N.J. residents' morale at all-time low

Burlington County Times ^ | July 6, 2006 | Kristen Coppock

[new cruelty]

We all know that old saying about things always looking greener in someone else's pasture. Compared to the brown, dead grass that is New Jersey's state government, I'd say that's certainly true. However, I have a feeling that residents in our neighboring states aren't thinking the same about us. In fact, they're probably shaking their heads in-between fits of laughter.

Yes, Garden State residents' morale is at an all-time low. This is what shutting down the government has done to us.

What makes me most angry is that the state's residents are suffering at the hands of the people we elected to office. These legislators have let down their constituents in a variety of ways. They betrayed our trust in their abilities to do their jobs. They've cost the residents much-needed revenue. They've bruised our state pride.

Forget political party lines. The next election, I'll be hard-pressed to vote for any incumbent who contributed to this mess.

It's ironic that our government shut down a number of viable, money-making machines, such as casinos and the lottery, when some lawmakers are trying to bring more revenue into the state budget through an increased sales tax. That proposed increase is at the center of the budget decision stalemate.

Reports estimate that the state earns $1.3 million daily from casinos alone. I wonder what scheme lawmakers will come up with next to cover the money that is lost to our state budget through the government shutdown.

Aside from revenue-generating areas, other agencies that handle matters, such as court cases and motor vehicle business, are going to have to eventually catch up. Either we'll have to pay state workers overtime — costing more money — or be subjected to longer waits.

At least state workers will be back on the job. The not-getting-paid consequence of lawmakers' inaction is likely hurting a lot of people's wallets. However, it's a good thing welfare checks were mailed out the day before the state began shutting down. At least some of the people who rely on the state to put food on their tables aren't suffering.

Unfortunately, the state may be taking more residents under its wing when the many workers ordered not to perform their jobs join the ranks of welfare and unemployment recipients.

Many news reports about the shutdown have focused attention on the tourism industry in Atlantic City. That's a shame because that city doesn't deserve to be the poster child for the state government's incompetence.

Going through a cultural renaissance of sorts, the city has been evolving from a downtrodden wasteland to tourist destination with something for everyone. However, any ground A.C. has made against its competitors — mainly Las Vegas — is undermined by all the national news stories publicizing the casino closings.

Outside the casino walls, other areas of tourism also are suffering. Historic sites, state parks and campgrounds all rely on day trippers or overnight guests to continue operating.

Tourists have every reason to be concerned about coming here.

New Jersey as a whole doesn't need another black eye, either. Those of us who live here may be proud of our state — well, not in this case — but if you've been anywhere outside our borders, you know that the rest of the country doesn't appreciate our positive aspects as much as we do.

If the state's image isn't tarnished enough by that smelly portion of the turnpike, our brash attitudes and those hypodermic needles along the beaches that have been gone for years, but no one wants to forget, then shutting down our government certainly adds a few new spots.

This was the last straw in any argument I would have had defending the not-so-great state of New Jersey. Really, what can I say to change someone's mind when I hear comments about what a horrible state I live in?

Shutting down the government and everything that goes with it is indefensible.

Unfortunately, I'm not optimistic that things will get better for Garden State residents in the near future. In fact, I'm betting we'll all be worse off before positive changes can be made or we decide to move across one of our state borders.

That bet, of course, won't be taken in a New Jersey casino.

[Antoninus]

Translation: The Republicans aren't at fault so we can't blame them so just pay no attention to the party in power.

Yes, the Republicans are at fault. If the GOP RINOs hadn't come out publicly for McSleazey in 2001 and had backed Bret Schundler to the hilt--we might not be in this mess. But no. They preferred a pay-for-play butt-sex fiend over a principled, honest, creative social conservative.

[new cruelty]

I would think that there would be a way to continue to pay the state employees who monitor gambling? But what do I know!!

When all is said and done, I bet the state employees will get paid retroactively.

[piperpilot]

Yes, Garden State residents' morale is at an all-time low. This is what shutting down the government has done to us.

Oh, Boo-frickin'-Hoo. Let's all have a pity party for those who are now reaping what they sowed by voting for Dims. I hope the government stays shut down.

