NJ Resident, don't blame Christie here....he not only got a can that has been kicked down the road starting with Whitman, he has been handed a s--t sandwich by Corzine and others. We are in such a mess, you have to make decisions about how to fix things today as a first step...take care of the "today" stuff and then there will be more equllibrium and he can then start to put more money back into the pension system. That is his plan. Take the time to really understand what he IS doing to address this than to make a blanket statement. there has been PLENTY of talk about the pension situation. Perhaps you are just not paying attention.

Yes GB, the people of NJ have demonstrated for a couple of decades that they prefer a Governor that entertains them as opposed to leading them. And Gov. Christie is thrilled to become their Holy Grail. Our Governor has made some decisions to start improving the pension system such as higher employee contributions into the system. Unfortunately, Gov. Christie hasn’t done anything about fulfilling his obligation to pay the state’s fair share, preferring to blame everyone and everything else for that failure. Yes GB, our Governor has had PLENTY to say about the pension situation. Since you are paying attention and claim to be aware of Gov. Christie’s plan, tell me please, is our Governor going to start making the state’s full share of the pension payments before or after he prints the money to give us all a 10% tax reduction?

GB - IF were his plan to get the pensions out of the hole, he would not be putting money toward a tax "cut" on the NJ income tax. You see, that amount is pennies in our pockets, but sounds impressive. It is the exact thing that Whittman did in order to look good, and we fell for it back then. I think most people realized it was a scam. Chrisie:s so called balanced budgets do not include the funding of the pensions. He is taking more from the workers, and not addressing the states responsibility. Meanwhile, most people are under the impression that the system is being "fixed", and will blame the "greedy" workers when the whole mess happens over and over due to lack of state funding. I do not only blame Christie for the mess, but I do blame him for not doing what he TOLD the people of NJ he would do - fund the pensions. And I blame him for pretending it is taken care of and all the workers are at fault.

Yes Mac he is....but when you have the huge deficit you have, it is like having omne piece of bread and trying to feed 10 people. You are small minded in terms of focusing on this 10% "tax cut". You are focusing on the small picture here...you are focusing on the popular class warfare talk here. If you believe this one change does anything to change our financiual situation, you are very sadly mistaken.

NJ Resident, you just don't get it or the seriousness of oiur issues....you are focusing on the wrong things here. you obviously have it in for the Governor so no matter what I say, you are going to blame him and say it is his fault. This does no tget fixed overnight or thru one term in office. Christ, we had Corzine who was supposed to be a whiz and looked what he turned out to be. Look, spending is way out of control. what was agreed to previously was aggregious...and cannot be sustained. That is not Christie's fault. You want all agreements to remain in force while trying to fix our problems....can't be done...can't pay money, contracts or not, when there is no money...this is EVERYONES problem...not just a few...so until you can come to terms with that, you'll never fully understand or be a solution to solving our issues.

Wow! Governor Christie touting a 10% tax cut for over two years as a headline event is the 'small picture?' He is going to make the full pension payments when the huge deficit is over? Popular class warfare talk? My 'small mind' often believes one small change can make a difference, but not in this situation. This situation needs a 'big change.' We need a Governor that has the ability to lead, not just 'bellyache.' And yes, respect goes two ways. However, I’m not going to call you any names for having a different opinion.

Jesus H. C---st Mac.....Bellyache????? Yes, this is small potatoes in the grand scheme of things and your myopic view in my view lends no cedibility in the argument for what we face. So all the other changes he has been proposing and big part of that is the public workers, means nothing? That is sitting around bellyaching? We need to funda,mentally change the way we do things in this state and THAT is what he is doing. It takes time but you have no patience and are just another whiner in my view. To say he is bellyaching and not leading is just wrong...you have blinders on....what, next you will tell me what a great leader Corzine was.....or McGreevey....C'mon already.....

GB Shore, whole I agree with you about the sandwich, you are mistaken about the bread. The pension woes of New Jersey began with the Pension Revaluation Act of 1992, with Governor Jim Florio as the architect. This has forever since changed what the "assumed " rate of return is for contributions by the state to the fund. All subsequent governors have manipulated this process one way or the other with a smoke and mirrors approach to funding. The typical liberal rant is to blame Whitman for creating this mess, but they are wrong. Perhaps, they just want to blame a Republican for their "entitlement", which is clearly unsustainable. No matter, it's whatever is in it for them. Look how junior public sector union members have been thrown under the bus for the proffer of their predecessors. it is quite possible that the underfunding will ever be paid, which is why a total overhaul of the pension fund is required. There never should have been a defined benefit pension fund, as once again, it assumes a rate of return, notwithstanding a gain or loss in the underlying investments of said fund. The paying of monies that don't exist, or bonding to make a pittance, mortgages the future generations and is the real attack on the middle class. The first step to actually stop this hemorrhaging of taxpayer dollars is to abolish the antiquated and sinfully deficient Civil Service System that rewards seniority rather than efficiency the taxpayers of New Jersey deserve better.

