Chris Christie Answers the BIG Questions

I had so much fun making my first video, I decided to make another one!  Here it is:

I hope you enjoy it, and think about the answers that Chris Christie has given!

For Christie and all of the idiots in Trenton, “IT”S TAXES, STUPID!”

My first video!

I decided it was about time I tried to make a video.  So here it is:

Enjoy!

These people must think we are idiots!

I sent an  email to this idiot Menendez telling him that I  did not support the DREAM ACT.  This is what the idiot sent back:

 

 

Dear Mr. Zuendt:

 

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the DREAM Act.  Your opinion is very important to me, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you on this important issue.

 

You will be pleased to know that I am a strong cosponsor of the DREAM Act and am fighting tirelessly to enact this critical legislation into law.  As the first person in my family to attend college, I can personally attest to the vital importance of a quality education.  The DREAM Act, would give countless innocent children the same opportunity I had – to fully reach their potential and fulfill the American Dream.  In doing so, it will give our country thousands of new doctors, and teachers, and pilots, and servicemen.  It is a win-win situation for both those who would directly benefit from this legislation, as well as our country as a whole.

 

Those that oppose the DREAM Act believe that children should pay the consequences for their parents’ mistakes.  They believe that children who were brought to this country by their parents without the proper documentation or were kept in this country by their parents without the proper documentation should not be allowed to get an American education.  That is not only wrong – it goes against who we are and what we stand for.

 

I am disappointed that the Senate failed to pass the DREAM Act this past October.  You may rest assured I will continue to fight until every child in the United States has the opportunity to reach the American Dream.  Anything less is simply un-American.

 

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.  I appreciate your support.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if I may be of more assistance.  I invite you to visit my website http://menendez.senate.gov to learn of other important issues to New Jersey.

 

Now, I ask you, “don’t you think it is about time that we had drug testing for the members of congress? 

Hey Bobby, we are coming for you in three years, but until then just remember, “IT’S TAXES, STUPID”!

More folks are starting to agree with me on Chris Christie

Back on April 4th, I wrote a post about Chris Christie and his little problem with no-bid contracts.  Well, today the Star Ledger has an editorial on the same subject.  Guess what guys?  Yup, they agreed with me, completely!  But, don’t take my word for it, read the editorial yourself:

http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2009/04/chris_christie_isnt_cutting_th.html#more

Hey Chris, maybe you like to give out those “no bid” contracts to your friends and people who help your brother, but never forget one thing; “IT’S TAXES, STUPID”!

 

 

Chris Christie, from nothing to 53 ways now to fix New Jersey!

Just when I thought it was safe, I found out Chris Christie has added another two ways to fix New Jersey.  This is amazing that a person who had NO ideas or plans just a few months ago, now has 53 ways.  I guess he is staying up nights thinking them up.  Of course this would explain his ducking opportunitiesto debate Steve Lonegan, he is just too tired!  Anyway, let’s take a look at the latest two ways that Chris Christie is going to fix New Jersey:

• 52. I will increase the transparency required of candidates seeking office by making the State’s currently inadequate Personal Financial Disclosure Statements match the same heightened level of transparency as their federal counterpart, which will provide voters with a more detailed, comprehensive look at those on the ballot.  When I hear statements like this, I think I am listening to a socialist.  What does the PERSONAL financial information of a candidate have to be made public?  Certain things in this country should be kept a secret and  personal information is one of those items.  If a candidate wants to make their financial information public, that is their decision, but it should not be mandatory.  I cannot believe that any voter is going to choose a particular candidate by what he or she is worth.  Hopefully, they will make that decision after learning through debates and direct questioning the candidates positions on the issues.  This is not a way to fix New Jersey, this is a way to make it a more socialist state.  Of course, Christie makes this promise, but only the assembly and senate can make this a law. 
• 53. I will allow voters the opportunity to access candidates’ Personal Financial Disclosure Statements online. Currently, these Statements can only be accessed in person, in Trenton. I’ve already proactively posted my Statement on this website to allow you the opportunity to view my financial background.   Again, why does Christie want to invade the privacy of a person?  Why does he think that a person should give up their rights, just because they want to run for public office?  If this is his position, it sure seems that he is more of a socialist than a republican.  It is one thing to know if a current elected official might have conflicts of interest regarding state business and their personal finances.  It is totally different for a person seeking office to have to disclose personal and private information.  Come on Chris, just because you don’t mind posting your private information, don’t think that others should have to give up their rights.  One other thing, he can’t make this happen, but would have to have the assembly and senate pass a law to make it a requirement. 

