Buono: ‘I don’t see Chris Christie as a victim’

Shortly after Governor Christie's press conference today, State Sen. Barbara Buono appeared on MSNBC withAndrea Mitchell reacting to what was said during the governor's press conference by talking about the “covering up” and finding it “strange” that Chris Christie didn’t know what was happening back in September, when lanes on the George Washington Bridge were closed backing up traffic into Fort Lee.

Statement from Senator Barbara Buono on New Revelations in George Washington Bridge Scandal

Former Democratic Candidate for Governor, NJ Senator Barbara Buono released the following statement on the new revelations in George Washington Bridge scandal:

"Right now, we have no idea how far this scandal goes. The Governor has created a culture where cavalierly endangering citizens' lives to exact political retribution is an acceptable form of governance. It's beneath the dignity of his office and a breach of New Jerseyans' trust.

"Everyone who had knowledge of the closing should be terminated immediately and the Department of Justice should conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether other towns in New Jersey suffered because the Governor wanted to get revenge."

An Important Lesson To Be Learned: Shore Area Democrats Didn't Need To Compromise Beliefs or Principles To Get Elected

It’s been a week since Election Day has come and gone, and while looking over some of the results the other day I stumbled across an interesting tidbit that was intriguing to me. After opting to endorse Governor Christie and the Republican Freeholder ticket rather than support Barbara Buono and the Monmouth County Democratic candidates, the Spring Lake Democrats took a huge beating last Tuesday at the polls.

The Spring Lake Democrats endorse the opposing party's candidates for Governor and Freeholder because they believed it was going to help their local candidates win (at least that’s what they told the Monmouth County Democrats). Interesting enough though, the 3 towns neighboring Spring Lake - Manasquan, Belmar and Spring Lake Heights all elected Democrats locally even though Governor Christie won their towns by the same margin that he won Spring Lake.

Manasquan, Belmar and Spring Lake Heights all supported the Monmouth County Democratic ticket, they chose not to compromise their beliefs or principles and were still able to win. They worked with the opposing party when they had to and didn't cut a political deals with Republicans to benefit themselves. They knew they were doing what was right for their constituents and recognized that they had more in common with their party's platform than the opposing party's.

There is an important  lesson  to be learned here; you can stick to your principles, be bipartisan, work on legislation that is important and beneficial to all without compromising your beliefs or getting in bed with the opposition by cutting deals to help your own electoral prospects.

Spring Lake took the opposite path from Manasquan, Belmar and Spring Lake Heights and voters saw through it.

CHRISTIE'S INFLUENCE ONLY SKIN DEEP

From NJ State Democratic Committee:

Democrats Boast Local, Legislative Victories

(Trenton) – Tonight, New Jersey Democrats will maintain majorities in both the State Senate and State Assembly, and may actually strengthen our legislative hand, demonstrating that voter's fondness for Chris Christie's brash persona only runs skin deep, the party's top official declared.

"Democrats are proud of the trust that New Jersey voters put in our party, and we remain dedicated to tackling the challenges facing middle-class families. The fondness that New Jerseyans have for Mr. Christie's bluster, while it defies logic, only runs skin deep. Christie could not break the bond voters have with their Democratic leaders, from legislative districts to freeholder boards. We knew Chris Christie would go to any extreme to avoid accountability and to promote his brand, but it is surprising how incapable he is of helping anyone else -- not just middle-class New Jerseyans, but even members of his own party," said John Currie, Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.

Christie has compiled an economic record that would make Herbert Hoover blush, with 400,000 of the state's residents unemployed, lackluster job creation, and property tax burdens that have risen by nearly 20 percent. And, just today on national cable television, Christie embraced his true conservatism, validating the argument made by Senator Barbara Buono and others that we can expect even more of his damaging policies in another term.

In addition, after Christie wasted $12 million in taxpayer funds on suppressing turnout, unnecessarily scheduling a separate election to fill the U.S. Senate seat now held by Cory Booker, Democrats were compelled to mobilize voters twice within a month's time.

Despite Christie's inflated poll numbers, Democratic candidates overcame these challenges at the county and local levels, highlighting their commitment to real property tax relief, to restoring access to women's health care services, and to protecting our neighborhoods from the threats posed by dangerous firearms. Meanwhile, county party organizations and local campaigns ran strong door-to-door outreach efforts that successfully targeted extremist elements in the Republican ranks for defeat, and captured majorities on legislative bodies, flipping control from Republican to Democratic hands.

On Eve Of Election, Buono Campaign Releases New Web Video: "Barbara Buono"

On the eve of Election Day, the Buono for Governor campaign has released a short documentary, "Barbara Buono," which outlines how Senator Buono’s biography influences her fight for middle- and working-class New Jerseyans.

In addition to footage of Buono, the web video features exclusive interviews with those who know her best, including her husband Martin, her daughter Tessa, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., State Senator Loretta Weinberg and small businessman Francis Schott.

If you haven't familiarized yourself with Senator Buono by now, it's not too late to do so.

Well Said Mr. Braun, I'm Voting For Barbara Buono Too!

Yesterday on his blog, former Newark Star-Ledger columnist Bob Braun, who I must say is probably one of the best writers, if not the best writer in New Jersey, wrote a piece stating why he will be voting for Barbara Buono tomorrow.  His reasoning is sound, heartfelt and full of anguish and frustration at establishment Democrats that have stabbed her in the back and abandoned her campaign early on (and during) to unseat Chris Christie as Governor.  These cowardly Democrats,  who thought that they could possibly ride the coattails of Christie's coarse and crude arrogance to an easy reelection this year may instead my be victims of their idiocy. If Christie's coattails are long enough to carry anyone into office behind him, it will be his fellow Republicans that will be taking the ride, not Democratic incumbents. 

It's really a shame, Chris Christie's record is not stellar and leaves much to be desired. If these turncoats would have rallied around and behind Barbara Buono's campaign for Governor from the beginning, Christie wouldn't be sitting with a 20 point lead in the polls with his eyes looking toward 2016. Instead, he'd be on the verge of defeat and looking for a job.

