The Real Deal

When one thinks about Trenton and those who mix the soup of legislation in The State House, the noun ‘integrity’ is not the first thing that comes to mind. I will, nonetheless, qualify that introductory statement, because the fact is that there are some very honest, hard-working and straightforward members of the New Jersey House and Senate who are indeed pretty good at their job and who sincerely have our best interests at heart.

But don’t ask me to name too many, because the actions of those at the other end of the spectrum overshadow the work of the good ones. Too many phony deals and too much mendacity in its various manifestations rise like a thick cloud over this state’s capitol building – enough to dampen the confidence of the average New Jersey Jane and Joe.

That phenomenon is the principal reason why our new governor Chris Christie seems to be the real deal. The contrast of his presence among so many phonies only seems to cement his reputation as a credible leader.

Yes, yes . . . I know: The polls show New Jersey voters are almost equally divided over what Christie is doing. But that doesn’t make him a phony like so many of his predecessors. It may simply mean that we don’t the like bitter medicine of his proposed reforms.

Naturally, if your ox is getting gored by Governor Christie’s proposals and policies, you may disagree with his initiatives. I, like many others in this state, am taking a hit due to Christie’s virtual elimination of real estate rebates. I don’t agree with that action, but I’m swallowing it and moving on.

I hope that I don’t have to eat my words in a year or two. Prognosticating about elected officials is a risky endeavor and tends to make a person look foolish, as is any statement made about what might happen tomorrow, let alone beyond that.