Assemblyman Guy Gregg

GREGG: STATE COMPTROLLER ANOTHER DEMOCRAT VICTORY FOR BIG GOVERNMENT

Assemblyman Guy Gregg said legislation that was approved yesterday by the Assembly that establishes an appointed Office of State Comptroller is yet another Democrat victory for big government in New Jersey. "In a state rife with corruption, waste and abuse, there's no doubt its finances should be subject to annual audits," said Gregg, "but this legislation is just another step towards bigger government in a state that desperately needs to reduce its bureaucracy. The whole point of this summer's Special Session was to reduce government so that we can give our taxpayers significant and lasting property tax relief. Instead, Trenton Democrats have opted to spend more money we don't have by creating a whole new office with a whole new staff."

It is estimated the new office will cost an additional $7 to $9 million per year and will consist of an office staff of 75 employees, including 20 staff members in the Inspector General's Office.

The bill, A-2, creates an appointed, "independent" Office of State Comptroller in order to consolidate financial audit and review functions for the Executive branch of state government, including public institutions of higher education, independent state authorities, units of local government and boards of education.

Gregg said the legislation is flawed for several reasons, including the fact that the state comptroller would be appointed by the governor instead of allowing voters to make the decision.

"An appointed state comptroller would merely make the person the governor's puppet," said Gregg. "Talk about the fox watching the hen house. Governor (Jon) Corzine has repeatedly told Democrat leaders an appointed, 'independent' State Comptroller must be part of their property tax relief package.

"How stupid does he think we and our residents are? If the governor is allowed to hand pick his choice, how can that person be truly independent? It will be nothing more than another political patronage appointment and another big waste of taxpayer money. If the Democrats are truly concerned with restoring fiscal responsibility to Trenton then, at the very least, a comptroller should be directly elected by our voters."

Gregg also noted that the bill fails to provide the comptroller the two most important powers necessary to weed out fraud and ensure compliance with laws and remedial plans, including the power to impound funds and the power to prosecute for criminal behavior related to abuse of funds.

"I think Democrats owe our voters an explanation as to why they approved legislation that again does nothing but cost them plenty of money, but does nothing to ensure fiscal integrity," said Gregg. "What is the purpose of having a comptroller who has no real power to impound funds or prosecute criminal behavior?"

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For more information, contact:
Assemblyman Guy Gregg/973-584-5422
Assembly Republican Office/609-292-5339