For the same reasons that Bob Braun outline on his blog post (reprinted below) and a number of other reasons of my own, I'm not embarrassed at all  to say that I am voting for Barbara Buono tomorrow too! 

You know what, punk? I’m tired of you, too. I’m voting for Buono.

by Bob Braun

I am voting for Barbara Buono to take New Jersey back from the “bipartisan,” billionaire-funded coalition of bullies, punks and cowardly sycophants who are using the state as a testing ground for a future national assault on the welfare of the poor, working people, and the middle class. That makes voting for Buono Tuesday an essential act of patriotism.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because she acts with dignity and treats people with respect. Frankly, without those qualifications, I don’t care much about the rest. Despite the snarkiness of main stream media and stand-up comics—including those holding public office—I am tired of depictions of Jersey residents as crude, coarse, and stupid—depictions confirmed by a governor who is crude, coarse, and stupid. Or thinks he can gain votes and national attention by acting that way.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because she acted with courage and poise when other Democrats either ran from the Bully-in-Chief out of fear or sucked up to him for what they could gain. She was repeatedly stabbed in the back by party colleagues who care more about their own insignificant futures—where do you think you are going in Christieland, Joe D?—than they do about the future of the state and the nation. I am tired of Democrats who behave like obsequious little fawns whenever the Big Boy is in town.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because she respects those who believe in the life of the mind. Every governor in the past—Republican and Democrat—has supported the efforts of public school teachers to educate our children. But, now, teachers have been bullied, verbally abused, mocked and ridiculed by a man who is a poster boy for how not to behave. Buono sponsored New Jersey’s anti-bullying law—and, now, for all of us, she is the anti-bully.

Cause I gotta tell you–you know what, punk? I’m tired of you, too.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because, if she is governor, collective bargaining will continue to be the way in which disputes are resolved. Because, if she is governor, millions of dollars won’t be spent on religious voucher schools. Because, if she is governor, the headlong rush into charter schools will be stopped so that our neediest children are not warehoused and segregated in the least-supported schools.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because the residents of New Jersey need an independent state supreme court. Have you forgotten Christie removed the only African-American from the court? Have you forgotten he has promised to shape the court in his own image as if he were some sort of Old Testament godhead whose wisdom surpasses those of all others?

I am voting for Barbara Buono because she supports what I—and most Democrats– believe in:

Support for public schools. Fair housing policies that will begin to end the disgrace of racial isolation and segregation throughout New Jersey. A minimum wage. Fair taxes that lower the property tax burden and increase taxes for millionaires. Independence and academic integrity for Rutgers University. Good health care. Pre-school. Women’s rights. Human rights. Strong unions to protect wage earners against the depredations of corporations that already have extraordinary protections. Concern for the environment.

I am voting for Barbara Buono because I know she wants to be governor and only governor. She is not using this position to become president. I fear for my country to think Chris Christie will be catapulted to national prominence by the results Tuesday. I genuinely believe he will use the instruments of government—as he did when he was US Attorney—to move against his political enemies. The Koch brothers want to change our country in frightening ways and, as David Koch said, “Chris Christie is our kind of guy.”

I am voting for Barbara Buono.

Buono Campaign Unveils New Web Video to Encourage New Jerseyans to Get Out the Vote

For Immediate Release
BuonoForGovernor.com


New Brunswick, NJ - The Buono for Governor campaign today released a new web video, "You Know What To Do: Vote!" to rally supporters to cast their ballots for Buono-Silva on Election Day. The web video features testimonials from Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, Senator Cory Booker, Actress Kerry Washington and everyday New Jerseyans outlining why Barbara Buono is the best choice to move New Jersey forward.




What do Kerry Washington, Senator Cory Booker and Governor Martin O'Malley have in common? They all want you to #VoteBuono on Tuesday, November 5th (that's tomorrow!).

Here's What An Endorsement Should Look Like: NJ Newsroom Endorses Buono For Governor

Here is what a well reasoned and thought out endorsement should look and sound like.There's nothing back-handed, convoluted or contradictory about it! If you're sitting on the fence trying to decide whether to vote or not or for whom to vote for, this is an endorsement that you should read before voting on November 5th, this Tuesday.

After polling its writers, the internet based New Jersey Newsroom issued it's endorsement of State Senator Barbara Buono over Chris Christie for NJ Governor on Friday.

From New Jersey Newroom:

At a time when New Jersey has been unable to deal effectively with major issues, NewJerseyNewsroom.com urges a vote for a better future with Barbara Buono.

Our contributors decide collectively whether to make political endorsements, and those have been few, far between and far from unanimous. This year,there is a significant margain, with 64 percent for Buono, 32 percent for incumbent Chris Christie and 4 percent for Libertarian Kenneth Kaplan.

On jobs, property taxes, transportation, women’s health, education, rebuilding from Hurricane Sandy and preparing for future disasters, Buono recognizes the challenges, understands the concerns of average citizens and is ready to go to work.

We are encouraged by Buono’s emphasis on stimulating the economy, helping people keep their homes, speeding reconstruction and restoring and expanding transportation infrastructure. As a small business, we are hopeful that she will follow through with tax and fiscal policies that focus on the real job creators.

New Jersey continues to have the highest property taxes in the nation, and that burden is rising rapidly. Despite the incumbent’s good intentions, the so-called 2 percent cap on municipal and school tax-supported spending is full of holes.

And while local governments may need tough love to cut costs, Christie has burdened them with his own budgeting problems. In particular, his cutback of homestead rebates directly increased our property tax burden.

Buono is smart enough to recognize the importance of bringing property taxes under control, and refreshingly frank enough to tell voters that it will be a gradual process. We are ready to see her start.

Anyone without an ax to grind on education policy agrees that early childhood education is key to student achievement, and Buono favors more. She can also understand data well enough to know that when the state school aid formula has been fully funded, districts like Newark showed noticeable improvement.

We are concerned, though, that like other Democrats, Buono expects to pay for everything with higher marginal tax rates on income over $1 million. The “millionaires tax” would bring in the revenue Christie’s budgets always lack, but that would only go so far. The state still needs to get its fiscal house in order.

Even some of us who do not support Christie have found him entertaining, and at times useful. But most are disappointed that his accomplishments have not matched his rhetoric.