Apparently GB, you are going to be the last one to leave NJ. Please turn out the lights. And good luck. (P.S. I would love to be wrong about Gov. Christie and his abilities. Unfortunately, the credibility of his two second rate handlers overshadows any faith in improving the state of affairs in NJ, and his actions [or lack of actions] in his previous employment does nothing to improve that faith.)

no Mac....I already have my exit strategy and a place to go as soon as my kids are done with college in a few years, so once again, you make an assumption based not on facts, but what suppositions....if you can't see the difference between him and other before him, that is your issue, not mine.

I once made an assumption that an U.S Attorney was actually going to make a difference in the integrity of NJ politics. Then that attorney came to Ocean County, where he eagerly accepted the endorsement and financing for his next job. Mike Ritacco was even his selection for his Education Commissioner before the next U.S Attorney indicted him for 20+ years of open corruption. Then when the former U.S. Attorney got his new job, he put the heat on the South Jersey 'shadow governments' and got the necessary funding for a run at a national office. Yes, I have made assumptions not based on fact before. However, I'm trying to limit my current assumptions to the current deeds of those I have assumptions about. Apparently, my issue is I don't see any difference between Christie and the others before him. I just see another path of deception. Perhaps I'll follow the Governor's lead on this one and reconsider my opinions about his intentions 'when I get around to it.'

I see Mac...so he is now held accountable and responsible for actions by others that he had no knowledge about....I see.....you are the quintessential Monday Morning Quarterback....you are the "glass is half empty" guy......I grew up in probably the most corrupt city and county in north Jersey, so living here in NJ it is very easy to be cynical like you are...however, having been exposed to all of this, I look at it like I can spot a crook and politician, for the most part, from a mile away. Is Christie perfect? Nope....neither are you and neither am I. But to say he is like the rest is just simply false. You are trying to tie together what you THINK you know together as facts when in fact, they are not facts. So, if you are gong to hold him accountable, then I could say perhaps that you should be held accountable for the mistakes and wrongs that have gone on around you....that is silly and that is how your comment sounds as well.....that's why being a Monday Morning QB is so unappealing. Let's agree to disagree and move on about Christie.

Silly me. I guess if I looked at my glass as half-full, as you put it, I too would believe that a U.S. Attorney investigating political corruption in Ocean County was unable to find any other wrongdoing than the small handful of goats provided for him from a meeting in Gilmore's office. However, being a 'quintessential Monday morning quarterback,' I'll retain my view that 'actions by others that he had no knowledge about' is 'life viewed through rose-colored glasses.' While I didn't grow up in the most corrupt city and county in NJ, I'll have to assume it's the reason you need to call and label those who disagree with you less-than-charming names to try and make a point, then attempt to end the conversation and change the subject. Perhaps I'll try to entertain that reasoning next Monday, during my weekly quarterback session. I hope that doesn’t make me more ‘cynical.’

I did not call you any names Mac...there you go again....I simply stated what I believed you were doing (Monday QB) as well as how I felt, based on your comments, how you view the world (half empty). I stated explicitly TWICE that we can agree to disagree. That went over your head, or you just ignored it because you THOUGHT I was calling you names...clearly, I was not. THIRD TIME....we can agree to disagree and leave it at that. Not changing the subject, just want to get off this merry go round with you. I'm ALWAYS up for an objective debate. I just don't see any objectivity here...only preconceived notions about anyone who serves in office....talk about colored glasses...you see them all under the same color and IMHO have any objectivity...

Ahhhhh .................................................WOW!

It is not as simple as you portray this. They are using their "lawyerly" ways to try and make an argument. No oine is changing their salaries and that is what the issue is here...they are saying that it extends to benefits and that is NOT what was promised....so you are making the same specious and incorrect point here as they are making....

Most paychecks have numerous other items that we must also contribute to. Federal and state income taxes, workmans comp, SSI, unemployment insurance, etc. Are they exempt from those increases too? Your argument says that the salary will not be cut. It won't! Only the net pay will be affected as a result of additional contributions. If they should not have to pay those contributions than you are also saying that they shouldn't be affected by any other contribution too? What if taxes increase? What if social security is raised? What if unemployment insurance is adjusted? If they are exempt from one then you set a precedence stating they are exempt from all becaseu any of tehse will affect their net pay. And what happens on the rare occasion that a tax goes down? Will they benefit? I bet they will! There aren't enough curse words available to shoot down this absurd argument. A judge preaches fairness and adherance to the law They should take their own advice and get in the boat with the rest of us.

