New Jersey

Christie Pledges to Vote “No” on “Ridiculous” Open Space Protection

Gov. Chris Christie on Thursday railed against a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that would earmark millions of dollars for open space preservation in New Jersey.

Speaking to reporters during a press conference on the Jersey Shore, Christie slammed the measure as "irresponsible" "ridiculous" and a "perversion of the constitutional process."

"I think it's wrong, I think it was a bad move by the legislature," said the Republican governor, who said he would be voting no on the ballot question and urged others to do the same.

The amendment would set up a funding system for open space preservation by dedicating part of the state's business tax to it. Proponents say it will ensure open space remains a state priority for the next 30 years.

But Christie said it was wrong for lawmakers to use constitutional amendments to push through bills he'd already vetoed. He said measures like this and an amendment to increase the minimum wage that passed last year don't belong in the state constitution.

"It's crazy stuff. But this is what happens when frustrated Democrats don't get their way,"' he said, adding, ``They should just start winning gubernatorial elections if they want to control the whole thing.''

Christie, who often insults the Democratic legislature, said he would be open to initiatives or referendums where proposals come from residents instead of lawmakers. He said disinterested voters almost always vote yes on proposals written to "sound like motherhood and apple pie."

Jeff Tittel, the director of the Sierra Club's New Jersey branch, who has been among the bill's strongest advocates said in a statement responding to Christie's comments that, "we need to voters to stand up to the governor and for open space and pass this referendum."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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