In particular, the last four years have been a gubernatorial “lost term” for jobs and the economy in New Jersey. Our unemployment rate is eighth worst among the 50 states, tied with Tennessee and Mississippi.

Since January 2009, when Christie took office. New Jersey has added 9,000 employed people, and 54,000 unemployed. The Governor’s “job creation” ranks 44th in the country.

Average home prices are down 6.7 percent, although property taxes continue their sharp rise. Mortgage delinquencies are up, but Christie waylaid federal aid intended to help people keep their homes.

Residents of storm-devastated communities served as useful props for Christie and other politicians. Since then, his Administration has taken some helpful measures, such as pushing for protective dunes and bit of state money on top of federal aid, such as $17.3 million in loans and incentives last week for affordable housing in areas blasted by Sandy.

But a Monmouth University poll found 75 percent of those hard-hit by Sandy feel they have been largely forgotten. Only 25 percent believe the state’s efforts are focused on helping them.

While climate change remains “esoteric” to the Governor, its impacts on New Jersey are not. While he is off running for president, our state may well be weaker than the next storm.

Christie did succeed brilliantly in getting legislative Democrats to role back overly generous public pensions, which needed to be done, while demonizing police officers and teachers, which was juvenile.

Christie signaled Wall Street to pay no attention to the “reform” part of his “education reform” by appointing Christopher Cerf as education commissioner. The new appointee could then approve the changes to Newark schools proposed in a secret report by a firm run from his home. That was an actual conflict of interest, not just a perceived one.

We understand why poorly served communities look to charter schools as a possible alternative. But we are skeptical of the funds being funneled to a closed-door network of interconnected back-room firms. Real educational reforms would differ from political “Education Reform,” the Tammany Hall of Consultants.

Buono’s choice for lieutenant governor, Milly Silva does lack experience as a politician. More worrisome to bosses of both parties, as a leader of the Service Employees International Union, she is a throwback to the days when the Democratic Party represented working people instead of investment banks and hedge funds.

The point may be moot, though, for the current occupant of the office’s lone accomplishment is demonstrating that New Jersey could cut its budget harmlessly by eliminating the Office of Lieutenant Governor.

Increasingly, Chris Christie is restless in Trenton. He prefers hobnobbing with celebrities and glad-handing Republican voters in other states. So let’s give him what he wants, and give New Jersey what it needs, a new direction with Barbara Buono.

****************
NewJerseyNewsroom.com is a cooperative newsroom of more than 200 independent journalists and contributors. It was formed in 2008 when the state’s traditional media starting reducing the size of their staffs

Statewide Law Enforcement Union Endorses Gubernatorial Democratic Candidate Barbara Buono

TRENTON, NJ (October 18, 2013) –The New Jersey Superior Officers Association (NJSOA) announced today that it was making a public endorsement of gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono in her bid to become Governor of New Jersey.

The New Jersey Superior Officers Association is the employee bargaining unit collectively representing hundreds of supervisory law enforcement personnel holding the rank of Lieutenant, and employed by the State of New Jersey.

The NJSOA was one of very few public labor unions that endorsed Chris Christie during his first run for the Governor’s seat. However, the NJSOA cited Governor Christie’s attack on public worker pensions and Civil Service protections as the main reasons that they want to see him replaced by Senator Buono.

NJSOA President Jeffrey Smith stated, “Governor Christie has publicly vilified the hard-working staff that serve and protect New Jersey’s citizens on a daily basis. He has blamed us for the State’s mismanagement of pension funds, and now he is attacking our Civil Service Protections.”

NJSOA PAC Committee Chairman Edward Sullivan stated that “Our endorsement for Senator Buono reflects our membership’s frustration with Governor Christie’s lack of communication with State workers.”

President Smith went on to say “We feel that Barbara Buono can bring about positive change for poor and working class citizens of New Jersey. New Jersey doesn’t need more rhetoric and late-night television appearances. We need a Governor that will work to create jobs, and to reduce the tax burden on poor and working class families.

For more information, or to contact Jeffrey Smith, visit our web site www.njsoa.org

Buono on The Ed Show: Christie has Failed to Move NJ Economy Forward

Yesterday on MSNBC's The Ed Show, Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Barbara Buono called out Governor Christie for his abysmal economic record. The Governor's trickle-down economic policies have protected the wealthy at the expense of the middle class as 400,000 New Jerseyans are out of work, the poverty rate is at a 52-year high and middle class families are struggling to make ends meet. As Senator Buono highlighted, New Jersey is lagging behind the region and the nation in job creation.

Governor Christie has had four years to revitalize New Jersey's economy -- and it's clear he has failed. It's time to turn the page on Governor Christie's ineffective economic agenda.

Buono Campaign: Christie Can't Hide His Failed Economic Record

For Immediate Release:

The Buono for Governor campaign released the following statement in response to the Christie campaign's latest ad:

"The Christie campaign's attempts to prop up his failed economic record ring hollow among the 400,000 people looking for work, the middle class families burdened by his 20 percent property tax increase and the students dealing with the devastating consequences of his $1 billion cut to education. 

"New Jerseyans are tired of his excuses and want a vision for a New Jersey that lifts up everyone rather than favoring millionaires and corporations."

