STRATEN: DON'T LET U.S. FOLLOW NJ'S FISCAL LEAD

 
New Jersey's budget and debt problems could be the example the nation follows if big-spenders continue their rein in Congress, according to Roland Straten, Republican candidate for Congress in New Jersey Eighth District.
 
"I'm running for Congress to keep the big-spenders from doing to our nation what they have done to New Jersey," said Straten, referring to New Jersey's record $32.9 billion debt.
 
Recent reports show that the State's debt climbed $2.2 billion this year under Governor Corzine's budget, which was touted as a debt reduction plan.  While most states had several years of prosperity and budget surpluses in the past decade, New Jersey has been battling multi-billion-dollar deficits.
 
"Our state's fiscal condition has been worsening continually under fiscally irresponsible policies that spend to make people feel better today at the expense of tomorrow," said Straten.  "Well, tomorrow is here now for the people of our state who are really feeling the pinch."
 
Straten, a self described fiscal conservative, believes that debt is the most threatening domestic issue facing the nation.  He notes that widely accepted projections show that in about 30 years, the nation's entire budget could be consumed by entitlements and interest on the debt.  His campaign emphasizes his intentions to cut government spending and costly regulations that hurt commerce.  A retired small business president, he wants to apply the lessons and experiences of that background to government.
 
"Because New Jersey has borrowed so much in the past rather than spending wisely, the state can't even keep debt from piling up in a supposed debt reduction year," said Straten, referring to the fact that even this year's budget borrows more for school construction and transportation.
 
Straten concluded, "My opponent is a partner in this tax and spend spiral that is afflicting Washington and the nation the way it has damaged New Jersey. We have to change the way we do business in Washington and quit wasting taxpayers' money.
 
Roland Straten is a native of Wayne and a 39-year resident of Montclair. Roland served in the United States Navy and was the President of Associated Fire Protection in Paterson before deciding to serve the people of the Eighth District as their next Congressman. Roland has served as chair of the Paterson Economic Development Corporation and as a Commissioner on the New Jersey Fire Commission.

CONTACT: PETER ZORICH

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