Christie: State Is On the Upswing
Governor's town hall message emphasizes reforms to spending, taxation, education and pensions
Photos
New Jersey is beginning to turn a corner.
Gov. Chris Christie opened his 19th town hall of 2011 in Toms River today with a half-hour speech that began with that sentiment, as he outlined a familiar "reform agenda" that emphasized the steps he felt were necessary to repair an underfunded pension system, troubled education results and taxpayers' property tax burden.
"New Jersey is beginning to turn a corner. I can feel it, hope you can feel it too. In 2009, when I was elected, we were going through some of the toughest times we had seen in this state," Christie said.
He said those tough times were a result of a poor economy, but also poor decisions.
There was a 322 percent increase in state spending from 1990 to 2010, Christie said. "That's the equivalent of spending 16 percent more a year, every year," he said. "No family would do that, increasing their spending 16 percent ever year. No family can survive that."
Seniors, new families and businesses were fleeing New Jersey for places they can afford to live, Christie said. "It's not right," he said. "They don't have to leave a state they were born and raised in to be able to afford a house."
Compare that to June 2011. Christie said job growth has improved over the last few months."Instead of a downturn, we are on the upswing," he said. " We cannot change course now."
Supportive Audience
Strong applause followed most of the governor's comments and answers to audience questions. The crowd was diverse in the questions it brought, hoping the governor would address the Atlantic City tourism district, teacher performance, veterans services for South Jersey and the tax burden for individuals and businesses.
He was speaking to an audience of mostly middle-aged and older adults wearing suits, tank tops, National Guard fatigues or veterans insignias. The governor was not faced with the opposition that turned out for earlier town halls. Protesters were absent outside the facility as doors opened at 2 p.m. through the end of the program, around 5 p.m.
One audience member brought hand-made signs supporting Christie, while others' intentions were known by the political bumper stickers of vehicles that packed the neighboring Winding River Ice Skating Rink.
The town hall, held at Toms River's armory, saw more than 250 attendees to the standing-room only event, listening politely and with supportive claps to standing ovations for tax reforms that Christie outlined before taking questions from the audience.
The agenda: cut spending, provide tax relief, provide stability for New Jersey's businesses and economy and reward excellent teachers and fire ineffective ones.
The governor called a 2 percent cap on increasing tax levies a success. The measure forced local government and school boards to present budgets increasing by 2 percent or less.
"We can say in towns across New Jersey taxes went up less than 2 percent," he said to strong applause.
Christie pointed to Democratic legislators and the state teachers' union as opponents to the reform agenda.
He said that recent New Jersey Education Association television ads have nothing to do with education and instead were a product of hate.
"They are hoping you'll hate me, and the discussion on education will just go away," he said.
Christie's continued battle with Democratic legislators was brought up early in his speech, as the governor referenced a Star-Ledger report that Democrats were beginning to consider raising taxes."I didn't fight for the last 17 months to have lower taxes to give in now," he said.
'We Agree With Him'
In the audience: Toms River Township Councilman Gregory McGuckin, who is also running for state Assembly. Republican McGuckin said Christie came to an overwhelmingly supportive area.
"Christie won Toms River by 12,000 votes, he won Ocean County by 70,000 votes," McGuckin said. "The people in Ocean County, in Toms River, we agree with him."
McGuckin said he supported many of the governor's reforms. "He's proposing solutions. You don't hear too many people doing that."
However, in a news release distributed after the town hall, Bette Wary, 10th District Democratic candidate for state Assembly, said the governor shows "continuing inconsistency concerning public officials who take advantage of a pension loophole that permits elected officials to collect a pension while continuing to draw a paycheck from the same job."
She said she was disappointed Christie had yet to address local Republicans she said are taking advantage of the loophole, namely, Ocean County Freeholder Joseph Vicari and 10th District Republican Assemblyman James Holzapfel. Wary said the governor managed to scold Democratic Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo and north Jersey Sen. Loretta Weinberg for collecting both a salary as well as a pension based on the same job.
“What we are seeing here is clear partisan politics,” said Wary. “The governor is attacking Democrats for using this loophole, but giving the Ocean County Republicans a pass for doing the same thing."
Former Toms River Mayor Paul Brush hoped the governor would address the creation of quasi-government authorities for such things as municipal utilities or parking authorities, who operate by appointments and govern their own budgets without much public input.
Brush, who is running as a Democrat for Toms River mayor this year, agreed the audience was a very friendly one to Christie.
