We’ve got at least four years of this ahead, Save Jerseyans. Lucky us!
The State Senate’s lame duck session will include a hearing on S4924 this Monday, legislation designed to gut the Office of the State Comptroller. Democrat leaders say the bill will eliminate duplication; opponents say the legislature is trying to escape accountability.
“NJ ‘transparency’ at its worst. Sen. Scutari sneaks in a bill before Thanksgiving to kill OSC investigations,” complained State Comptroller Matt Walsh via X. “A vote for this bill is a vote for corruption.”
But the real scandal may be our Governor-elect’s continued refusal to provide specifics on just about anything. Sherrill made a habit of avoiding firm stances
(aside from liberal pet issues like abortion on demand) during the campaign. While that’s a sadly effective campaign tactic in the right environment, it’s hardly acceptable in someone who’s weeks away from becoming the most powerful governor in the country.
Sherrill doesn’t seem to plan on changing her approach anytime soon, issuing a word salad non-statement on the pending legislation.
“I am opposed to efforts that weaken essential accountability and oversight, including with our watchdog agencies that root out government corruption, waste, and abuse,” Sherrill mused on X. “I will not weigh in on pending legislation as it changes, is amended, and moves through the legislature. But let me be clear: I know from both my service in the Navy and as a federal prosecutor that strong accountability and oversight are essential to ensuring good governance and public trust. The people of New Jersey deserve nothing less – and that’s what my administration will deliver.”
“Let me be clear” with an ambiguous non-answer?
I think part of what’s going on here is the new power dynamic. The legislative Democrats don’t have a high opinion of Sherrill’s abilities, and with a veto-proof majority coming in this January, they likely intend to pursue a more balanced relationship with Drumthwacket than they enjoyed during the Murphy years. But it’s also a reminder that our governor is objectively a lightweight, and as is always the case when there’s weak leadership, the companion causes of prosperity, freedom, and transparency are likely to suffer.