- David Turner, a spokesman for the campaign

BACKGROUND

CHRISTIE'S NEW JERSEY COMEBACK NEVER HAPPENED

Star-Ledger Editorial: "Compared With The Rest Of The Country — Even The Rest Of Our Region — We Haven't Restored Nearly As Many Jobs Lost During The Start Of The Recession. Which Makes Gov. Chris Christie's Gloating Lately About The Jobs He's Created That Much More Insufferable." [Editorial, Star-Ledger, 4/7/13]

Asbury Park Press Editorial: "The Jersey Economic Comeback? Never Happened." [Editorial, Asbury Park Press, 8/19/13]

Bloomberg On Christie's Economic Record: "So Compared To The Country As A Whole, New Jersey Has Faltered Since Christie Took Office." [Bloomberg, 8/15/13]

CNBC: Christie Would Be "Unlikely To Point To New Jersey's Standing In Our America's Top States For Business Rankings. It Has Declined Since He Took Office In 2010" Falling From 30^th To 42^nd In 2013. "But he is unlikely to point to New Jersey's standing in our America's Top States for Business rankings. It has declined since he took office in 2010. That year and in 2011, New Jersey finished 30th overall. In 2012, the state plunged to 41st. For 2013, it drops another spot to 42nd." [CNBC, 7/13/13]

THE FACTS – HIGHEST UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE REGION, BOTTOM OF THE BARREL IN JOB CREATION, AND AT THE END OF THE DAY 400,000 NEW JERSEYANS ARE LOOKING FOR WORK

New Jersey's Unemployment Rate Of 8.5% Was The Highest Among Its Neighbors By Nearly Half A Point. In August 2013, New Jersey's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.5%. New York's was 7.6%, Pennsylvania's rate was 7.7%, Delaware's was 7.3%, Maryland's unemployment rates was 7.0% and Connecticut's was 8.1%. [BLS.gov, Accessed 9/20/13]

·     From January 2010 To August 2013, New Jersey's Unemployment Rate Dropped A Point, From 9.7% To 8.5%, While The National Unemployment Rate Dropped 2 Points, From 9.8% To 7.3%. [BLS.gov, Accessed 9/20/13]

August 2013: 391,667 New Jerseyans Are Out Of Work And Looking. [BLS.gov, Accessed 9/20/13]

August 2013: New Jersey Had Only Recovered 49% Of Jobs Lost During The Great Recession, While New York Recovered 126% And Pennsylvania 78%, And The Nation 78%. New Jersey's peak total non-farm seasonally adjusted employment came in January 2008, at 4,092,200. The low point came in September 2010 at 3,969,800 and August 2013, New Jersey stood at 3,958,700. New Jersey had only regained 49% of jobs lost. New York regained 126%, Pennsylvania 78% and nationally 78%. [BLS.gov, Accessed 9/20/13]

August 2013: New Jersey Ranked 44^th In Job Creation Under Christie, And Lagged Behind New York (23^th), Delaware (39th), Connecticut (38th), Maryland (24th) And Pennsylvania (42nd).  New Jersey's total non-farm employment grew from 3,805,700 to 3,958,700 from January 2010 to August 2013. The numbers were seasonally adjusted. New Jersey's growth rate was 2.81%, lower than Pennsylvania at 3.40%, Connecticut at 3.80%, Delaware at 3.79%, Maryland was 4.70% and New York at 4.77%.  [BLS.gov, Accessed 9/20/13]

New Jersey Poverty Rate Reached A 52-Year High In 2011. Poverty in New Jersey continued to grow even as the national recession lifted, reaching a 52-year high in 2011, according to a report released today. The annual survey by Legal Services of New Jersey found 24.7 percent of the state's population — 2.1 million residents — was considered poor in 2011. That's a jump of more than 80,000 people — nearly 1 percent higher than the previous year and 3.8 percent more than pre-recession levels…. The report — the seventh issued by Legal Services — defines being poor in New Jersey as a family of three making less than $37,060. That's twice the federal poverty rate because New Jersey's cost of living is among the highest in the nation." [Star-Ledger, 9/8/13]

2009 CANDIDATE CHRISTIE WOULD HAVE RUN AGAINST 2013 GOVERNOR CHRISTIE'S RECORD

2009 Christie: New Jersey Suffered From The Highest Unemployment Rate In 33 Years, The Highest Tax Burden, The Highest Property Taxes, Going Up $1k On Average, And Needed A New Governor. "9.7% unemployment, the highest in New Jersey in 33 years, and the worst in the region. The highest tax burden in America on each and every New Jersey citizen. The highest property taxes in America, going up as much as $1,000 on average per household in the last four years. 200,000 jobs now nearly lost, nearly 200,000 just this year. New Jersey is in crisis, we are in crisis because we're taxed too much. Because we spend too much, and because we borrow too much. But you know, hope can be real again in New Jersey if we have a Governor that will come in and make the tough choices to cut spending. Hope can be real again if we cut income taxes across the board and cut business taxes." [Christie, New Jersey Gubernatorial Debate, 10/1/09 (video available)]

2009: Christie Pointed Out New Jersey's Unemployment Rate Was "At Least 0.7 Of A Percentage Point Or Higher Than New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware And Connecticut." "Christie calls Corzine's policies a "failure," and points to the unemployment rate as proof. He noted that in August, New Jersey's unemployment rate was at least 0.7 of a percentage point or higher than New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Connecticut." [Herald News, 10/18/09]

2009: Christie Criticized Corzine For Running Attack Ads While The State Was "Facing The Worst Unemployment Rate In The Region." "Calling Tuesday accountability day, Christie criticized Corzine for spending $25 million on negative, attack ads at a time when the state has the highest property taxes in the nation and is facing the worst unemployment rate in the region. Christie said Corzine represents higher taxes, more spending and more government programs." [Eastern Express Times, 10/31/09]

CHRISTIE'S CLAIMS TO CONTROLLING PROPERTY TAXES OMITS HIS CUTS TO PROPERTY TAX RELIEF THAT RESULTED IN 20% HIGHER TAXES FOR THE AVERAGE NEW JERSEY RESIDENT

Philadelphia Inquirer: Christie's First Ad Touted "No New Taxes For Anyone" But Christie "Christie Cut Into Tax Credit Programs, Which Effectively Raised Taxes On Some." "Viewers will see the phrase 'no new taxes for anyone.' But, to balance budgets, Christie cut into tax credit programs, which effectively raised taxes on some." [Philadelphia Inquirer, 5/2/13]

Gloucester County Times Editorial: "Christie's Flat Out Wrong When He Tells You That He's Not Raising People's Taxes" And He Should Be "Taken To Task If The Full Rebate Cuts Stick And He Tries To Keep Wearing That 'I Didn't Raise Taxes' Halo." "Though we're with him on most of the cuts, Christie's flat out wrong when he tells you that he's not raising people's taxes. Even if municipalities and school districts don't raise property taxes by a single penny, the planned suspension of state-funded rebates until at least April 2011 blows a hole in the wallets of middle-class households and senior citizens…But when Christie wants to effectively take $800 to $1,200 in rebates from so many households, with no guarantee that the funding will return, he has no right to say 'we are certainly not increasing the tax burden we place upon our people ... .' That's simply not true. Christie should be taken to task if the full rebate cuts stick and he tries to keep wearing that 'I didn't raise taxes' halo." [Editorial, Gloucester County Times, 3/17/2010]

