NJ Quality of Life Index Good News for Christie

Steve Sweeney (left) and Chris Christie (right)

Monmouth University Polling released their Quality of Life Index for April 2011 today, and the results, coupled with the continuing trend of more New Jerseyans thinking our state is on the “right track,” are nothing but positive for Governor Christie.

The takeaway line from the poll is that 7 in 10 residents say that New Jersey is a “good” or “excellent” place to live. This is the highest percentage since 2003 when the number was a statistically equal 72 percent. It is also a very quick turnaround from recent lows in August 2011 when that number dropped below 60 percent; an overall 13 point swing in less than a year. This quarter also saw a significant improvement in the index for age groups 35 – 54 and 55+ while 18 – 34 year olds remained flat.

Most unsurprisingly, every single income group in New Jersey are significantly more satisfied with our state than before. This includes people who make under $50,000 for year. Why is this unsurprising? If you were to ask the Democrats you would think that because we haven’t raised taxes on millionaires that everyone else is being pinched. Not the case.

The reason everyone feels better about our state and where it is heading now is because Governor Christie has managed to complete turn the debate on taxes in our state. Everyone knows that no matter what the final outcome of the negotiations this year, everyone is going to get a tax break and be better off than they were before. Any place is a better place to live when you know you’ll be keeping more of your own money just based on living there. Governor Christie will no doubt reap the benefits of these tax cuts, no matter which plan is eventually put into practice.

Another positive point for the Governor is the make up of the poll sample. Republicans are the smallest portion of the sample, as is usually the case based on the voter ID make up of our state. Less than a quarter of the poll were Republicans and more than a third are Democrats. This shows that any connection being made in the minds of respondents between the politics of the day and their quality of life in New Jersey cannot be attributed to mere political affiliation. Instead the numbers reflect a sense of satisfaction among New Jerseyans of all political persuasion; a great prospect for the Governor heading into next years reelection cycle.

Brian McGovern
About Brian McGovern 748 Articles
Brian McGovern wears many hats these days including Voorhees Township GOP Municipal Chairman, South Jersey attorney, and co-owner of the Republican campaign consulting firm Exit 3 Strategies, Inc.