Well, those are the latest fixes from Christie.  I guess he now thinks that one has to give up their rights to privacy in order to run for public office.  What a sad day it will be in New Jersey if this ever comes to pass.  It seems that we are now seeing the true Chris Christie, liberal socialist, rather than a conservative republican!

Hey Chris, while you are pushing your socialist ideas don’t forget the number one item in New Jersey; “IT’S TAXES, STUPID”!

Chris Christie, from nothing to 51 ways to fix New Jersey in less than three months. (Final 11)

Well, let’s finish up our analysis of Chris Chrisitie’s 51 ways to fix New Jersey.  Hopefully, we can find a few ways that Chris can actually make happen, since up to now, it seems he can’t keep his word on most of these promises.  So getting right to it, here are the last eleven ways:

• 41. I will eliminate special interest labor union giveaways that increase spending and taxes by ending the use of project labor agreements, which drive up the cost of public construction projects and fail to deliver a public benefit at a time when the economy is shedding jobs and taxpayers are struggling to make ends meet.  Once again, Chris makes a promise here that does not make a lot of sense.  First off, look at the last part of the promises, will he only eliminate these special labor union giveaways when the economy is bad?  Hey Chris, how about when the economy is good?  Further, will you have to have the legislature pass laws that will allow the use of non-union workers on state contracts?  Chris, please explain this promise so we can understand exactly what you want to do here.
• 42. I will save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars and expedite key projectsby utilizing innovative procurement methodologies like Design/Build/Operate/Maintain (DBOM).  Wow, save “hundreds of millions of dollars” !  Now that sounds like a real plan.  But, before going further, do you really know what DBOM is?  Design, Build, Operate and Maintain is a great idea, but not one that is possible in most government contracts for capital projects.  Let’s just use one simple area of state expenditures to show how silly this concept is, highways.  Designing a highway is a cooperative effort between the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the contractor who will actually build the project.  Of course building the project is the contractor’s responsibility, with the over site of DOT.  When the road is finally built, no contractor will “operate or maintain” the highway, since this is not their business.  They just are not equipped for this kind of business.  The responsibility for the operation and maintenance will go to DOT, since this is the reason this department exists.  Once again, can you give us an example of where you would apply DBOM and just how you came up with “hundreds of millions of dollars” of savings.
• 43. I will eliminate the Legislature’s conflicts of interest by strengthening ethics laws to require State Legislators to either recuse themselves from legislative actions that affect their private sector interests, or publicly disclose these conflicts when they occur.  I think you better go back and study how democratic government works.  The governor cannot strengthen ethics laws, that is only something that can be done by the assembly and senate.  You might suggest that they pass those types of laws, but this is another promise you cannot keep.
• 44. I will fully eliminate dual office-holding by our State’s elected officials by proposing immediate changes to state law.  Once again, this is a promise you can’t keep, since YOU cannot eliminate dual office-holding, only the assembly and senate can do that.  Of course, you can suggest that our elected officials pass a law like that, but that is all. 
• 45. I will ban the practice of dual public employment, whereby one person holds a full-time government job while also holding a salaried, elected position. This is one item, that I believe is not just unconstitutional, but also un-american.  If a person has a job like police officer, fireman, teacher, department of public works employee, why should they not be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights and run for office.  Why can’t a police officer also be a school board member?  How about a teacher also being a town council member?   These elected offices do carry small stipend or salary, but to deny  a person their constitutional rights only because they are public employees, is just plain wrong!  What should be proposed though, is an elected official cannot then become a public employee in any position in which they would have authority over in their elected office, without first resigning from that office.  For example, a member of the school board, could not become a teacher in that school district until they resigned from the board.  Come on Chris, being a lawyer, you should know better than to step on people’s rights.
