As New Jersey Governor Chris Christie gave his “state of the state” address today Jan. 8, 2013, not only would there be a democratic response, he would have an opponent running against him and speaking out on his address and that is New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono. Christie made it a point to greet Buono upon entering the chamber and to shake hands with her after the address.
Buono responded to the Governors speech, which was heavily dominated by the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
“I wholeheartedly agree with Governor Christie that our state’s recovery from Hurricane Sandy must be a top priority for New Jersey. We will continue to work across party lines at the local, state, and federal levels to rebuild the homes, businesses, and lives torn apart by this devastating storm. The unified dedication to rebuilding our state is a tribute to every New Jerseyan” Buono said.
“When the Governor said on Monday: “once Sandy came, I can’t imagine that there’s anything else that’s relevant as governor to talk about,”’ he was wrong. And when he said today that Sandy hit ‘just when we were coming back from the national recession,’ he was wrong again.
Buono stated “before severe weather battered our state, New Jersey was already suffering from an economic storm, millions of residents struggling under the highest unemployment rate in three decades; property taxes that have soared by as much as 20 percent; public schools that are without the resources they need to succeed; and colleges and universities that are increasingly pricing our young people out.”
“We need leadership from a Governor who understands that lifting our state means going beyond meeting our responsibilities to the victims of Sandy. It also means giving our middle class and working poor the chance they need to build a better life for themselves and their children.”
“For three years, the Governor has championed income tax cuts for millionaires, while ignoring the needs of hard-pressed property taxpayers, the unemployed, and a whole generation of students being denied their ticket to chasing their dreams. “
“As an immigrant’s daughter from a blue-collar family, a working mom, and former Senate Budget Chair, I’ve seen firsthand how real lives are impacted by the decisions elected officials make. I am running for Governor to be a voice for every New Jerseyan, setting aside the bluster and bullying, and focusing on collaboration and solutions; and committing to solving the kitchen-table concerns facing families all across our state.”
Buono is the only democrat to announce her candidacy against Christie and has received several endorsements but the party itself seems disorganized if anyone else will seek the nomination. Others rumored to consider running are Senate President Steve Sweeny and Senator and former Governor Richard Codey.
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