Restoring Pride in New Jersey
Posted February 13, 2009

Confidence in state government is sorely lacking in New Jersey. So says a new Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll released this week. According to the poll, which questioned 803 New Jersey adults, 78 percent of New Jerseyans believe the state "is not doing enough to control costs during the current economic downturn." In fact, only 13 percent of respondents feel the state government is actually "keeping costs under control."

Beyond what the state is doing - or not doing - now, when it came to whether New Jersey government is even able to handle the current financial crisis, only 9 percent are very confident in Governor Corzine's ability to do so while 39 percent are somewhat confident. Similarly, 5 percent are very confident in the legislature's ability to address the crisis and 42 percent are somewhat confident.

These numbers support additional Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll findings released this week showing that 72 percent of New Jerseyans believe the state is on the wrong track. Specifically, only 34 percent of registered voters approve of Governor Corzine's job performance, while 51 percent disapprove. The state legislature fares even worse, with only 25 percent of New Jerseyans giving its performance a thumbs up and 52 percent a thumbs down.

Not surprisingly, issues of dissatisfaction include property tax relief, general cost-of-living, and controlling costs and reducing waste. 

Sadly, abysmal confidence levels in state government have become not only the norm but also the accepted norm in New Jersey in recent years. Whereas residents of some states wear their geographic location proudly, far too many New Jerseyans lack pride in our state. Instead, they can't wait to leave and move to greener - i.e. less expensive - pastures. For residents of a state whose contributions to America in the arts, sciences, education - you name it - have been and continue to be far-reaching, this is unfortunate to say the least.

At the same time, it is understandable, as the state continues to follow a path of inaction when it comes to making New Jersey a fiscally welcoming place for individuals, families, and businesses. When residents seem to be viewed more as sources of revenue - and are taxed as such - and less as contributing members of society whose efforts will best flourish when unburdened by exorbitant taxes and high costs of living, it is no wonder the statement "I'm from New Jersey" often lacks an accompanying "and proud of it."

Yet, the current state of affairs does not mean we should throw in the towel. Far from it. Instead, it signals that now is the time for New Jerseyans to reclaim their state. We can do this by holding government accountable, both fiscally and ethically, voting out of office those who betray the public trust, and electing into office those who support policies that make New Jersey a welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.

Pride in our state may be sorely lacking now, but it does not have to remain so forever. But it is up to we the people, not government, to restore it by raising the bar for those we elect to office - and then holding them to the standards we set.

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