TRENTON -- It's common for Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno to receive letters of resignation from judges as part of her job as New Jersey's secretary of state.

But only one was ever signed: "Your loving husband."

State Appellate division Judge Michael Guadagno hit the judiciary's mandatory retirement earlier this month after he turned 70.

But before he could collect a pension, state statute required Michael Guadagno, like all judges, to notify the secretary of state's office. That means the retiring judge had to send a letter to his wife late last month.

Michael Guadagno wrote that his "term as a judge will end as a matter of law." In it, he acknowledged he's "required to submit this formal letter."

And then he had some fun.

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"While we are on the subject, I take this opportunity to remind you that you receive no pension for your work as lieutenant governor," he wrote.

"With your term ending in January 2018, and my income substantially reduced, this may be an excellent opportunity for you to consider a career change to a more lucrative position," it continued.

"No need to respond to this letter as we can discuss this matter over dinner."

Of course, Kim Guadagno is indeed seeking a raise and a promotion. She's running to succeed Gov. Chris Christie.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Kim Guadagno joked that "They should raise the retirement age," acknowledging that allowing judges to serve longer would require changing the state's constitution.

In his letter, Michael Guadagno also reminded his wife she's getting no pension even though "You 

served as acting governor for more than five hundred days" while Christie was out of state.

The governor's job doesn't come with a pension either.

Kim Guadagno earns $141,000 a year as lieutenant governor and Michael Guadagno earned $175,530, according to state records.

Michael Guadagno was appointed to the bench by former Gov. Richard Codey in 2005. In 2012, Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner elevated him to the Appellate Division. He turned 70 on Feb. 16.

The conservative news blog Save Jersey was the first to report on the letter.

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook.

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