• 46. I will reform New Jersey’s boards and commissions by only appointing those without conflicts of interest, refusing to create boards and commissions where the memberships create new conflicts of interest, and implementing statutory changes (as needed) to remove any current agency members with conflicts of interest.  I do believe this is one thing he can do, since the governor does appoint many members to various boards and commissions.  The only thing I see being an impediment, is the multitude of favors he will owe all of the people who have blindly endorsed him for governor.  Unless there has  been radical changes in how politics are carried out in New Jersey, these appointments are normally given to those who have supported the governor in one way or another.  Only time will tell if Chris will actually keep this promise, since it is one that he could keep.
• 47. I will hold government officials accountable for their actions by requiring any elected or appointed official convicted of a crime connected to their official position to forfeit their pension benefits.  This promise will require more than Chris holding officials accountable.  Pension benefits are a contractual item.  They can only be modified or denied by negotiation or judicial methods, not by a governor’s whim.  Once again, I feel that this is a promise that Christie won’t be able to keep.
• 48. I will strengthen our weak “pay to play” laws by eliminating special interest labor union loopholes to ensure labor unions are treated just like any other entities that have contracts with government.  This again is a promise that Christie can’t keep.  Only the assembly and senate can pass a law that would stop this practise.  One has to wonder how much of a chance that would have of passing, since the representatives and senators receive a lot of money from the unions.  One other thing also, will Christie push for a “Play then Pay” law which would prevent accepting campaign money from people who had benefited from contracts that one gave them prior to their seeking office?
• 49. I will give New Jerseyans a stronger voice in government by amending the State Constitution to create a statewide initiative and referendum process to allow public questions to be placed on the ballot.  Chris, Chris, Chris, listen to what you said, “I will give New Jerseyans a stronger voice” but then you acknowledge that the State Constitution has to be amended.  Again, this is promise you can’t keep.  You can suggest this change be made, but unless the assembly and senate agree to ask for an amendment, this will go no where.
• 50. I will provide New Jerseyans regularly occurring opportunities to petition for their government for action by amending the State Constitution to include a provision, whereby every 10 years, voters will have the opportunity to convene a popularly-elected Constitutional Convention.  Again, Chris has promised something he cannot deliver!  This would require an amendment to the state constitution.  This can only be done by the assembly and senate, not the governor!  Come on Chris, tell us how you could get this done.
• 51. I will increase honesty and openness in government by requiring fully search-able and transparent websites for all state and local governments and school districts, providing links to property records and taxes, government payrolls, expenditures, school performance report cards, and other information. All information would be accessible to the public no later than 45 days following the close of each fiscal year.  Once again, here is a promise that he has not chance of keeping, and is just arrogant.  If he wants to do something like this, just stick to the state level.  Let the counties and local governments make their own rules.  The last thing Christie should be worrying about is local government.  In most cases in the state, this level of government is running pretty good, and would run better with less state interference, not more.  Chris, worry about the state, and let local government do what it does best, taking care of the citizens of the towns and cities they serve.

