“I had the opportunity to attend Governor Chris Christie’s first budget address on March 16.  In his speech, Governor Christie spoke clearly and decisively about the budget crisis that New Jersey is facing and the sacrifices that we must all make to get the State and our communities back on track.

I wholeheartedly support the reforms Governor Christie outlined in his speech.  In fact, we have already implemented a number of those reforms in Brick Township such as having every employee contribute to their health care costs, reducing the size of government and labor contracts that are more considerate of taxpayers.  These reforms have saved Brick’s taxpayers millions of dollars.

Governor Christie made it clear why we are in the mess we are in.  He presented a clear plan to begin to dig us out of that mess and start us on the road to fiscal responsibility.  That plan is going to require sacrifices from each and every one of us.  This shared sacrifice is a far cry from the days of taking from one group to give to another that has marked New Jersey governance for decades.  It is this type of plan that reminds us of why we elected Governor Christie this past November.

I applaud Governor Christie for the conviction and leadership he displayed during his address.  It is comforting to know that we have a Governor willing to stand up to special interests and political groups on both sides of the aisle and do what is right by the taxpayers of this State.

It is my hope that the New Jersey State legislature approves the reforms Governor Christie has proposed.”

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