The latest issue in Bergen County: Gov. Christopher Christie’s plan to end Blue Laws.  Christie says Sunday retail shopping in Bergen County would bring the state an additional $65 million in annual revenue.  Expect legislators from both sides of the aisle to oppose the plan – this is one issue where Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo (D-Wood-Ridge), who will run the budget hearings, and conservative State Sen. Gerald Cardinale (R-Demarest) are in agreement.  Polling has showed the repeal of Blue Laws to be politically toxic among Bergen County voters.

The plan may not be entirely within the control of the governor and the Legislature.  County Clerk Kathleen Donovan, the likely GOP candidate for County Executive, says that any repeal of Blue Laws would have to be approved by voters in a countywide referendum – and approved by voters in any municipality where the Sunday prohibition would be set aside. 

“Clearly, this is an issue that should and will be left to the voters,” said Donovan, who has said she would vote against the repeal.  Donovan has also noted that the courts have upheld a local Paramus ordinance prohibiting work of any kind on Sundays.