Well, that is a review of the 51 ways that Chris Christie says will fix New Jersey.  The problem I see with them, is that except for a few of them,  most of them are ones that he cannot do a thing about.  Most of them would require new laws, or constitutional amendments.  Others would require larger government, and more expenses, not less.   All of them though, have no example of just what he would do to keep these promises.  One would have more confidence in these promises, if Chris would offer specific examples of items he would change, and just how he would accomplish it.  Well, I for one always want to know if “Promises made” can actually become “Promises kept”.  I guess Chris does not want to have that being held over his head if he should become governor.

Hey Chris Christie, it is great to have 51 ways to fix New Jersey, but don’t ever forget the most important thing of all, “IT’S TAXES, STUPID”!

Chris Christie, from nothing to 51 ways to fix New Jersey in less than three months. (Continued once again)

Well, we are more than half way through looking at Chris Christie’s 51 ways to fix New Jersey.  Looking at the first 30, we have not found much that he could actually do, but maybe in the last 21 we can find a few winners.  So, let’s get going:

• 31. I will review all current regulations and rescind rules that do not have a sound scientific or other technical basis, are not consistent with other state policy goals or legislative intent, or don’t effectively protect and promote the public interest (including the urgent need for economic development and private-sector job creation).  Now this sounds like something he could actually do.  If an agency or department issues a regulation, the governor can override it.  The one problem I have with this item though, is he does not offer one example of a regulation that he would rescind on the first day he was in office.  I find that he can not offer one single item that he would deep six, is just more proof that he has not really studied the problems that are destroying New Jersey.
• 32. I will implement an immediate freeze on proposed new agency rules and regulations (except those deemed necessary for public emergency), until the Red Tape Review Group completes its review.  Again, this sounds impressive, except what would he freeze?  And again, is he that unfamiliar with New Jersey and it’s problems that he cannot himself determine what rules and regulations should be implemented?  Why does he need to set up another group that will cost the taxpayers additional money?  Once again, it seems that he is speaking out of both side of his mouth, one create big government, while saying he will reduce government.
• 33. I will ensure rules and regulations are scientifically soundby establishing rule-making scientific advisory committees (where appropriate) to evaluate the underlying science in DEP or other departmental rule proposals.  What?  Isn’t this what he just said in both 31 and 32?  Plus, he wants to set up still more committees and the taxpayers expense!  Once again, double talk and more big government.
• 34. I will eliminate all current inadequate and unsupported rule impact statements. Impact statements will be strengthened, more detailed and with widely accepted supporting expert analysis. New rule impact statements will require more meaningful and accurate cost/benefit analysis.  Again, he seems to repeating exactly what he has said he would do in 31, 32 and 33.  What is going to base rescinding rules in 31 one, non-accurate cost/benefit analysis?  Shouldn’t all rules and regulations be based on impact statements?  Chris seems to be repeating himself  the past few fixes.
• 35. I will ensure proposed rules are serving an actual and critical public need by making sure each contains a true “risk analysis” supported by real data.  Once again, Christie is repeating what he has already said.  Here he is going to base rules on “risk analysis” and real data.  Well, may I ask, what was he going to ensure that the previous rules where decided on, false data?
• 36. I will promote transparency in the process of creating new rules and policy by not adopting any proposed rules until all implementing policy procedures and documents (such as technical manuals and forms) are in place and are available for inspection and public comment and input.  OK, this does sound good, but I have to ask this question, will the procedures and documents be the ones based on real data or on the false data?  Will we see the opinions of the Red Tape Review Group (and who they are)?  Are the recommendations of the scientific committee going to published in full (along with the member’s names)?   Finally, when he says we will have public comment and input, how will this be implemented?  Will it be actual, open meetings, or just rubber-stamped hearings?
• 37. I will remove the incentive for regulatory agencies to charge excessive or unnecessary fees by eliminating agency funding from fees or fines. Agencies will no longer rely on fees and fines for their own funding, removing their built-in incentive to over-regulate and over-charge.  So, where are the fees and fines going to go?  Into the general fund?  If so, then all of the fees and fines become just another tax.  The best example of this policy currently in effect is that of hunting and fishing licenses.  All of the these fees go right to the general fund, even though the proceeds of those licenses was always suppose to go for enhancement of the fishing and hunting experience.  This is just another example of how he will create bigger government by disguising fees and fines from what they really are, TAXES!
• 38. I will restore fairness and common-sense to our state’s legal liability policies by making it more difficult for out-of-state plaintiffs to sue in New Jersey courts.  Wow, I love how Christie promises things he cannot possibly deliver on.  How can he make it more difficult for out-of-state plaintiffs to sue in New Jersey.  Why can’t he tell us how he plans to do this?  I think I know why.  This is just another example of his making promises he cannot keep.  The ones who might be able to do this are the assembly/senate and a radical change in the judges that now populate the court system.  The governor of New Jersey cannot do anything about this.  Sorry Chris, another false promise.
• 39. I will end the abuse and manipulation of New Jersey’s civil justice system by preventing the admission of flimsy and dubious testimony offered by expert witnesses.  Wow, talk about a pure lie!  The person who allows testimony in a trial is the judge!  Was Chris sleeping through that course at law school?  I really can’t believe he would even try to get this fix past anyone, let alone educated voters. 
• 40. I will make our state more affordable for consumers and businesses by making it more difficult to file class action lawsuits for frivolous reasons.  Once again, how?  Come on Chris, tell us how you can do this?  The court system in New Jersey decides what cases will be heard, not the governor! 

Well guys, that takes care of another 10 of Chris Christies ways to fix New Jersey.  The only problem is, he might only be able to keep one, maybe two, since most of them are either repeats of another, or just plain impossible for a governor to do.  I do hope when we take a look at the last eleven ways, we can find some promises he can keep.  In the meantime, think about this, “Why can he not give us a few examples of regulations he would rescind”?  “Why can’t he tell us exactly how he will change rules that are now in place”?  I don’t know about you, but without real details on he can do these things, I can’t help feel that he is hiding things from us.