5/13/13: Columnist Moran Headline: "Christie Fires Blanks At Study On Rising Property Taxes." [Columnist Tom Moran, Star-Ledger, 5/13/13]

Columnist Tom Moran: Christie, "Faced With A Compelling Study Showing That The Property Tax Burden On Average Homeowners" Rose Nearly 20 Percent "Gov. Chris Christie Lashed At The Author Of The Study While Failing Utterly To Refute The Findings." "There he goes again. Faced with a compelling study showing that the property tax burden on average homeowners in New Jersey has risen by 18 percent since he took office, Gov. Chris Christie lashed at the author of the study while failing utterly to refute the findings. The report on NJ Spotlight, written by Mark Magyar, considered the impact of the governor's decision to reduce rebate payments by billions of dollars. The governor promised during the campaign that he would restore the rebates, but once in office, did exactly the opposite. So even though property taxes are rising more slowly, the burden has grown because the rebates have been scaled back so sharply." [Columnist Tom Moran, Star-Ledger, 5/13/13]

Christie's Record Property Taxes Rose 18.6 Percent In His First Three Years, Compared To Just 6 Percent In Corzine's Last Three Years. "Net property taxes in New Jersey rose 18.6 percent in Gov. Chris Christie's first three years in office, compared to just 6 percent in Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine's last three years in office, a New Jersey Spotlight analysis shows.." [NJ Spotlight, 5/6/13]

·     5/12/13: Star-Ledger Editorial Headline: "Christie's Bogus Spin On Property Taxes." [Editorial, Star-Ledger, 5/12/13]

CHRISTIE CUT NEARLY $1 BILLION FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS, THE LARGEST PER PUPIL SPENDING CUT IN THE NATION – WHICH NJ SCHOOLS STILL HAVE NOT RECOVERED FROM

Christie's $820 Million In Education Budget Resulted In 81 Percent Of Districts Planning On Cutting Staff, And Of Those 42 Percent Saying They Expected Class Size To Rise As A Result. "The school's dilemma marks a statewide trend as districts say aid cuts have meant staff reductions that in turn have led to larger class sizes. A survey by the New Jersey School Boards Association last summer, conducted after Gov. Chris Christie slashed school aid by $820 million, found 81 percent of responding districts said they intended to reduce teaching staff. Of those, 42 percent expected class size to rise as a result. … With a 2 percent cap on property tax increases coming next year, class size may increase further, West Orange School Superintendent Anthony Cavanna said."  [Star Ledger, 11/28/10]

·     Christie's FY11 Education Cuts Were The "Largest Yearly Decline Of Any State" Of Public Per Pupil Spending. "Per pupil spending for public elementary and secondary education fell in fiscal year 2011 – the first ever recorded annual decline, according to Census Bureau data released today. In all, the 50 states and the District of Columbia spent $10,560 per student, with more than three-quarters funding salaries and employee benefits. The decline represents only a 0.4 percent reduction from 2010, but it's the first year-over-year decrease since the federal government began recording data in 1977. Public spending fell by $873 per pupil in New Jersey, the largest yearly decline of any state, followed by Illinois (-$860) and Maine (-$820). A total of 21 states reported spending drops from 2010." [Governing.com, 5/21/13]

NJ Spotlight: Schools "Actually Received More In Overall Aid" In Fiscal Year 2010, And Now "Districts Are Getting Close To Returning To Those 2010 Totals Under Christie's Latest Budget, But The Financial Wounds Were Deep" And "Few Would Say They Have Healed." "It's not easy to tell whether this is the most generous education budget in history or one of the most egregious, given the rhetoric coming from both sides in the debate. Actually there is a bit of truth in each. The governor is in full reelection mode, pitching the state's investment in school aid as the highest ever. And strictly by the numbers, the amount is indeed the most the state has directly paid. But that's hardly the full picture. In fiscal 2010, schools actually received more in overall aid, helped by an additional $1 billion in federal stimulus money. The year after, without that help, Christie made deep aid cuts to schools, leading to unprecedented layoffs and decimated programs. Three years later, districts are getting close to returning to those 2010 totals under Christie's latest budget, but the financial wounds were deep and with a 2 percent tax cap in place since then, few would say they have healed." [NJ Spotlight, 4/09/13]

The FY14 Budget Would Leave 477 Schools, Or Just Over 80% Of Schools With Less State Aid Then They Received The Year Before Governor Christie Took Office. "The vast majority of NJ school districts have yet to recover from Governor Christie's $1.1 billion cut in state aid in his FY11 budget.  A new analysis by ELC shows that, even with the Governor's slight aid increase proposed for the FY14 State Budget, 477 districts will remain below the level of state aid they received the year before the Governor took office. In the 2010-11 school year, Governor Christie cut state aid to districts in an amount equal to 5% of their total operating budgets." The New Jersey Department of Education said there were 590 school districts in New Jersey. [Education Law Center, 4/4/13; New Jersey DOE, Accessed 9/2/13]

CHRISTIE'S CLAIMED HE BALANCED FOUR BUDGETS, WHICH WAS CONSTITUTIONALLY REQUIRED

PolitiFact: "New Jersey's Constitution Requires A Balanced Budget Every Year." [PolitiFact, 8/28/12]

Wall Street Journal Political Diary: "For Instance, Mr. Christie's First Large Ad Buy Touts The Four Balanced Budgets He's Signed, As If The State Constitution Didn't Require A Balanced Budget…" [Political Diary, Wall Street Journal, 5/7/13]

PolitickerNJ: Christie Claimed Four Balanced Budgets During His Term But "By Law The State's Budget Must Be Balanced, So Christie Has Not Had A Choice." "The release also links to articles refuting the governor's claims that he has presented four balanced budgets during his term.  By law the state's budget must be balanced, so Christie has not had a choice." [PolitickerNJ, 5/1/13]

New Buono Campaign Ad: He Wants To Be President, She Wants To Be Your Governor

If you haven't seen it yet, the Buono campaign released their first TV commercial the other day for the general election. It's entitled "Your Governor". The ad talks about what we already know.

