress on Ridgefield's development applications with the state. The order also requires agencies to investigate the circumstances surrounding the initial applications. Critics call the Governor's move re-election grandstanding. For WNYC, I'm Bob Hennelly.

REPORTER: Like Ridgefield Mayor Suarez Jersey City Council President Mariano Vega also has vowed to stay in office while he fights federal charges. Jersey City is not affected by the Governor's Executive order.