 

Hey Chris, how about telling us exactly how you will keep some of these promises.  In the meantime, just remember; “IT’S TAXES, STUPID”!

Chris Christie, from nothing to 51 ways to fix New Jersey in less than three months. (Continued again)

It’s that time to pick up where I left off and examine the 53 ways Chris Christie says are needed to fix New Jersey.  Let’s get started!

• 21. I will further consolidate and streamline government by eliminating the position of “Chief of the Office of Economic Growth.”  Great!  Here is the first time I have heard him say he will get rid of someone!  Now we are on the way to fixing problems, except, how much money is going to be saved getting rid of one person?
• 22. I will cut New Jersey’s income taxes across the board for all taxpayers. Our tax rates are oppressive and are driving residents out of state. No more.   Damn, he was on a roll with the last idea, and now he once again reverts to form.  He can’t cut income taxes, without cutting spending.  The only way he can cut spending is by eliminating programs, divisions, state employees and services.  All of these will have to be committed to by the assembly and the senate.  Once again, Christie is promising something he cannot deliver.
• 23. I will encourage investment and expansion of New Jersey-based small businesses by offering an additional income tax cut for those who derive business income from New Jersey-based small businesses.  OK, let me get this right, if you make some income in New Jersey from a small business, I will cut your income tax?  Have I got that right?  If so, how about large business?  How about any business in New Jersey.  This idea would only reward a small companies, and only if they were a sub-chapter “S”, LLC, LLP, etc. in which the revenues flow directly to the owners.  It all sounds good, but again, it must be matched with reduced spending.
• 24. I will reduce the corporate business tax rate to give New Jersey businesses a competitive advantage. With our tax rates among the highest of our neighboring states, reducing the corporate business tax rate will create a better business climate with which to attract private sector investment to New Jersey.  OK, now he is talking!  But why just reduce the corporate business tax?  Instead, junk the damn thing!  Just for a refresher course Chris, “companies do not pay taxes, people pay taxes”.  “Companies only collect taxes, whether they are sales, corporate, etc.”.   If companies did not have to pay a corporate tax, they would be able to lower their prices for the products they make.  This would make them more competitive in the world market place.  But, there still has to be major spending cuts make to even reduce the corporate tax.  I just wanted to remind him of that.
• 25. I will eliminate the “double-taxation” on New Jersey’s S-Corporations for the 80,000 taxpayers currently paying the corporation “minimum” tax, putting our state in line with the other 47 states and federal government which have implemented this policy.  This would be very nice for those people who would effected by it, but just remember though, you have to cut a certain amount of government spending to be able to do this!
• 26. I will eliminate the hidden “investment tax” on New Jersey-based businesses which acts as a penalty for businesses for being based in New Jersey. Instead of being taxed for only the amount of sales in New Jersey, the “investment tax” also factors in the level of investment (i.e., real estate, payroll, etc.) a company has in New Jersey. I will immediately reverse this.  I think Chris better review who makes the laws in New Jersey.  If he would do that, he will see that the assembly and the senate in Trenton make the laws, including the tax laws!  He can’t immediately reverse this or anything like it!  Nice try Christie, but come on, tell us about the things you could actually do.
• 27. I will help New Jersey’s small businesses lower health insurance costs by allowing the purchase of health insurance policies from out-of-state insurance companies that offer better rates or better coverage. More competition and more consumer choice will lower costs.  Come on Chris, this is another bold promise, that will require both the assembly and the senate to agree to!  Since only the assembly is up for election this year, do you really expect the senate to pass something like this, even if the republicans gain control of the assembly?  Once again, nice promise, but really no way to get it done.
• 28. I will help more New Jerseyans afford health insurance by permitting insurance companies to offer “mandate-free” policies. These policies might better fit the needs of some consumers who may not need extravagant benefits, such as young or single consumers.  This is one thing you might actually be able to deliver on!  Since a governor would have direct control over the “The Department of Banking and Insurance” you might be able to direct them to offer this type of  coverage.  Good going Chris!  This is one promise you might be able to keep!
• 29. I will reduce the cost of health insurance for small businesses by allowing national trade associations and membership organizations that have health plans to market to their New Jersey members.  Again, he might be able to deliver on this promise!  If he can get “The Department of Banking and Insurance” to allow these trade associations and membership organizations to market their health plans here, it could work.  Hey Chris, it looks like you might have two ways that would actually work to fix New Jersey!
• 30. I will provide relief from our state’s overbearing regulations – restoring balance and fairness – by creating a permanent “Red Tape Review Group.” The “Red Tape Review Group” will bring both elected branches of government together in a bi-partisan fashion to perform a top-to-bottom overhaul of New Jersey’s Administrative Code.  Just when Chris was on a roll, he is back to his old fixes, adding more government.  Now he wants to create the “Red Tape Review Group”!  This will be more government people on the payroll, more pension payments, more staff, more of everything!  Oh Chris, why go back to the old ways of more government?