"There was nobody really challenging him," Brush said.
Christie ended the town hall with an explanation of what he said was often a brash delivery of his opinions.
"People say I'm angry, but it's not that. I feel I am the luckiest man alive, to be the governor of the state I grew up in," he said.
He told a story of how his ailing mother told him there was nothing left unsaid between them."That's made me who I am," he said.
Audience Reactions
As was the format for previous town halls, Christie left the back half of the event for audience questions.
John Dorrity, director of Veteran Services in Ocean County, was there to fight for veterans’ rights.
“The ‘Vet is a Vet is a Vet’ bill has been sitting untouched in the Legislature for almost 20 years,” Dorrity said. “I am hoping that Governor Christie can finally push them to do something about it.”
Dorrity was able to ask Christie to address his concerns during the question-and-answer portion of the meeting. Christie responded that he will try but the Legislature is too divided and it would be difficult to pass, and Dorrity said he was not surprised.
“I kind of expected the answer I got, but I’m still going to push the issue and hopefully we can get it passed,” he said after the meeting.
Some of the people at the Town Hall meeting had their own concerns about issues in the state.
“I support Governor Christie, but I am a little upset because he wants to get rid of NJN,” Brick resident Pat Dooley said. “Also, I am a former state worker, and I think putting a maximum cap – or removing altogether – payouts for unused sick days is a real solution the state needs to consider.” Dooley suggested capping the payouts at $15,000 for state workers.
Still another attendee asked the Governor about an issue that hit very close to home for her – the Adoptee Birthright bill still sitting on Christie’s desk. Virginia Makitra, a Barnegat resident, asked Christie what his plans were regarding the bill, since he had until just June 23 to make a decision.
He explained to her that he hadn’t yet decided what he would do, but he will definitely decide by the deadline.
“Releasing these records could be the difference between life and death for some people who have been adopted and cannot find their birth parents,” Makitra said, alluding to possible hereditary health problems for adoptees who do not know their family’s medical history. “I have been waiting 31 years for something like this, so I really hope he passes it.”
Mark
9:59 pm on Tuesday, June 7, 2011
best Gov ever
maryellen reilly
11:10 pm on Tuesday, June 7, 2011
I am sure that this governor has the best intentions for the state. I know politics, and the bipartisan rhetoric that comes along with it. My husband who belongs to Local #11 ,Ironworkers , Newark, NJ. He has been a member since he was 21 yrs old. He is now 59yrs old and being threatened with a lapse of insurance. So, your attack on unions goes back 70 years when unions were not prevelent. Are you suggesting that we give all the jobs to illegal mexicans.
I wish someone, with clout, could address this Mexican issue. They are taking jobs from americans and breeding like rabbits. They go to hospitals and recieve free services.
Someone has to address this mexican people inflitrating this country without documentation like the rest of our ancestors,
This country shunned irish, italians, etc. who fought to become americans. My ancestors were treated like slaves (Irish). Where the f''''k do these people think that they can board illegal transportation and arrive in the US and pretend to be US citizens. I am sooo sick of these breeding machines here in ocean county No body acquised to this mexican proble
Roy R
11:43 pm on Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Mary Ellen, thank you for your feedback on this article!
As far as the illegal immigration issue goes, I have heard state and local officials officially stating that illegal immigration is a federal issue, and President Obama is currently trying to push reforms through Congress.
Until something is done on a federal level, local law enforcement agencies may not act because they cannot.
1stcav
6:05 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
They use up all or funds for the people of the USA ( legals ) born and raised here...Public asst. food stamps and health programs..Go to the emergency room for colds or fever as you have no insurance and get FREE medical care..while we pay our premiums , co-pays , deductables and 20-30 % that WE have to pay...hows that fare to the working people ????
Joe Matthias
7:37 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the New Jersey unemployment rate has been INCREASING since a low of 9.1% in January. In contrast, New York State has been DECREASING and is now (April) at 7.9%. Since NJ is highly reliant on New York for the state economy, why isn't New Jersey doing better? Anybody? Why do people listen to politicians who speak in generalities - and not question them? In 2008, John McCain expoused the 'strength' of the US economic fundamentals until the day he offered to suspend his run for the presidency - to address the dire condition of the economy! He didn't offer any specifics, and he was lying. What is a rational person to think?
Mark
7:52 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Keep doing what your doing CC...we need more people in office like you.
