The answer? I think most New Jersey residents (and Americans everywhere for that matter) would respond negatively or, since this is a generous time of year, say “it’s mixed bag.”
State government is certainly better off. For the first time in decades, we have a chief executive in Chris Christie who doesn’t treat taxpayers like bottomless ATM machines. He’s laying the groundwork for a recovery when the economy starts chugging again by championing pension reform and other pro-growth initiatives. But will the economy chug at all before November 2013? It’s an open question. And if not, will New Jerseyans blame their Republican Governor or their Democrat Legislature? Anyone who says they know the answer at this point is lying to you.
The Governor is determined to shape his own fate. He’s betting on recovery between now and the end of his first term. Team Christie is already honing a re-election message: “New Jerseyans Believe In The Jersey Comeback.”
State pride + economic growth = second term. Christie owns the former. He’ll need some help with the later…
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzYzCTeA03s
I see no comments! I'm in Oregon; been here 29 years, but my heart's in Jersey (Elizabeth). From here, if we're honest, looks like Chris Christie has been good for the state of my birth. That doesn't mean everybody should feel good. Effective medicine can be bitter going down. He's done more than any governor has since my youth (1940s).