We have gotten through 30 of the 53 ways Chris Christie says will fix New Jersey.  I thought things were looking up there for a moment, when we found two ways that he actually might have been able to pull off.  But, he did revert right back to the bigger government approach, so it seems he is still looking at expanding government to cure the problem of big government.  Now, that just does not sound right!

To Chris Christie, and all of the idiots in Trenton, no matter how many ways you all have, it still comes down to; “IT’S TAXES, STUPID”!

Chris Christie, from nothing to 51 ways to fix New Jersey in less than three months. (Continued)

Hey kids, it is time to continue the analysis of Christ Christie’s 51 ways to fix New Jersey.  In the last episode, we examined the first 10 of these way, and found a lot lacking in them, lets see want the next 10 look like.

• 11. I will require a “sunset” provision of four years on any new or expanded program and veto spending for any new (or expanded) program that doesn’t include such a provision. I’ll measure the performance of each and every government program. If a program isn’t serving taxpayers efficiently and effectively, I’ll eliminate it.  Now this one sounds great on the surface, but can anyone out there see the first flaw in this promise?  If anyone said the “FOUR YEARS” you get a cookie!  He will eliminate any program that is not serving the taxpayers, but only if we give him another term after the first one.  I guess in his mind this is a great idea, but what if he is elected and just plain sucks?  Do we give him another four years just so he might eliminate some programs?
• 12. I will require a 2/3 majority vote to impose any new tax, or to increase existing taxes.By passing a State Constitutional Amendment, we can prevent massive tax increases in the future, like the 103 tax increases passed during the Corzine/McGreevey administrations.  Talk about a promise he could never keep!  He will require a 2/3 majority vote!  The only problem with this is he knows as well as anyone out in Internet land knows, this can only be mandated via an amendment to the constitution, and the chance of that happening, at least in the first four years are “slim and nil, and slim went to lunch!”
• 13. I will save taxpayer dollars and end political cronyism by eliminating political patronage jobs.  Once again, a great idea, but he would only have control over those jobs he has direct control over.  Further, his previous history of giving out no bid-contracts to friends and associates does not bode well for him keeping this promise.
• 14. I will lower overtime costs by reducing the number of state holidays and eliminating those not recognized as federal holidays.  Now this is a real interesting statement.  The only holiday I can think of that is a State holiday and not a Federal holiday is Lincoln’s birthday.  OK, he can eliminate that one, but except for non-contractual workers, he would have to negotiate this at contract time.  Once again, a hurdle that he cannot even think of addressing until contracts are up.  Great promise, but once again a fix he cannot possibly do in the first two or three years, and it would be open to backlash from the unions.
• 15. I will increase efficiency and lower costs by changing to a single, unitary approach to state public employee compensation, benefits, and work rules – ending the separate statutes governing health benefits, antiquated civil service rules, and the collective bargaining agreements.   Again, big promises, but very little chance of doing.  Each union has it’s own negotiating committee and contract wants.  To say he will change to a single, unitary approach is just a wild dream.  Anyone who is in business and has to deal with multiple unions knows this (hey, it’s that business background again).  Just go ask a CEO of an airline how difficult it is to negotiate with multiple unions.  Getting any one union to agree to anything is a problem, but getting two or more to agree is just plain impossible.  Nice idea, but no chance of getting it done.
• 16. I will fight pension abuse, starting with the removal of more than 300 political appointees who are a part of the pension system by virtue of being paid to attend monthly meetings of boards and commissions of which they are members.  This is one he actually might have a chance to accomplish.  The problem will be if those 300 political appointees are ones that the governor directly appoints.  If so, he could terminate their appointments and let them walk with the pension benefits they had accumulated up to that point only.  The one problem though, is if these people have been appointed by other entities, he will have no chance what so ever of getting rid of them.
• 17. I will increase fairness and reduce costs by bringing state public employee compensation and benefits back in line with employees who have defined contribution plans (such as federal government employees) by closing defined benefit plans for new employees, and replacing them with defined contribution plans.  Once again, big words, but until contract negotiations begin, the existing contracts remain in effect and he cannot change them.  When the time does come though for contract negotiations, why will this only apply to new employees?  Why not stand tough and make it mandatory for ALL employees!  This is a change that will bring labor in New Jersey into the real world, the one that the normal taxpayer lives in.  It is going to be very interesting to see that negotiation being done by a person who has never negotiated any labor contracts.  I wish him luck, he is going to need it!
• 18. I will eliminate pension and health benefits for all part-time employees and political appointees. Only full-time employees should qualify for a public pension.  Again, big words, but he can only eliminate those pension and health benefits for appointees that he appoints, not ones made by other people or agencies.  This is just another promise that has little if any value.
• 19. I will require all new state hires and state employee retirees to contribute to their health insurance costs. Big promises again, but again, open to current contracts provisions and not something he can just do overnight.  It would take time until contracts come up for renewal and will be subject to negotiations.  Plus, why is it only new state hires, and retirees?  How about the current employees? 
• 20. I will implement aggressive economic growth strategies via public-private partnerships like the “New Jersey Partnership for Action.” The Partnership for Action will save taxpayer dollars by consolidating Trenton’s many inefficient and ineffective fragmented economic development activities into one single agency.  Why do we need any of these economic development groups, strategies or an agency.  If a real business climate was developed in New Jersey, one that featured extremely low, or no corporate taxation, companies would be fighting each other to move to here!  Just look at states like Nevada, that have zero corporate taxes, their business growth is phenomenal!  This “promise” is nothing more than a smoke screen which would be like a shell game.  Move the pea around and then try and find it.  Here, move the activities around and see if anything changes. 

