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Ranking at 47th in the nation, how does Governor Christie explain this?

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image source www.copyright-free-images.com

image source www.copyright-free-images.com

The New Jersey primary is over, (with the exception of the special August primary) so where do you stand on the candidates? In what is shaping up to be a landside re-election for Governor Christie we do now have some added drama. The cost of his plan to run the special election for Senate in October, that Christie has stated he doesn’t care of the cost. And why would he want to be knocked from the top of the ticket? Those dreadful Democrats will come in the thousands and he cannot risk that now can he? So for an extra $20 million that the state can easily afford we will be asked to go to the polls twice. Unless the State Supreme Court gives the October election a thumbs down.

What seems to be largely absent from the conversation for governor (on the Republican side), THE ECONOMY. Unemployment is still very high, 8.7% and we have heard from Governor Christie that we are turning the corner. The corner being 9% making his statements true but still very poor. The true measurement of economic health would be the states Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The end of last year ranks New Jersey 47th in the country, only ahead of Alabama, Mississippi and Wyoming. The Wall Street Journal reported in November 2012 New Jersey’s economic output shrunk by .05% in 2011.

The future does not look good. In April 2013 Rutgers put out an article on the forecast for New Jersey. According to their findings employment will not regain its 2008 levels until mid-2017, as job growth will be at 0.9% annually. The biggest growth will be in the service sector with 80% of all new jobs (also the lowest paying).

It is all in the numbers and those numbers are dismal ones. Last year under Christie job growth was less-than the year prior. Jobs that were created were found to be the largest in retail and service. A shrinking GDP. The state is a mess and the voters better get reading and find out what economic plans Democrat Barbara Buono has. We know what we have in Christie, the numbers are difficult to ignore.

The report: http://news.rutgers.edu/medrel/news-releases/2013/april-2013/rutgers-forecast-new-20130419

Wildwood New Jersey bans saggy pants, t-shirts next?

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New Jersey beaches

image source: www.city-data.com

Wildwood’s unanimous passage of a law banning the saggy pants is an attempt to return to decency? The law holds penalties of up to $200.00 in fines and up to 40 hours of community service. Not the first of its kind in the country but it is somewhat ironic considering what has been found in the past in some stores along their boardwalk.

The one t-shirt that comes to mind is one that I proudly purchased in my youth in Wildwood (much to my mothers disapproval after). The t-shirt, a French fry with a caterpillar mounting it with the caption “knock it off asshole I am a French-fry”. At the time ( I was in my teens) I found this shirt rather funny, heck I still do! My mother naturally was horrified that I purchased it and strangely after one wash the iron-on began to peel off (MOM?). This one of many rude choices available then and certainly still possible to be bought on the Wildwood boardwalk today.

The point of the ban? Change the image of Wildwood or root out the evil that walks and hangs out at the boardwalk? If you like it or not (which I do not) this is the style of some. Banning the choice of what you wear will not change much other than visually. Where can this type of law lead? Well, to the t-shirt business for starters, maybe to the beach itself! Will they begin to look toward the beach and determine what is visually unacceptable in a bathing suit? GOD I hope so :) With some of the asses that are bulging out of bikini’s and swimsuits it is obvious that “big brother” needs to tell people their as well what is appropriate!

It is a bad law and violates the rights of those who lack fashion sense!

Cory Booker the front-runner in N.J. Senate race

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source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Booker1.jpg

source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Booker1.jpg

The announcement by Newark, New Jersey Mayor Cory Booker of his candidacy for U.S. Senate was an expected event. Prior to Senator Lautenberg’s death Booker had eyes on the seat and did plan a challenge to Lautenberg. With name recognition and serious credentials  who could possibly contend? Booker who was elected Newark Mayor in 2006 has a proven successful track record, being done in a difficult environment. When first taking office he immediately mapped out a plan to reduce Newark’s crime rate. Within two years of taking office, the crime rate in Newark was at levels not seen since 1959. In 2010, Newark achieved the unthinkable, the first murder-free month in over 44 years.

Success in improving affordable housing another feather in the hat of Booker, doubling the amount of money for housing under development and increasing pre-development by 4x. Doing this while also reducing the city’s budget deficit by $107 million. Booker has also made some difficult decisions cutting salaries (to include his own twice) of  managers making over $100,000. Non-uniformed city employees saw a one day a month furlough for six months during 2010.

Some other very notable events, Bookers week feeding himself off a SNAP budget ( Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program), saving a woman from a burning building (second degree burns on his hands). His comments made during President Obama’s re-election campaign critical of attacks on private equity and Bain Capital.

