WEST NEW YORK – Gov. Chris Christie this morning landed feet-first in the middle of fractured political territory, warmly showcasing his North Hudson allies: Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer, West New York Mayor Felix Roque and state Sen. Brian P. Stack (D-33).
“I’m not going to compromise, I’m not going to give into a system that by its very nature costs you another $3 billion – and if you’re willing to fight with me, we can get this done,” said the governor, targeting public worker sick leave practices and amplifying his proposed overhaul of civil service.
Under Christie’s plan, unused public employee sick days would have no cash value when workers retire.
“Call your legislator,” the governor urged on the turf of state Sen. Nick Sacco (D-32), Assemblyman Vincent Prieto (D-32) and Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez (D-32).
West New York has $7.8 million in accumulated sick leave, or $869.98 per taxpayer, said the governor.
“When that bill comes, you’re going to have to pay it,” said Christie at an event laden with heavy overtones of alliance building.
This is ground zero for a tattered Democratic Party organization where Stack separates himself from the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) and where the HCDO just endured a backroom break between Sacco and HCDO Chairman Mark Smith.
In stealth mode, Sacco brawled with Smith counselor Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell (D-31), stripping support for O’Donnell and an underground alliance away from Assembly Majority Leader Joe Cryan (D-20) and forging a legislative leadership deal with South Jersey Democratic Leader George Norcross III.
Facing a big crowd in a packed St. Joseph’s gym, the governor received a Stack-sized entrance complete with ominous, synthesizer-heavy soundtrack.
Front and center stools awaited Christie, Roque and Stack.
“I want to have a conversation with the mayors first and listen to what they have to say,” said the governor, starting with the event’s host, Roque.
He asked Roque about his biggest cost drivers.
Salaries constitute 70% of the budget, the mayor said.
Praising Christie’s decision to appear in Hudson County, “We’ve never seen as much outreach,” gushed Stack to an appreciative Christie.
The mayor/senator said he planned to be a co-sponsor of the Christie-championed sick leave (and vacation pay) legislation.