Chris Christie isn't running for Governor, he is auditioning for the 2016 presidential primary. He would rather focus on pushing his radical agenda than focus on fixing the problems facing our state.

Check it out.

Senator Buono on The Curtis Sliwa Show

Curtis Sliwa interviewed NJ Gubernatorial candidiate Senator Barbara Buono yesterday on his radio program. It was a surprisingly good interview from Sliwa who sometimes gets a little too wrapped up in his own Guardian Angles persona to conduct an informative and unbiased interview. This time however, Sliwa who sounds as if he is not a very big Chris Christie fan, allows Senator Buono to tell her story and take a few shots at the governor.  It's worth listening to

Buono Statement on the Passing of Cory Booker's Father

New Brunswick, NJ - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono released the following statement after the passing of U.S. Senate candidate and Newark Mayor Cory Booker’s father, Cary:

“I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to Mayor Cory Booker upon hearing of his father’s passing.

“Mayor Booker’s father, Cary Booker, was a civil rights activist who accomplished much not only for himself but on behalf of the African-American community.

“Cory never hesitated to give his father credit for his ability to become the great public servant he is today. It is clear that his dad had a significant impact on his life, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

Booker's Father Passes Away

My condolences go out to Newark Mayor and Democratic U.S. Senate Candidate Cory Booker and his family. Earlier today Booker’s father died.

Booker was to be in Red Bank today along with gubernatorial candidate Senator Barbara Buono and her running mate Milly Silva, attending today's Monmouth County Democrats GOTV rally at the Bates Elks Lodge #220 on Shrewsbury Avenue.

According to PolitickerNJ, Booker’s father, Cary Booker, had recently suffered a stroke. Cary Booker was 76 years old.

There's No Debating The Obvious

by Josh Levitt
Buono for Governor



At tonight's debate, Governor Christie will attempt to do the impossible: defend his failed economic record. No matter how Governor Christie tries to duck and dodge away from his record, he cannot hide from the facts. It's clear that Governor Christie's ineffective trickle-down economic policies have decimated New Jersey's economy, leaving the middle class and working poor without quality opportunities and struggling to make ends meet.

The economic figures paint the sorry picture of New Jersey's economy under Chris Christie. Over the past four years, New Jersey has one of the worst rates of job creation of any state in the country. With 400,000 residents out of work, New Jersey's unemployment rate currently sits more than a point above the national average and is one of the highest in the region. In the past two months alone, New Jersey lost a staggering 12,000 jobs.

Instead of building an economy that works for all New Jerseyans, this Governor has prioritized millionaires and big corporations over workers and families. Governor Christie has staunchly protected millionaires from paying their fair share, all while raising taxes on low-income New Jerseyans by slashing the Earned Income Tax Credit and vetoing an increase of the minimum wage. It's no surprise that the poverty rate in New Jersey recently reached a 52-year high.

To top it off, New Jerseyans have been crushed by skyrocketing property tax rates during Christie's time in office. On average, property tax rates have increased by 20 percent over the past four years as Governor Christie has cut essential relief programs and diverted revenue away from municipalities.

With a record like that, there is no debating the obvious: Governor Christie's economic policies have failed New Jersey.

Monmouth Dems Host Rally for Booker and Buono in Red Bank

For those interested, the Monmouth County Democratic Organization will host a rally featuring Newark Mayor Cory Booker (Democratic Nominee for US Senate) and State Senator Barbara Buono (Democratic Nominee for Governor) on Thursday October 10th at the Red Bank Bates Elks Lodge #220, 306 Shrewsbury Avenue in Red Bank.

Other confirmed speakers include Democratic Nominee for Lt. Governor Milly Silva and State Democratic Party Chairman John Currie along with our Democratic Party candidates for local, county and state offices.

The rally will begin at 4:30pm.

Press may RSVP by e-mailing us at monmouthdemocrats@gmail.com or call (732) 739-8888.

Buono Talks Education Platform

On Sunday, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono was a guest on Larry Kane's Voice of Reason, where she highlighted her proposals to improve New Jersey's education system. As Governor, Senator Buono will take essential steps to ensure all students have access to a quality education and close the achievement gap. The Buono Education Plan calls for fully funding public schools in accordance with the law, expanding quality pre-school and early education programs and restoring funding for before- and after-school programs.

