" Pension commitments to police, teachers and other municipal workers are already broken due to previous Governor's inappropriate generosity and changes in retirement demographics (i.e., we live longer).
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New govt. workers pay in huge amounts to subsidize incredibly generous pensions and health care to current retirees. Meanwhile state and local govts. are breaking their promise and not funding their shares.
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Start scaling back pension and health care benefits NOW. Ouch-yes. But it's a more realistic solution than waiting for the inevitable bankruptcies (as are occuring in California).
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Interestingly, Sweeney understands this (given that he's respected by unions, and he's from a private sector background) and may be able to make a deal.
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Check out pensiontsunami.com for the alternative. "

" Should be?
1. Deal with pension crisis. (hint not funding in a down market is the stupidest possible move. Buy low sell high).
2. Address the inequitable distribution of School Aid if necessary by playing hardball and replacing NJ Supreme Court Justices.
3. Do whatever it takes to reduce and close the loopholes on unfunded mandates that affect local budgets.

Will be?
1. Address the budget crisis by not funding pension obligations.
2. Make the situation worse for homeowners by continuing to not meet state obligations on School Aid.
3. Push costs onto homeowners by increasing the number of unfunded mandates. "

" Three things--

1 lower my taxes
2 lower my taxes
3 lower my taxes "

" Unlike President Obama, Gov. Christie will act like a winner-- no timidity, just bold quick action to rescue New Jersey from the Democrats' fiscal destruction. "

" Come January, New Jersey will have a new governor, Republican Chris Christie, who won an impressive victory over Democratic incumbent Jon S. Corzine on Tuesday. Gov-elect Christie will face a continuing fiscal crisis and pressure for property tax relief.

How will he handle it? What steps would you advise New Jersey's next governor to take? Post your advice here. "