GUSCIORA QUESTIONS ELIMINATION OF AGRICULTURE, PARK ACCESS

(TRENTON) -Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton) is voicing his unease to the current budget proposal eliminating the Department of Agriculture and closing state parks and is seeking the assistance of the Assembly Budget Committee in finding other reductions.

"While I completely support Governor Corzine's efforts to reduce state spending," Gusciora said in a letter to Assembly Budget Chairman Louis Greenwald, "these two cuts in particular will be penny wise but pound foolish."

New Jersey, "The Garden State," has over 800,000 acres of farmland and 9,600 farms which in total earn up to $800 million per year. The State is also an agricultural leader, ranking in the top 5 nationally as a producer of blueberries, cranberries, bell peppers, peaches and lettuce.  The Ramapo tomato, cultivated by Rutgers University is also considered to be among the best in the world.

"Notwithstanding out agricultural ties, New Jersey also offers some of the best parks and historical sites in the nation," continued Gusciora, "The closure of facilities at these parks would impact individuals of all backgrounds, preventing them from enjoying our great historical traditions and natural beauty."

Potential closures threaten numerous camping and swimming grounds as well as Washington Crossing State Park and Princeton and Monmouth Battlefields.  Not only do these parks commemorate the American Revolution and New Jersey's unique role, but have been named as some of the best preserved battlefields in the nation. 

"The Department of Agriculture and state parks are merely low hanging fruit in the larger budget picture," explained Gusciora.  "Combined, these eliminations account for only $9.3 million, or roughly three-tenths of a percent of New Jersey's $33 billion budget.  To achieve significant saving we must consolidate larger departments with duplicate or similar services." 

The public also continually supports open space an historical preservation projects.  In the past November election, voters approved a bond referendum for open space and historical preservation while rejecting all other spending initiatives.

"Before we pass any budget that would close parks and eliminate the Department of Agriculture," Gusciora concluded, "we must first consider the minimal short term savings versus the extensive long term consequences.  What is left of our State's open space as well as our image as the ‘Garden State' is unquestionably at risk."