McKEON: POLL RESULTS INDICATE BENEFITS OF OPEN SPACE RESONATING WITH NJ VOTERS, ENVIRONMENT A WINNER

McKEON: POLL RESULTS INDICATE BENEFITS OF OPEN SPACE
RESONATING WITH NJ VOTERS, ENVIRONMENT A WINNER

Assembly Environment Chairman Lauds 23 Percent Lead in Monmouth Univ.\Gannett NJ Poll for $400M Bond Issue

(TRENTON) - Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee chairman John F. McKeon today announced that the latest poll results showing a 23 percent lead for the $400 million bond issue to fund open space, send a clear message that the environment is a priority for New Jersey citizens.

According to a Monmouth University\Gannett NJ Poll released today, the bond referendum that is on the ballot on Nov. 3 is ahead by 23 points with 55 percent supporting and 32 percent opposed to the measure.  

"The poll results indicate that our message of the benefits of open space -  especially its economic advantages - is resonating with New Jersey citizens," McKeon (D-Essex) said. "The environment is the real winner as citizens of New Jersey reaffirm their committment to our economic vitality and quality of life."

McKeon (D-Essex) was the prime Assembly sponsor of the measure (A-3901\S-1858) which placed the question on the Nov. 3 ballot. Approval of the $400 million bond referendum would replenish the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT) which funds open space.

Advocates in the Legislature and environmentalists including the NJ 'Keep It Green' Coalition have been effectively getting the word out about the importance of continued funding for open space.

"As New Jersey residents continue to learn about the high stakes involved, I am confident an increasing number will support the open space ballot question on Nov. 3," McKeon added. "We will continue to run as if we are one vote behind until Election Day to ensure that voters make an informed decision."
 
According to the Monmouth Univ.\Gannett NJ Poll, the open space ballot question leads 68 -19 percent among Democrats and 55 -37 percent among Independents. More Republicans are opposed to than favor the measure with 40 voting for and 46 percent against. Corzine supporters support the bond issue 70 to 18 percent, while Christie backers oppose it by a 34 to 51 percent margin.  The referendum enjoys a high level of backing from Daggett supporters - 63 to 26 percent.  61 percent of likely voters say they support the bond issue and 22 percent oppose it. 
 
In an earlier Oct. 6 Fairleigh Dickensen poll, a majority of respondents said they would in favor of the state issuing bonds for the purchase of open space.

Fifty-six percent of voters polled said they would approve the $400 million bond issue, in what pollster Peter Wooley described as "defying of conventional wisdom" since he said the gubernatorial election has focussed on taxes and an $8 billion deficit.

"Voters in New Jersey are responsible stewards of the environment and realize we are in a race against time to protect and preserve our natural resources including our pristine watersheds, valuable farmland, historic sites and flood-prone areas in the most densely populated state in the nation." McKeon said. "We will continue to work towards an overwhelming Yes vote for open space on Nov. 3." 

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Contact:
Gita Bajaj (973) 224-4851 cellular