Mark
7:52 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Keep doing what your doing CC...we need more people in office like you
Jose Deer
8:46 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
sure it is ......LOL
Mark
9:57 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Yes it is nice job...Gov CC
.
10:30 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Oh yeah, great job!
Jerseyshoregirl2
1:11 pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
What a bombastic idiot!
Mark
1:15 pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
thank you Gov CC for a wonderful job...keep it up.
Larry
5:21 pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Karen,, what are your solutions??? You are quick to pass comments about CC.... Here we have someone in office trying to control spending because the state is BROKE.....He is coming up with solutions that can save jobs and pensions... because at the rate things are going now there will be more jobs lost and there won't b enough funds to pay for pensions. He is trying to wake up the folks living in the entitlement mentality. People have the nerve to call him the bully, now that's a real joke......
Jerseyshoregirl2
12:46 pm on Thursday, June 9, 2011
Sorry Larry..but he's a bully & a hypocrite. Oh BTW, I don't need to defend my comments to you. You have your opinion & I have mine.
lets go giants
7:19 pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
How can he be controlling spending..WE lost 400 million in school aid under his watch
Mark
10:23 am on Thursday, June 9, 2011
good job
Howell Taxpayer
4:10 pm on Thursday, June 9, 2011
Barbara Keshishian your next on the list for CC
Dan
9:38 pm on Friday, June 10, 2011
six figure salary BK.... nice air conditioned office..... what about "THE CHILDREN"
Stop The Gluttony in Brick Township
10:56 pm on Thursday, June 9, 2011
Laura, on Fox 5 News this morning they did report that the Democrats are asking for his resignation. So there, you bully. Defending your party of choice does not excuse the ridiculous behavior on display in our state & individual municipalities. There is only one goal to be focused on...previous politicians (democrats & republicans) have overspent & took entitlements to the point of no return, someone has to fix it. If you think you can do better, then you should run for a position. Brick just raised our taxes 24%, did you get a 24% raise this year?? Where's the respect for those whom are trying to get spending under control.
Spooner
12:07 am on Friday, June 10, 2011
Tired & Helen;
...last year Laura ran as an Independent for Mayor. . .she did same thing that phony Tea Party guy up in New York did. . .then she redrew her name when a former turn coat Republican Mayor changed his party and ran as a Democrat . . .
Stacy Q
7:56 am on Friday, June 10, 2011
I am one of the casualties of the governor's budget cuts to schools. I have been unemployed since last year and still cannot find a job. I think the governor is harsh and brash, however, I think he's doing what needs to be done. I don't agree with all of his policies, but I do agree that changes need to be made to the pensions system of the state. I personally have no problem with the firefighters or police officers getting their benefits paid for, but the teachers' union and state workers need to contribute a lot more than the 1.5% they are being asked to contribute. The NJEA always complains that budget cuts are hurting the students, but in reality, they are just worried that the teachers will have to work a little harder. Trust me, as a teacher, I've seen this first hand. There are many good, dedicated teachers, but on the flip side there are many lazy teachers who are afraid of tenure reform and go running to the union over every little thing. In my opinion, unions are no longer necessary in 2011. When they were created, unions helped workers a great deal. Now, they protect the mediocre. A good HR department is all that is needed. I think what people object to about the governor is his no nonsense approach. He's ripping the band aid off in one shot rather than gently easing it off. That can be offensive to some people - he's definitely not for everyone, but he's trying.
Stop The Gluttony in Brick Township
9:32 am on Friday, June 10, 2011
Mercedes I feel your unemployment hardship. Under Corzine's reign & Obama's healthcare reform threats I was laid off of my position in the medical field. It took me two years to regain employment. I am still in the medical industry, however, my employer does not offer medical insurance benefits due to the cost for the business & employees. We also save lives & not are afforded the same benefits as police, firemen, teachers, or any other government/public worker are entitled to. It is not wrong for all of us legal tax paying citizens to ask for some relief. Most of us working poor are really struggling to support our families. And it really does comfort me to know that a dedicated teacher feels the same. Thank you & best of luck in employment search.
Laura
10:02 am on Friday, June 10, 2011
Helen,
I don't watch MSNBC.
Obviously I couldn't SILENCE the right even if I wanted to.
