Time out for local politics
New Jersey's race for governor is now closer than anyone ever thought it would be at this stage in the game, and here's why.
When registered voters were asked what the "top priority of the next governor should be," 29% answered "property taxes," which beat out such perennial voter concerns as "education" (9%), "health care" (9%) and "jobs" (6%). It even beat out "corruption" (14%), which is saying something in the Louisiana of the Northeast. The heavily favored Mr. Corzine was ahead by 18 points a month ago. But now voters say, by 43%-39%, that Mr. Forrester is "more likely" than Mr. Corzine to reduce property taxes. So much for all those Beltway analysts who keep saying taxes have lost their power as a political issue.
Hardly a surprise there. I moved to New Jersey just last year, and it didn't take me long to become horrified by the obscene level of property taxes in the state. It's fun, you know. It seems that throughout my whole life I've been "blessed" to live in states with... "interesting" politics. I suppose Louisiana is next on my list.
Anyway, I have to admit that I find Doug Forrester to be an unappealing candidate overall, and I expect Senator Corzine will pull it out in the end. But for all the Corzine folks who are scratching their heads in honest puzzlement at the latest poll numbers, wonder no more.
For my part, I plan to vote for Pawlowski. He supports a right to carry concealed handguns and the decriminalization of marijuana. What's not to like?
Comments
New governor--nothing will change.
Posted by: fred | October 20, 2005 02:20 PM
I'm not scratching my head...Corzine has been sitting back waiting for a coronation, not running a campaign.
God, I hate NJ politics.
You know, the 800 pound gorilla in the corner that no one wants to talk about regarding NJ property taxes is that the state only receives back 57 cents of every Federal tax dollar we pay in -- that's the lowest in the nation.
Yes, the home rule business and pay-to-play and general corruption has a lot to do with it, but if the Federal government is going to put in a bunch of unfunded mandates, and we are paying to the Federal coffers in order for red states to get back MORE than they pay in, and governors who try to tax get booted out of office, well guess what -- property taxes are going to be high.
I am still waiting for an answer from Scott Garrett as to why he doesn't fight for us more. When I sent him a letter asking if he agreed with Karl Rove that all liberals wanted to give terrorists therapy, he wasted no time in getting back to me. But when it comes to fighting for our fair share, he can't be bothered.
Posted by: Jill | October 21, 2005 02:13 PM
Pawlowski is also for ending the moronic "click it or ticket" campaign. Sounds good to me, make that 2 for Pawlowski.
Posted by: CRB | October 21, 2005 03:38 PM
> Corzine has been sitting back waiting for a coronation...
And a lot of NJ liberals I know appear ready to coronate him. It boggles the mind.
Posted by: Barry | October 21, 2005 04:24 PM