[Starboard]

What makes me most angry is that the state's residents are suffering at the hands of the people we elected to office...some lawmakers are trying to bring more revenue into the state budget through an increased sales tax.

NJ voters elected a bunch of tax loving politicians.

[Puppage]

You're sounding every bit the Jersey democrat

Hey, what's derogatory...Jersey, or democrat? HAHAHA

[KeyLargo]

They elected the crooked politicians, so they got what they deserved.

[AppyPappy]

I knew someone would find a way to blame the Republicans

[Calpernia]

I saw another post, but didn't mark it, about a freeper getting security warnings when clicking on a thread.

[new cruelty]

Apart from the crappy politics, NJ is a nice place to live. We love our home and the life here but it cost a pretty penny.

[new cruelty]

You have to ask? It's 'democrat'.

[Peter W. Kessler]

Morale at an all-time low?

BALDERDASH!!!

Look at the money I'm saving in taxes! As long as the state government is idle, they're not charging me...

WHAT?

I STILL have to pay taxes for the time the bureaucrats and shovel-holder-uppers are off the clock???

THIS IS UNFAIR!!!

When our electricity goes out, the meter stops running. The meter should stop running here in NJ, too.

NOW I'm depressed.

[exit82]

After 52 years in the Garden State, and being tired of beating my head against the wall with all the stupid voters, insane taxes, deep bred corruption at all levels of government, auto insurance rates,traffic, and overall stupidity, I voted with my feet.

I moved to Sussex County, Delaware.

I wish I had done this years ago. Much cheaper, cleaner, less taxes(no sales tax, 75% less property taxes, auto insurance premiums cut by 50%), nicer people, a blend of farm and sea.

NJ is broke, and Humpty Dumpty's men can't put it back together again. I warned my friends that this, and other tax hikes, as well as local property tax hikes are in the offing. The next big problem is affording the pensions of retiring government employees and teachers at all levels. This WILL break NJ's back and no one is addressing it.

There are 8 million people in NJ. The budget is $31 billion, with 86,000 state employees--you do the math.

[Antoninus]

I knew someone would find a way to blame the Republicans

It's easy to blame someone when it really is their fault.

[new cruelty]

I hope the government stays shut down.

My family has a horse in this race in that my wife is waiting for her physicians license to be processed. And based on my experience with NJ goverment workers, its going to be a loooong time before anything gets done.

[SouthernBoyupNorth]

I'm not suffering in the least. I am ROFLMAO eating chips and Guacamole. and drinking beer while the demoncraps here self destruct!

[new cruelty]

I moved to Sussex County, Delaware.

HMM. Thanks for the post. That is something to think about.

[HawaiianGecko]

Corzine really is a coward to take the path he has taken. He claims the law is forcing him to shut down government. I don't know NJ law and frankly don't want to know it, but I'm quite sure he is correct or can at least make a very good argument that he his. The problem as I see is that real men (and women of course) do what's right in an emergency, not what's legal.

I'm sure that shocks the daylights out of some people, but seriously what law did he break? Is it a "real" law like robbery, murder, car-jacking or dealing drugs? Or is it a silly little comment that some legislator added to his bill years ago to make it take more pages of print and look more impressive?

He could borrow the money. Yes, costs would rise due to interest, but Jersey probably pays 6% or less and that seems a whole lot less expensive than 50% overtime on the state payroll.

I realize that politicians are either kissing babies or stealing their candy, but by the time one gets to the level of a governor I personally expect them to act like a serious adult. Corzine wasn't just elected to enforce the laws of New Jersey, he was chosen to lead and he has failed.

To the people of New Jersey... elections have consequences.

[Calpernia]

I was trying to explain this heads up on another thread.

NJ has found a way to reach in and influence states through partnership programs.

The formed something called, NJ SSI.

So, places like Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland...if they like receiving portions of grant monies funneled in from NJ...they also come with strings attached.

[new cruelty]

If the GOP RINOs hadn't come out publicly for McSleazey in 2001 and had backed Bret Schundler to the hilt--we might not be in this mess. But no. They preferred a pay-for-play butt-sex fiend over a principled, honest, creative social conservative.

Good point.

[Calpernia]

I didn't realize you moved!

I hope Delaware remains a lovely choice.