Bill Cox
6:43 am on Saturday, June 11, 2011
Laura,
You seem to defend the policies of Cuomo in NY over Christie in NJ. It should be noted that there will be more teachers laid off in NYC under Cuomo's budget cuts than there was in all of NJ under Christie's. Bloomberg stated it would result in massive cuts and layoffs. Cuomo cut 1.6 billion or 7.3% in education aid in NY Christie cut 800 million or 5%. Christie gets SLAMMED by the NJEA yet NY teachers union do a commercial bashing Fat Cats as their rebuttal and NEVER mentioned Cuomo once. Hmmmm one union dreams of Christie dying and the other will never bash their beloved liberal Cuomo. Dare we say "bullying" Laura?
Frank
7:16 am on Saturday, June 11, 2011
Home Run Bill Cox.
And for all you Libs out there the fact is that Corzine eliminated the millionaires tax NOT Christie. He just refusing to reinstitute what Corzine eliminated. Where were alll you anti-fatcat millionaires when Corzine eliminated it?? YOU are the hypocrites.
Laura
6:01 pm on Saturday, June 11, 2011
Bill Cox,
It's not the policies. Republicans are amazing with your lack of reading comprehension. If it needs to be done, do it. Christie doesn't need to vilify teachers or police or anyone else, just DO WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. Well maybe vilify double and triple dippers.
Bill Cox
9:26 pm on Saturday, June 11, 2011
Oh Laura , your mistaken, John Conyers is a Democrat who admitted to not reading bills before he voted on them. Give him credit, at least he admitted it. I would ask that you google "Christie blasts teachers" or any thing even close to it. I am sorry Laura but in every article I have READ , yes us Conservative minded do read, I have yet to find this demeaning tone you speak of. He states that the NJEA takes in 130 million dollars a year in dues yet doesn't pay a penny toward their members benefits. He states the NJEA has a virtual palace in Trenton from which they do some of their best lobbying. He states that reform is needed and he would hope the teachers union would do what they say and "put the children first". I didn't hear him call for anyone's death, I didn't hear him bully anyone. He merely said what he believes in, that reform is needed, the system is broken and we are BROKE. If I am wrong please, I beg of you, cite the Christie quotation against teachers that you find so offensive. Have to go now and catch up on my reading.
Spooner
11:02 pm on Saturday, June 11, 2011
Bill, not that I'm defending Laura!!!. . .but Christie has had a caustic relationship with the NJEA, and their website is reporting a $1.4 B cut last year:
http://www.njea.org/news/2010-08-04/governor-s-toolkit-targets-schools-communities
...also a Bergen County union official in an email that was leaked... wanted or hoped Christie would drop dead , and vice versa:
http://www.northjersey.com/news/education/040910_Teachers_union_issues_public_apology_to_Governor_Christie.html
The NJEA and the Governor definitely have issues. . .
As for Cuomo. . .having followed his family's politics for a number of decades going back to his father's career(NYS Governor). . .Christie is an amateur compared to Cuomos'. . .but you have to understand with the fathers long time influence and experience along with his son. . .embedded in the New York political culture,and unlike Christie who was a new comer to the scene, Cuomo can work behind closed doors, away from media scrutiny. . .Christie doesn't have that luxury. . .he has to be "right out front". . .Whatever works!
Frank
11:29 pm on Saturday, June 11, 2011
Christie's beef is with NJEA NOT teachers. He does expect results from teachers but that's not villifying them.
Spooner
11:39 am on Sunday, June 12, 2011
But the NJEA is made up of teachers. . .are you parsing words here?
So maybe they sure separate themselves from their union. . .you know . . .become independent! Christie would just love that. . .
Dan
9:07 pm on Sunday, June 12, 2011
Anyone catch the front page article in APP about Toms River school district??? When Ritacco was in charge..... hundreds of thousands of dollars were overpaid .....all taxpayer money being spent without any checks and balances......nothing questioned by the board of ed. for many many years. HMMMMMM... how many other school districts in this state has the same corruption scheme going on....really disgusting how taxpayer money is so freely handed out while families are struggling to pay their own bills. wake up people...... start questioning your school boards and pay attention to what is going on. we have very few who question the lacey school board...... those who do i give alot of credit to.
Eric Thomas
8:01 am on Saturday, June 25, 2011
State on the upswing?
Please get me a bottle of whatever it is that our governor drinks. I want to see pink elephants, too.
Obama by another name.
BN
8:35 am on Saturday, June 25, 2011
Must be the same stuff Obama, Biden, Reid, Pelosi, and Geithner are drinking.
Eric Thomas
8:52 am on Saturday, June 25, 2011
BN, how right you are.
It seems to be the beverage of choice in the whorehouse of politics.