Buono Campaign: Christie Out-of-Touch with New Jersey Values

New Brunswick, NJ - Buono for Governor Communications Director David Turner released the following statement in response to Governor Christie's new television advertisement: "On any number of issues important to New Jerseyans, Governor Christie has been out of step with the majority of the state. From opposing a woman's right to choose to vetoing marriage equality to siding with the gun lobby, Chris Christie has consistently taken right-wing positions that put his presidential prospects ahead of what's right for New Jersey." CHRISTIE'S BIPARTISANSHIP IS MORE ABOUT STYLE THAN SUBSTANCE John Nichols Of The Nation: Christie's "Bipartisan" Effort Were Often Gestures "About Style, Not Policy," And Contradicted By His Claim As A "Damn Good Republican And Good Conservative Republican." "WHEN Governor Christie was asked in mid-May about his political bona fides, he replied, 'I'm a damn good Republican and a good conservative Republican.' Believe what he says — especially the 'conservative' part. Sure, Christie goes out of his way to say nice things about President Obama, who worked closely with the governor to provide immediate and essential support to New Jersey communities battered by superstorm Sandy. And yes, Christie's been willing to call out some of the most absurd excesses of his fellow Republicans. But these gestures are about style, not policy. The first-term governor has been meticulous about positioning his fall reelection campaign as a "bipartisan" effort.." [Op-Ed John Nichols, Bergen Record, 5/20/13] CHRISTIE ADMINISTRATION HAS REPEATEDLY BLOCKED IMPLEMENTATION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE DESPITE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT, AND EVEN PRESSURED MEMBERS OF HIS OWN PARTY TO REJECT Bergen Record Editorial: "From Maine To The District Of Columbia, New Jersey Is The Only Northeast Coastal State Refusing To Recognize Marriage Equality." [Editorial, Bergen Record, 5/9/13] 2/18/13: Christie Vetoed Same-Sex Marriage Legislation Six Hours After Passage. "Gov. Chris Christie Friday made good on his vow to swiftly veto a gay marriage bill that passed the Legislature this week, saying he'd only agree to a measure that would strengthen New Jersey's civil union law. Christie, a Republican, issued his conditional veto of the bill (S1) six hours after it reached his desk, and a day after the Assembly gave it final legislative approval. In a six-page statement, Christie said there is no fundamental constitutional right to same-sex marriage, but gay couples in New Jersey have all the rights and benefits of married couples through civil unions." [Star Ledger, 2/18/12] Christie's Administration Filed A Brief Defending State's Civil Union Act Called "The Most Incoherent Defense Of Heterosexual Supremacy Yet." "New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's administration filed a brief last week defending the state's 2006 Civil Union Act, which grants gay couples all the benefits of marriage yet bars them from actually getting married. The brief is Christie's first official legal statement on same-sex marriage. Given his apparent aspiration to be the next Republican nominee for president, it is especially too bad that the brief also may be the most incoherent defense of heterosexual supremacy yet." [Slate, 8/5/13] New York Times: Republicans Confessed They Fear Overriding On Marriage Equality. "Democrats need three more votes to override Mr. Christie's veto, which means they need cooperation from Republican lawmakers. But several Republicans have said privately that while they support same-sex marriage, they fear voting against the governor, who is famous for enforcing party discipline." [New York Times, 7/2/13] CHRISTIE VETOED VIOLENCE PREVENTION LEGISLATION THAT HAD WIDE SUPPORT IN NEW JERSEY AFTER BEING LOBBIED BY A NEW HAMPSHIRE PRO-GUN GROUP Star-Ledger Headline: "Poll: 3 Gun Bills Vetoed By Christie Have Wide Support In N.J." "New Jersey residents overwhelmingly support three gun control bills that Gov. Chris Christie last month either vetoed or refused to sign without significant changes, according to a new poll. The Rutgers-Eagleton poll of 925 New Jerseyans found that 65 percent either "strongly support" or "somewhat support" a bill to ban the .50 caliber Barrett rifle – which Christie proposed in April but vetoed when the Legislature sent a version to his desk. Support for the two bills Christie conditionally vetoed – meaning he recommended changes and sent them back to the Legislature – is stronger. Eighty-two percent support Senate President Stephen Sweeney's (D-Gloucester) "centerpiece" bill that would encode firearms purchase permits either on driver's licenses or a separate photo ID card, require gun buyers complete safety training to buy a firearm and expand background checks. Christie gutted that bill, removing its biggest provisions, and Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said Wednesday that he did not plan to concur with Christie's veto. Eighty-five percent said they support another bill Christie conditionally vetoed that would require the state report information on lost, stolen and lost and discarded guns to federal databases (A3797). [Star-Ledger, 9/19/13] Asbury Park Press Editorial: Christie Vetoed Three Gun Control Pieces After Being Lobbied By Gun-Rights Group In NH Against New Laws, And A Former NJ Republican Governor Who Were Supportive, "Demonstrating Once Again He Is More Interested In Angling For The 2016 Republican Nomination For President Than In Keeping The Residents Of New Jersey Safe." "On Friday, Gov. Chris Christie vetoed three of four pieces of gun control legislation, demonstrating once again he is more interested in angling for the 2016 Republican nomination for president than in keeping the residents of New Jersey safe, including those in the capital. The vetoes came after a gun-rights group in the presidential primary state of New Hampshire had warned Christie that signing the bills passed by the New Jersey Legislature could have negative consequences if he runs for president in 2016. At the same time, Christie ignored the advice of two former Republican New Jersey governors to sign all four gun bills. His vetoes and the stated reasons behind them are based on faulty reasoning and the hope that the right wing of the Republican Party will accept his prior apostasy on guns." [Editorial, Asbury Park Press, 8/19/13] MSNBC: "The National Rifle Association Quickly Took Credit For Gov. Christie's Decision." "The National Rifle Association quickly took credit for Gov. Christie's decision. 'NRA members did a tremendous job contacting state legislators and the Governor,' reads a statement posted Friday on the website of the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action. 