Well that wraps up another 10 of the 51 ways Chris Christie will fix New Jersey.  Right now, it looks like a lot of nothing and very little fixing.  But, we still have 31 more ways to investigate.  So stay tuned for the next episode of Chris “THE WHOPPER” Christie does New Jersey!

Hey Chris, you might have 51 ways to fix New Jersey, but don’t ever forget, “IT’S TAXES, STUPID!”

Chris Christie, from nothing to 51 ways to fix New Jersey in less than three months.

Back in January, Chris Christie was asked what his plans, ideas and views on the multitude of problems that face New Jersey.  At that time, Chris had no answers for any of those problems.  In fact, until only two weeks ago, Chris had very little of anything to say on how he would fix New Jersey.  All he was running on was his record as a federal prosecutor and his record on corruption. 

A few things have changed for Chris in the past couple of weeks.  His reputation as a politician free of ethical problems has now been challenged.  This I will go into detail at another time, but for now it is enough to make him rethink his current campaign strategy.  What has gotten me really thinking, is how can anyone, go from no ideas, to fifty-one (51) in less than three months.  He has been campaigning very hard, especially at the card-check county conventions.  I just don’t see how he had anytime to sit down and really think these issues through.  Since, I believe that is the case, let’s take a look at each one over the next posts:

1. I will change the way our state budgets its dollars by building our budget upward. I will first determine how much money we have, then determine our most important priorities, and then fund those top priorities. Less critical programs will have to wait.   Well, nothing new here!  Every other person who has run for or been elected has promised to do this.  Of course, Christie has no experience in governmental budgets, so I just don’t believe he is capable of keeping this promise since he has not record of doing it in the past.
2. I will stop the instant renewals of ineffective programs by ending the practice of providing automatic incremental budget increases across the board, or requiring across-the-board cuts in programs. Across the board increases and cuts are an inefficient method of deciding what programs deserve increases, decreases or funding at all. Wow, what a promise this is, but it sure is long, how about we take a shot at shorting it first.  In short, good programs would get more money, bad programs would get less or none, effectively killing them.  So, another promise like any other candidate who has run before.  Only problem is, never has done anything like this before.  Well, promises are cheap, accomplishments are what really counts.
3. I will insist that every spending program be placed on the table for discussion come budget time before it is funded. Golly gee, I hate to tell Christie this, but this is how all New Jersey budgets are made.  The Governor makes the original budget, than the Assembly and Senate, add, subtract, add, subtract, but in the end, manly add.  I guess he can keep this promise, since it already is being done.
4. I will make full use of my veto pen – the absolute veto, conditional veto, and line-item veto – to shape legislative and budget policy.  I guess like any child who would have new toys, he would like to use these veto powers.  The problem I again see, is that he has never used anything like this before.  Well, one can only hope that he would use them when he got to Trenton.
5.  I will rely only on recurring revenue to balance our state budget, not one-shot gimmicks like federal stimulus aid or other revenue unlikely to recur in future years.  Now, this sounds pretty good, except for one thing, he does not include borrowing to balance the budget, like previous governors have done, in-spite of the fact the constitution of the State of New Jersey only allows borrowing with approval of the voters.  I guess he does not think that is important enough for him.