Name recognition and a track record as a successful Mayor makes Booker the front-runner for the special election in October. With his record and straight talk I wish he decided to run for governor.

Governor Christie announces special election, taxpayer money wasted, AGAIN

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gov.christie

image source:www.leighvalleylive.com

Governor Christie announced a special election to fill the vacant seat in the U.S. Senate after the death of Frank Lautenberg yesterday, primary day. Christie’s plan, an August primary followed up by an October election. “The cost to the taxpayers is worth it”? Christie is playing politics without regard to the taxpayer. He is also looking to sneak one in, that is a Republican. Placing his bet on LOW VOTER turnout seems the obvious, hoping that the voter will not come out and vote an extra two times. New Jersey this year as we know already has an election in November which any rational spender would have made just made this election a part of. (EST of cost $25 million)

Low voter turnout, this is what we saw yesterday in basically from the uncontested party races for governor. Who will be heading to the polls in an August primary? And who will go and vote in October? At taxpayer expense, Christie is hoping this will be the outcome and maybe he will be able to sneak in a Republican. For the first time in more-than thirty years.  

“I don’t know what the costs are and frankly I don’t care.”  Governor Christie 

Comprehensive Gun Control coming to New Jersey

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image source: http://nikadon.com/free-guns-pistols-shortgun-and-rifles-wallpaper-for-computer-desktop-and-laptop-of-high-resolution/gun-9/

image source: http://nikadon.com/free-guns-pistols-shortgun-and-rifles-wallpaper-for-computer-desktop-and-laptop-of-high-resolution/gun-9/

Last Thursday (5/30/13) the New Jersey Senate approved bills on comprehensive gun control. S-2723/S-657/S-2456/S-2465/S-2474/S-2476/S-2525/S-2659

The bills will overhaul the permitting process, with a new modern electronic system for background checks being the key piece. The new background checks will include mental health records, all private transactions and ammunition sales. The lead sponsor of the bills State Senate President Steve Sweeney. Information gathered on handgun and hunting rifle permits will be encoded on the owners drivers license and/or a smart card.

The tracking system on purchases and Id’s are only part of the total gun control package. Some measures were also passed earlier in the month. The legislation passed is the first of its kind in the United States since the Connecticut shootings. The complete passed package can be found on the NJ Senate Democrats site. http://www.njsendems.com/release.asp?rid=4979 

 

 

President Obama tours New Jersey Shore, campaign boost for Christie?

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New Jersey beaches

image source: www.city-data.com

The return of President Obama to the Jersey Shore today, a campaign boost for Christie? The last time the President visited his campaign for re-election was in full swing and many in the GOP were down right MAD! Some even called it a campaign killer for Republican Mitt Romney and Christie a traitor.

Today the shoe is somewhat on the other foot, with Christie running for re-election (way ahead I might add) and Obama looking like the traitor of his party. Democratic candidate for governor Barbara Buono last week was asked about President Obama’s visit and did take the high road (little choice) “I would be very, very disappointed if the president didn’t come to New Jersey, He promised us that he would be back to see how we’re recovering and rebuilding from Sandy. And I think it’s wonderful that we’re on that path to rebuilding.” Buono has said she has been in discussions with Obama for a meeting but none has been announced.

Much can be spun off a second tour of the shore with President Obama and Governor Christie. The same as the last time it is all about perception and the GOP media will in all likelihood take advantage of the visit and budding bromance. Will it make a difference in the final results come November? I doubt it but it does show that President Obama can be successful with one Republican.

Atlantic City losing to Pennsylvania, the need to attract new business

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NJ internet gambling

Gaming and online casinos

New Jersey’s casino industry on decline with plenty of help from neighboring Pennsylvania. In just 6 years after opening their first casino PA has surpassed Atlantic City in revenue and now ranks second in the nation behind Las Vegas. In 2012 PA saw a revenue increase of 4.45% bringing their revenue to $3.16 billion. Atlantic City saw a decline for 2012 of 8% with revenue totals of $3.05 billion, the sixth straight year of decline. When the first casino opened in PA little was done by New Jersey to respond to what had to be an expected challenge. Governor Christie who helped with tax-breaks to open the Revel Atlantic City’s 12 casino has done little else. So how can Atlantic City turn it around?

Improvement to Atlantic City’s beaches, boardwalk, hotels and shopping? Attempts to change the Atlantic City experience with new shopping destinations has not helped overall. Trump Entertainment recently sold Trump Plaza for $20 million to the Meruelo Group owner of the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno Nevada. Improvements potentially will improve the locations bottom line but will it help the city overall? Cutting the pie a different way is all that can be expected.