'Although anti-gun lawmakers ignored constituent messages and in some cases severely restricted public testimony, gun owners prevailed today as the Governor made the right decision on the three most consequential bills.'" [MSNBC, 8/18/13] CHRISTIE HAS CUT SUPPORT FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH DESPITE NEW JERSEY BEING A PRO-CHOICE STATE Christie Vetoed $7.5 Million In Family-Planning Services Funds, His 5th Rejection Altogether That Removed Services For Over 31,000 Female Patients. "That contrasts with what happened three days later, when Christie's office issued a Friday news release to announce that he had quietly vetoed nearly $7.5 million in funding for family-planning services. It was his fifth rejection of such funds during his term, which abortion-rights advocates say has resulted in the closure of six family-planning operations, including two sites in Burlington County and a Planned Parenthood office in Cherry Hill. Because of Christie, they say, the facilities now serve 31,000 fewer female patients statewide." [Philadelphia Inquirer, 7/14/13] Star-Ledger Editorial: Christie De-Funded $7.5 M From Family Planning Clinics, And Vetoed 5 Attempts To Refund It, That Led To A 24% Drop In Patients Since 2009, Six Clinics Closing While Others Cut Back Hours, And 30 Percent Less Criminal Breast Exams. "A group of female legislators is again asking Gov. Chris Christie to restore $7.5 million for women's health that he cut from the state budget. Perfect timing. If the governor vetoes this funding — for the fifth time — what will his argument be now? … As a result, family planning clinics saw at least 33,000 fewer patients last year than in 2009 — a 24 percent drop. The number of clinical breast exams fell more than 30 percent. Six clinics closed, and others had to cut back on hours or increase waiting periods. Fewer regular checkups mean higher health care costs in the future." [Editorial, The Star-Ledger, 6/18/13] Star-Ledger Editorial: A Christie Argument The State Cannot Afford A Program Was Hypocritical After Christie's Decision To "Blow" Millions For "Utterly Selfish Reasons" "On The Special Election — Just Three Weeks Before His General Election." The Star-Ledger wrote about Christie's $7.5 million in cuts to women's health. "We can't afford it? Please. Nobody can forget the millions more he just decided to blow on the special election — just three weeks before his general election — to fill the late Sen. Frank Lautenberg's seat. Christie doesn't want to share the same ballot as Democratic favorite Cory Booker, the Newark mayor who could increase his party's turnout, because Christie wants to win by an even bigger margin to enhance his image for the 2016 presidential campaign. So he's spending $12 million for utterly selfish reasons." [Editorial, The Star-Ledger, 6/18/13] 2011: Two Republicans Said They Would Join Democrats In Reinstating Funding For Women's Health. "State Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-12) said this afternoon that she intends to vote in favor of restoring $7.5 million in women's healthcare funding. Beck also urged her colleagues to vote in favor of the funding championed by state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-37) over repeated vetoes by Gov. Chris Christie. State Sen. Diane Allen (R-7) also said she intends to break in favor of the women's health bill." [PolitickerNJ, 5/23/11] Poll: Overwhelming Number Of New Jerseyans Support Pro-Choice Practices. "A new poll finds opinions on abortion have not changed much in recent years in New Jersey. Gov. Chris Christie brought the issue to the forefront when he spoke at an anti-abortion rally in Trenton in January. A Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released Tuesday shows 10 percent of New Jerseyans surveyed believe abortion should be illegal. Half support keeping abortion legal with restrictions and 37 percent believe abortions should be allowed in all cases. More than half of those polled said Christie's speech didn't affect their opinion of him." [CBS News, 3/15/11] CHRISTIE BRAGGED HE NEVER HAD A VETO OVERRIDE BECAUSE OF THE REPUBLICAN LEGISLATURE Christie Stated He Has Never "Had One Veto Overridden In Three And A Half Years" Because "Of The Strength Of The Republicans I Have In The Legislature." "You know, we haven't had one veto overridden in three and a half years—not one. And that's because of the strength of the Republicans I have in the legislature." [Christie Campaign HQ, 04/27/13] Christie Played Up "The Strength Of The Republicans I Have In The Legislature," As A Result Of The Party's "United Way Because We Believe In The Same Core Principles," Despite Disagreements. At the opening of his Campaign HQ, Christie said: "we have our disagreements between each other. We talk them through it and we come to compromises together. But then when we walk out—when we walk out to the business of the state done, we go out in a united way because we believe in the same core principles. We believe in a smaller government, and lower taxes. We believe in less regulation on business and empowering individuals in this state to reach their full potential, whether that's through a great education or getting the hell out of there way and let them run their businesses the way they want to run them, not [through] the government." [Christie Campaign HQ, 04/27/13] Christie: "Actually I Have to Amend That Last Statement: After June 30th, I Don't Care If They Get Off Their Rear Ends And Do Their Job Anymore. You Know What I Want? I Want A Republican Legislature." [Christie Campaign HQ, 04/27/13] CHRISTIE BROKE TRADITION BY REFUSING TO REAPPOINT A MODERATE JUDGE, IN ORDER TO NOMINATE A CONSERVATIVE JUDGE New York Times Editorial: Christie's Refusal To Renominate Judge John Wallace Was A "Case Of Political Overreach," And Was The First Time Since 1947 When A Judge Seeking Reappointment Was Not Renominated, "No Matter If They Were First Chosen By A Governor Of The Other Party. "When Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey chose not to renominate Justice John Wallace Jr. to the State Supreme Court in May, it was a case of political overreach. The situation is now a national disgrace, thanks to the governor, the State Senate president, Stephen Sweeney, and Justice Roberto Rivera-Soto. The integrity and independence of the court depend on a nonpartisan process for picking justices. From 1947, when the state Constitution was adopted, until this May, every governor has renominated every justice seeking reappointment, no matter if they were first chosen by a governor of the other party. The court is one of the most respected state appeals courts in the country. Governor Christie began a very different chapter when he chose not to renominate Justice Wallace, a sound jurist and political moderate who was the court's only African-American." [Editorial, New York Times, 12/15/10] Christie Bemoaned The "Historically Liberal Court As "Out Of Control" Over The Last Three Decades, Usurping The Roles Of The Governor And The Legislature In Setting Social And Tax Policies." "Speaking to reporters in Trenton, Mr. Christie had only kind words for Justice Wallace, but he described the historically liberal court as "out of control" over the last three decades, usurping the roles of the governor and the Legislature in setting social and tax policies." [New York Times, 5/3/10] New York Times Editorial: "Without Any Basis, The Governor Said That The Justice Had Contributed To "Out Of Control" Activism On The Court." [Editorial, New York Times, 12/15/10]  Associated Press: Justice John Wallace Was A "Moderate Justice." "New Jersey Democrats, furious with Gov. Chris Christie over his decision to replace a moderate justice on the state Supreme Court, vowed Tuesday to not even consider the Republican governor's nominee. Christie created a political firestorm Monday by failing to reappoint Justice John Wallace, the court's only African-American, and nominating Anne Patterson, a white private practice lawyer and fellow Mendham Township resident, as a replacement." [Associated Press, 5/5/10]

Buono Statement on Marriage Equality Ruling

New Brunswick, NJ - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono released the following statement following the Superior Court's decision legalizing marriage equality in New Jersey:

"Today's decision reaffirms that all New Jerseyans, no matter who they love, deserve the right to marry. It is a tremendous victory for everyone who believes in equality.

"It is also a stark reminder that Governor Christie stands on the wrong side of history. At every turn, he has prevented our gay brothers and sisters from enjoying the same rights as other New Jerseyans. He must now make a decision whether to continue to be an obstacle or to be part of the solution.

"The courts have spoken and the people have spoken. It is time for Chris Christie to stop blocking equal rights for all New Jerseyans."