CONSERVATIVE GROUP APPLAUDS CHRISTIE’S SNUB OF NJEA

CLIFTON, NJ –  Chris Christie has demonstrated real courage and a desire to change the status quo in New Jersey by declining to seek the endorsement of the state’s largest teacher’s union, says officials of  GOP  Strong, a conservative Republican organization that scored a number of victories in the June 2 Primary Election.

GOP Strong Co-Chairman Michael Mecca said Christie is setting an example for others in the Republican party – “some of whom have been too cozy with the bosses of the major public employee unions. That coziness has cost taxpayers billions of dollars in extra pay, pension and health benefits.”

“I hope others follow Mr. Christie’s lead,” said Mecca, the Clifton Republican Party chairman.

Mecca said that by rejecting the NJEA, Christie is demonstrating that public employee unions will not be driving the economic reform agenda that New Jersey needs desperately.

“While many of us  appreciate that hard work that many teachers put into their jobs, the fact remains that Trenton politicians have given away the store to public union bosses to the point of complete fiscal recklessness,” said Mecca.

“Too many Republican and Democratic legislators are taking money from the NJEA and other public union bosses and I believe that is creating an unhealthy relationship that comes at the expense of taxpayers,” he added.

The NJEA endorsement, noted GOP Strong Co-Chair Robert Fass, a business owner - has nothing to do with support for education. “It’s all about increasing compensation for union members.  And the reality is that few people in the private sector enjoy anything like the compensation that New Jersey’s public employees receive”.

Mecca said  Christie is sending the right message for all Republicans by snubbing the NJEA. .”He’s saying that : ‘in order for me to fix this state I can’t be in bed with public unions the way Republicans and Democrats have in the past.’ That’s a dramatically important step that must be applauded. This kind of  action by Christie will separate him from Corzine,” said Mecca.