Getting patrons to stay, spend and vacation in Atlantic City, this is what will save the industry in New Jersey. More casino’s, better casino’s will not take money back from Pa. The day tripper from neighboring states has declined and little will bring them back. If you have visited Atlantic City recently gone is the senior citizen and the litany of buses that used to pull in. Comparing and competing, what the executives of Atlantic City’s casino’s have done in the past has been unsuccessful. This is where the Governor and the Legislature needs to step up. Returning Atlantic City as a beach town where people/families desire to go should be the investment. Beach’s, roads and additional family friendly businesses to bring in different dollars is the only chance for the city. Limited expendable dollars for gambling and the travel to get to Atlantic City, $5.00 for the bridge, tolls on the AC Expressway and parking. Why would someone from Philadelphia take a day trip to gamble when the same gambling offering is in their back yard? They wouldn’t and they aren’t. Way back in 1978 Resorts opened as Atlantic City’s first casino and with it promises of improving the city. With little improvement outside of the casino boundaries in 35 years now is the time, the casino(s) alone will not cut it.

New Jersey’s unemployment rate lowest in four years

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unemployment

image source: marketmixup.com

Governor Christie is claiming victory as the state’s unemployment rate has fallen to 8.7%. This is the first time it has fallen below 9% since 2009. Creating 60,000 jobs last month, the largest one month gain in seven years. The decline in the rate has been aided by 4400 New Jerseyans leaving the work force discouraged. According to Gordon MacInnes of New Jersey Policy Perspective most of the job creation has been low-wage employment.

Looking toward the future, ELECTION TIME, one must focus not on the declining number. Christie’s record on jobs is horrid when comparing to the rest of the nation, 1.2% higher unemployment. N.J. also has 54,000 fewer jobs than 2008. “We can’t go back” is a Christie campaign commercial slogan? Why not, New Jersey had more employment under Democratic control of the governor’s office. Doesn’t more jobs equate to higher tax revenue for the state?

Camden, New Jersey take-over part two

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image source: www.motifake.com

image source: www.motifake.com

“Because united we will change Camden are you with me?” Camden Mayor Dana Redd

This quote from Mayor Redd came in January 2010 after the state take-over of Camden ended. Governor Christie ended Trenton’s more-than 7 year take-over returning the governing back to the elected officials and with it much has not changed. Cash-strapped after Christie’s budget-cuts Camden began to do what nearly every other town and city did, make cuts of their own. Laying off public sector workers (police, fire) trimming payroll to balance the budget. The result being the obvious, more crime. In response to the “crime increase” the Camden City Police was replaced with a new county-run police force (Metro-Division). Camden City is the only participant in the county run police force. Sort of sounds like a take-over doesn’t it?

In March Governor Christie announced that “it is time to hit the reset button” taking over Camden’s struggling school system. Camden which has the lowest graduation rate in the state below 50% is 37 percentage points below the state average. Christie who stated he did not make the decision lightly waited more than three years to see if school performance would improve. What was the governor expecting from the Camden School District? Camden along with every other city/town in New Jersey were expected to endure their share of the $820 million cut in education funding in the Christie 2010 budget. (Christie who launched attacks against the teachers of the entire state focused on tenure, pension, health and merit-pay as why education was so expensive.) Take-over #2?

The issues related to Camden’s decline which Christie and to be fair many other past governor’s have ignored. First and foremost lack of investment, which can easily be seen around the entire city. Going back to demolishing the businesses along Admiral Wilson Blvd for the 2000 Republican National Convention held in Philadelphia. Yes it was a sewer and the home to much crime and business enterprises that many viewed as unacceptable. But to replace it with a public park? Zero potential of tax dollars along with no chance of it ever being used outside of homeless tents. The demolition of Riverfront State Prison a good move that has left the city to this point with a vacant lot. A plan under Governor Corzine was to bring 3600 homes. Down the river a bit we have the Adventure Aquarium, born from the 2002 take-over that also provided $175 million to the city for investment ($99 million spent to build the aquarium). The plan was to improve the waterfront which would spur business investment and create jobs. What was gained by this investment beyond the aquarium, can be viewed by going there no business.

The state take-over of 2002 provided no positive change for Camden’s residents. Governor Christie’s approach, multiple take-overs first to policing and now the schools. The facts surround Camden are economic and social. With 36% of the population living in poverty as of the 2010 census and nearly 20% of the population unemployed in 2011, to focus on education is a good long-term strategy only if successful. With that being said, it is difficult to imagine improving education by reducing funding and having Trenton run it. Pinning the blame on any one person for the failure of Camden would be pointless. Dana Redd’s words “united we will change Camden”, united I guess that means Governor Christie, the Camden County Freeholders and Redd.

