DUBIOUS NUMBERS ON OPEN SPACE NOT A SURPRISE

LIVINGSTON, NJ – Just three days ago, Mayor/Assemblyman John McKeon was touting a Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll that showed a 23-point lead in favor of his $400 million bond measure to "preserve" open space. This is in direct contrast with today’s Eagleton-Rutgers poll that showed 43% opposed to 41% in support.  The earlier poll simply asked people if they support "bonding" for open space, without clarifying what "bonding" means.  The reason for the difference is when people are informed of the truth, they are more likely to make the right decision. When they are asked whether they want the State to borrow 400 million dollars for the purchase of open space, the support clearly erodes.

In a statement today, District 27 Assembly candidate Barry Funt said, “This bond issue is simply not what it is purported to be.  First, there is no real fear that open space is in danger.  After more than 400 years of history, there is still more than 70% of this State's land that is undeveloped.  Second, the money is not all used for  purchases of open space.  When voters realize that money in this program is used to repair press boxes and install lights, they realize that they are being sold a bill of goods that they don't need in this economic crisis. 

"As people look into the hypocrisy of this bond issue's lead sponsor, it is apparent that this bond issue has nothing to do with supporting the environment.  John McKeon has ravaged open space in the 27th district in the name of fancy condominium projects that were not needed and are now an eyesore for the community.  He granted a recycling license to Nature's Choice which was a serial violator of environmental laws and whose pollution risked the health of neighboring communities." 

Even Jeff Tittel of the Sierra Club said, “ninety percent of the money from open space goes to wealthy land owners, speculators and landed gentry.”

“If Mayor/Assemblyman McKeon worked as hard for the rest of us as he does for such moneyed special interest, our state would not be in the fiscal mess that it is today,” Funt said. “I believe voters can see through this scheme, and realize that local government can accomplish the same goals of preserving our water supply and cherished open spaces simply by using tools that are already available to them, such as zoning regulations.”

Funt said, “The open spaces that are most in need right now of our attention are the vacant store fronts on main street, and the office buildings left empty by businesses fleeing our state due to the tax and spend policies of out-of-touch legislators like John McKeon. Taxpayers are getting the message. John McKeon thinks we can afford more debt and more reckless spending. The 27th District deserves better.”

Visit www.funtforassembly.org for more information about Barry Funt’s candidacy for the State Assembly.

###

Paid for by Funt for Assembly, P.O. Box 713, Livingston, NJ 07039

Michael M. Silverman, Treasurer