Judge Menelaos Toskos recused himself from presiding over the emergency medical technicians’ (EMTs’) lawsuit against the City of Hackensack on Oct. 3 after it was brought to light that Toskos had donated money to the City Council’s 2005 election campaign.

Toskos, a state Superior Court judge, made a $500 donation to the New Visions for Hackensack slate in April 2005 when was a lawyer in private practice at law firm in Hackensack. He noted a recent ruling by the state Supreme Court that said judges are compelled to act in a way that encourages public confidence. Pointing to the notoriety of the EMT case, Toskos noted that his political donation could corrode that confidence.

"I think it’s not unreasonable that the impartiality and objectivity of the court would be called into question," said Toskos in a previously published report.

Toskos’ recusal most likely means that the decision regarding whether the court will ultimately block the city’s transfer of daytime ambulance service to Hackensack University Medical Center will be delayed by a week or more while the new judge, who was not named by press deadline, examines the case.

The EMTs, who served under Hackensack Fire Department command, have been unemployed since the Sept. 12 transfer. Lawyers for the EMTs filed a contempt motion before Toskos Sept. 17 as part of their attempt to halt the move.

Union lawyer Bruce Leder noted in a Sept. 24 motion asking to disqualify Judge Toskos that his political contribution was sufficient to substantiate Toskos’ removal.

However, City Attorney Joseph Zisa disagreed.

"I think the judge ruled with utmost caution," said Zisa in a previously published report.