Does Governor Christie have a long-term strategy for a better future for Camden? It seems his plan is much like past plans just delivered in smaller portions.

New Jersey to outsource lottery, a Christie gimmick?

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image source www.copyright-free-images.com

image source www.copyright-free-images.com

Outsourcing sales and marketing of the New Jersey Lottery, promises of growth, big money for the state? Northstar NJ, the lone bidder for the work is a consortium of two lottery companies, GTech and Scientific Games. It also has a subsidiary of a Canadian Public Pension Fund who is providing some money for the new venture. Promised growth in their business plan has the state’s lottery income growing by $20 billion over 15 years. If these projections are not met within 10% for two consecutive years or three times in a five-year period.

Sounds like a win for the state? Promised revenue and an out clause, seems like a good business move. The state is also receiving an upfront payment of $120 million from Northstar NJ. The $120 million is being used to balance the current budget, what? Yes the Christie Administration is using a gimmick to fill a budget gap. Gimmick’s what he accused former Governor Corzine and essentially rode that horse to an election win is doing the same. This is also not the first time the great savior of New Jersey has used a gimmick. We have discussed this in the past, http://defenderofthemiddleclass.com/governor-christie-to-begin-tantrum-town-hall-tour-over-state-budget.

For the New Jersey lottery to continue to be run by the state, investment in sales and marketing must be consistently done. This has not been done and likely not to be done as long as Christie is around. Signing up for a 15 year deal, a long time and our we selling ourselves short? The lottery if it were to stay the course projects a meager .9% a year gain in revenues over the same 15 year period. If the projections work out, the state’s a winner! I struggle to believe accuracy in projections when it comes to Christie, he hasn’t met many in the last four years.

Do we need government to parent?

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executive order

image source: www.nowpublic.com

Governor Christie has outlined a plan that would ban retailers from selling violent video games to children without parental consent. This is just part of Christie’s plan to curb gun violence in the state. Christie’s plan would also ban the .50 caliber rifle and increase penalties for gun trafficking. The video game plan stands little chance of becoming reality since it has already been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court who said that video games are a form of protected speech in the first amendment. In 2011, the court struck down a California law banning the sale to minors in a 7-2 decision.

Christie’s idea may be a good one in theory but it does have the air of politics. Hasn’t Governor Christie learned from the Supreme Courts decision? Do we really need such a law on the books to protect the children of New Jersey and across the United States? This issue is all about parenting or the lack of it. Currently there is a rating system for video games and what is age appropriate. The need for government to step in certainly is not a proven need as little to no relationship to violence and video games has been proven. But it does bring a thought to mind. Would the Supreme Court have a different view if the games were promoting terrorism? Just imagine the outrage by government if these violent game creators were blowing up national treasures.

Parenting, is the issue at hand and Christie’s proposal indicates that he believes New Jersey’s parents are not doing a good enough job. Or is he just playing politics in an election year? I am going with politics.

Tax breaks and bankruptcy, Governor Christie’s Revel

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Artist: Dan Stoner

Artist: Dan Stoner

Governor Christie’s decision to give $261 million in tax breaks to complete Revel Casino, what do you think now? Many were not happy at the time with the Governor especially after he bailed on the tunnel project to New York. Christie who pulled out of that project called it far too expensive and that taxpayers could not afford it. Revel Casino filed for bankruptcy last month intending to reduce their debt in a restructuring effort that officials hope will make them viable. Revel is at the bottom of the list in gambling revenues of Atlantic City’s 12 casino’s expect their planned bankruptcy will shed 82% of their debt.

Governor Christie who has done little to spur the economy of New Jersey has this $261 million failure on his resume and it should not be easily ignored. Would have the money in tax-breaks been better spent on another project? Improving transportation in New Jersey or better yet not spending the money at all maybe a more viable option. The Revel was not providing tax benefits  left uncompleted, maybe the argument from those who supported the break but what benefit are they bringing to the city? The project which was completed in the thick of the economic downturn has had public relation issues as well. Customer Service employees are required to re-apply for their jobs every 4-6 years. Will the casino last long enough for that to occur?

Bankruptcy, tax-breaks and Governor Christie, PERFECT TOGETHER.