You are very naive...it happens every day in the real world. Only government employees expect to get things that were promised 20 years ago when they were hired for the rest of their lives. I used to have free medical back then...not today. I had pension plans...gone replaced with 401Ks that I contribute to myself. When the world changes, these things have to change. It is unfair and unjust for government employees to expect this when the people who are paying for theirs also have to pay for their own. But don't worry...even if they even do change this so that they have to pay their own way like most people do, they will "grandfather" everyone in so we will all still have to pay. Time to move out of this state, then let them figure out how to pay for this themselves.

When I joined the military over 30 years ago I was told myself and my family would receive health care for life, that has changed and I now pay for medical and have since I retired, I cannot use the Military Treatment Facilities like I used to either. I do get a pension (albeit a small one) but it will never compare to what these high and mighty judge's will get. Fair is fair, if I have to pay more out of my pocket why should'nt they? If they do not start paying for their benefits guess who does... ALL OF US! It is about time we have a Governor who is willing to "buck the system" and make things fair. Hey! I got a raise this year but guess what? They increased my health care the exact amount of my raise, how about that!

Sal,

You are right about the income tax cuts for the wealthy. And guess what? Most lawyers and judges fall into that catagory too!

If you taxed peoiple making #1 million dollars a year, it would not even cover the interest on the interest on the interest that is owed...so when people make this argument about tax cuts for the rich, it is more about class warfare than it is a simple mathematical equation. the numbers don't like so taxing millionairre's at 90% on the State or Federal level for that matter, does nothing to address the FACT that you can't EVER spend more than you bring in....THAT is what we should be focusing on....but the free spending liberals play the class warfare card in order to keep the upward spending spiral...it has not, does not and will not ever change. So please...let's leave that tired, old argument about "tax cuts for the rich" while our middle class dies at the door. Taxing the rich more does not even begin to help...let's address the real issue and stop with this other nonsense...

GB Shore - Don't misundestand. I am agreeing with you 100% and I was just being sarcastic. The irony is that Sal attempted to portray the "wealthy" as evil and does not support the income tax cut. What he fails to realize is that the judges he admires also fall into that catagory. Their salaries hover around 165K and they are usually partners in large law firms and receive income from numerous sources. In addition, they will recieve a lifetime pension of about 125K per year after working only 10 years as a judge and contributing only 60K during that time. Most judges retire and go back to private practice and then pull down double that amount while continuing to collect this 125K pension. My heart bleeds for them and their poverty. Where do I write my check?

He is on the road to educate people about what the fiscal realities and what a cliff we are on. Never Saw Corzine or any other governor interact with folks. You don't like the way he delivers his message at times? small price to pay for having someone in Trenton who is challenging the business as usual crap that exists. He is kicking the business as usual way of doing things a-s

I do not call the way Christie bullies people interaction. That is way too kind a word for what he does to people.

Respect goes both ways...it is not like he goes out of his way to confront people...that is how you portray it....respect goes both ways. Many people today are soft....can't handle the truth, so when they hear something they do not like or disagree with, the get all offended. Simple....be respectful and you will get respect back...be a big mouth and confrontational, you get same back....why should he take people's s--t and not be able to respond back? GOOD FOR HIM. Get a tough skin NJ resident...you can't put it all on him. I'd much rather have someone like him who tells it like it is and you know where he stands as opposed to a mealy mouthed politician who is telling you what you want to hear but doing the opposite for their benefit behind your back....if that is what you prefer, then you just are on another planet....

The only fiscal realities Gov. Christie understands is the benefits he receives from George Gilmore and George Norcross to keep all of their double, triple, and more dippers in the chips while they collect their inflated Rolls Royce pension benefits while still serving and collecting regular salaries/benefits (cashing them in) in their non-performing government offices.

Well, Mac, we agree to disagree. you view Christie as the same, run opf the mill politician. I totally disagree, so lets' just leave it there....

end of story what Lou????? Just because something is and has been done a certain way does not mean it can't change and it will change. Are you kidding me?

YOU decided it's "end of story?".. Thinking and punctuation are not 2 of your strong points..

good point samantha! also they double dip with pensions from every town they go to...case in point mr murray from toms river....

well, this is a good point....all the way up to the Supreme Court where judges, instead of APPLYING THE LAWS AS THEY ARE WRITTEN not find it in vogue to interpret them and include their own personal views on the matter....VERY slippery slope....

Yours may be the most significant post of this thread.

If you read the article Opinionated, you will see that the matter in question will be a referendum question in November. The legislature (atypically) voted overwhelmingly to do so, though only 60% approval is needed to move it forward. I think that the taxpayer will put a notch in the bedpost on this one, for a change.

Sorry proud, where does it say that we make judges have to be elected by the people? That's what my point is.

Also, what is sad is some of the Judges were not successful Attorneys...There are lots of attorneys that apply for Judgeships...They lobby for appointments.. Basically, we do not have the smartest people on the Bench...