Corzine, Ariyan, Manna, and Fletcher: Politics First. Bergen County Needs Last.

Governor Corzine came to Bergen County today to stump for legislative candidates Ariyan, Manna and Fletcher.  The surprise?  The Governor and Democratic candidates were met at every stop on the campaign trail by protesters holding signs saying “Hospitals Not Politics” and “Stop the FAA.”

The protesters were motivated by Governor Corzine’s lack of response to calls by the general public and Senator Gerry Cardinale and Assembly members John Rooney and Charlotte Vandervalk for the Governor’s assistance earlier this year in fighting the Federal Aviation Administration’s plan to re-route flights over Bergen County and his unwillingness to change his “urban first” focus and step in to help save Pascack Valley Hospital.

Commented Assemblywoman Vandervalk, “I confronted the Governor today and asked him to help save Pascack Valley Hospital.  Sadly, his response was to laugh and say, ‘We have four hospitals closing.’  It became clear to me today that the Governor doesn’t mind coming here to play politics, but doesn’t want to step foot in Bergen County to help residents and taxpayers.”

Ariyan, Manna and Fletcher visited several towns with the Governor, including Westwood, where the Pascack Valley Hospital is located.  In Westwood, they campaigned at the Seville Diner – but refused to stop at or comment on the hospital situation.  In fact, they drove past the hospital on the way to their next campaign stop.

“Governor Corzine and the Trenton political bosses have spent nearly $2 million on a campaign of lies trying to elect Joe Ariyan, Esther Fletcher and Carl Manna.  What none of them have done, however, is give the people of Bergen County a reason to vote for them.  The image of their political motorcade driving right past Pascack Valley Hospital is a strong metaphor for what they really care about: politics, not the people of Bergen County,” commented Senator Cardinale.

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