 

The tale of two Republicans, Christie and Corbett

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gov.christie

image source:www.leighvalleylive.com

Approval ratings, does policy have an impact on the numbers? One would think that the voter would measure leadership by their success. Employment, taxes, the overall health of the economy, a logical scale. But the tale of New Jersey’s Governor Christie and Pennsylvania’s Governor Corbett has them on opposite ends of approval. Both have enacted similar policies that have not had the same success. Governor Corbett has slashed spending to education, Christie has slashed education. Christie has privatized the states public television which voters seemed to approve of. Corbett’s attempt at privatizing the lottery and alcohol sales as not been met with the same approval.  These are a few examples just to show their similar paths.

Governor Christie’s approval rating, a whopping 70%. Governor Corbett’s approval rating, stands at 36%

The nuts and bolts of Governor Christie’s economy, 9.6% unemployment rate, the highest it has been in 35 years. So when the governor spoke to the people of New Jersey in January (State of the State address), he mentioned unemployment and a jobs plan not once. Housing in the state has followed the same path as the nation, losing value. But as the country began to recover, New Jersey continued to decline and foreclosures have increased from last year to this year as well as 7.7% of NJ homeowners in foreclosure. The New Jersey economy is in shambles.

Governor Corbett’s economy is no economic boom but it is certainly better in regards to jobs. Unemployment in the state is 7.5% and on the decline. Corbett after slashing education has come back to add funding. Taxes, unlike New Jersey is not a burden for the Corbett Administration. Corbett has some of the same issues as Christie in regards to gun control and gay marriage, Corbett has not taken the Christie position, let the voters vote on it.

Just on unemployment and the overall health of the economy Corbett should be doing better in the polls. Christie’s  near 10% unemployment, if it was all about the economy his approval would look more like Corbett’s. Is Pennsylvania voters smarter than New Jersey’s? Well they certainly can recognize that above 7% unemployment is not a success. Which leads me to Christie’s approval rating, it has all to do with personality and nothing to do with success. New Jersey’s voters or that 70% are STOOPID (with a Jersey accent). What can possibly change the mind-set of those 70%? Maybe we should listen to the politics across the river, they seem to have more on the ball.

Conversion therapy bill advances to New Jersey Senate

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image source www.copyright-free-images.com

image source www.copyright-free-images.com

A bill that would ban therapists in New Jersey from practicing conversion therapy as a means of changing sexual orientation has advanced to the N.J. Senate. The Senate Health Committee heard testimony last week from those who have been subjected to this practice of abuse that went as far as electric shocks. The bill would entirely ban this style of therapy for those under 18 years of age. 

Reading that this primitive method still exists anywhere in the United States let alone in my backyard of New Jersey? Well there is little that can be said that others have not already said. Linking below to some valuable material on this would be the first and most important action, to help us understand that this legislation needs to be passed.

In one of the articles Mordechai Levovitz who is Co-Director of the Jewish Queer Youth stated that he was subjected to this style of therapy when six years old because of “his desire to play with dolls.”  This difficult to believe practice has been  condemned by the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association and the American Psychiatric Association. Where does Governor Chris Christie stand on this subject? His spokesman has said that he opposes it but has no position on the bill.

Related: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/03/22/chris-christie-opposes-gay-conversion-therapy-spokesman-says/

http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2013/03/editorial_gay_conversion_thera.html

http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/03/23/although-discredited-gay-conversion-therapy-remains-an-option-for-minors/

 

9.5% unemployment in New Jersey called a success?

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unemployment

image source: marketmixup.com

It must be LOVE! With the preliminary New Jersey job numbers reported today the media is calling a 9.5% unemployment rate a success. “The largest job growth in 12 years”, 66,000 plus jobs created. Measuring unemployment by the rate nationally, the media is apparently not interested in holding Governor Christie by the same standard as President Obama. Nationally the unemployment rate stands at 7.7%, so why is Christie’s 1.8% higher rate okay? This could be the question that never will be answered , unless it is asked? So to New Jersey’s media outlets and better yet to Governor Christie himself I ask, “why does N.J’s rate remain so high?” Why are you not held to the same standard as the President?  The media accounts also include the statement, “despite hurricane Sandy”, ah the excuses! Why would the media continue to give Christie a pass and make excuses for the Governor? It has got to be love, what other reasonable conclusion could you come to? What is good for the goose is good for the gander, 9.5%, 9.5%, 9.5% are more people attempting to look for work and this is why the numbers are so high? Nationally, more people are leaving the workforce is why the number is going down (according to the GOP). With this logic, New Jersey apparently has far fewer  that has stopped looking. Hypocrisy or just SPIN? I will answer my own question, spin nationally and hypocrisy in New Jersey. It is all in the numbers and New Jersey’s STINK!