6. I will save taxpayer dollars with an independently-elected State Auditor who will focus on annual audits of accounts and funds. Beyond the Auditor’s stricter accounting, the office will save additional tax dollars by combining the overlapping and ineffective efforts of political appointees like the State Auditor, Comptroller, State Commission of Investigation, and Inspectors General.  Now we are getting into some good stuff!  Here, he wants to create another taxpayer funded position, that will require staff, offices, outside contractors, etc.  Further, he wants to get rid of investigators, and inspectors.  Don’t you think it might be a better idea to get the people who are already being paid to do their job, rather than create a whole new bureaucracy?
7. I will run our state government like a business by having the State Auditor conduct regular performance reviews on all state programs, local governments and school districts to ensure they are performing their intended purpose with respect and care for tax dollars.  What is he really saying here?  First he says he will run the state government like a business, when he has no experience at all running any type of business.  Then he goes on to say he will give that task over to another person (the new bureaucracy he created) and they will go after local governments and local school districts.  Hell, most small towns and school districts would work better with less state government, not more!
8. I will recoup wasted taxpayer dollars by appointing a Special Prosecutor to conduct a thorough audit of government programs and will seek reimbursement of misspent funds until our State Auditor is in place.  You have to love lawyers!  No matter where they go, or what they do, they will always find something for their lawyer friends to do.  Once again, he wants to increase the size of government, without first holding accountable the people who are suppose to be doing this job!
9. I will increase accountability in our spending practices by barring private sector companies who misspend or overspend state funds from future state contracts until they provide restitution back to the state.  If I read this right, he wants the companies that currently do business with the state, to give the state it’s monies worth.  If not, the companies would not be allowed to do further business with the state.  Damn, what a rocket scientist statement! Of course, if he already had any idea of how a company work, no purchasing agent in his right mind would ever make another purchase, or give another contract to someone who had already screwed his company.  I guess Christie does not quite understand the statement he made in item #7. Oh, by the way, there is no such thing as a public sector company Chris, unless you are including GM, Chrysler, AIG and such. 
10. I will eliminate wasteful and inappropriate state purchases by appointing a “Taxpayer Advocate” in the Division of Purchase and Property to audit each and every government purchase order until our State Auditor is in place. No more $600 cellphones for state employees.  Once again, here Christie goes increasing the size of government!  He will hire a “Taxpayer Advocate” who will audit every purchase order.  Of course, the advocate will need a staff, offices, investigators, etc., etc., etc.  Let me give him one small piece of advise, and maybe save us a ton of money.  Why not promise just to fire anyone who buys $600 cellphones?  A real businessman would do that, without the need of an advocate!

Well, that is enough for this post.  Ten of the Fifty-one ways Chris Christie hopes to fix New Jersey, and the sense I get from them, is he wants to increase government, and run it like a business, in which he has not experience doing.  Well, I will get the next ten ways up soon, and maybe we can understand just what Christie is planning, I hope.

Well until next time kids, just remember, Chris Christie, and all of the idiots in Trenton, “IT’S TAXES, STUPID!”