This Tuesday on November 3rd the United States gubernatorial elections of 2009 will be held. As I look through my sample ballet. Have my mailbox stuffed with campaign promises, watch countless smear adds from both the Democratic and Republican parties only to realize that I don't like either candidate. Further more I am not even sure how Republican Chris Christie got on the ballot. I have read through his 88 ways he will fix NJ and quite frankly I think it is more of the same empty campaign promises we have all heard before. As for Corizine I don't think NJ can live another 4 days let alone another 4 years with him. His Tax policies will bankrupt the people of New Jersey. Joseph Henchman of the Tax Foundation had this to say "Fiscal policy in the Garden State reads like a "what not to do" for policymakers and stakeholders. The corporate income tax combines a high rate, onerous rules, and lavish subsidies for the politically connected. The sales tax is one of the highest in the country. The state is one of five in the country to adopt a heavy individual income tax on high-income earners, which has reduced economic activity in the state. New Jersey residents also pay more property tax per capita than residents of any other state."

The issues facing our state are Property Tax, Education, Safety, Economic stability, Jobs.
Obviously these issues revolve around money and are conflicting i.e. Improve education = Raise Property Tax. Well that does not work as evidenced by the amount allocated to each pupil in 2005

Per Pupil Amounts for Current Spending -- Public School Districts FY 2005

Urban districts Nominal
Newark, NJ $ 20,482
Trenton, NJ $ 18,726
Jersey City, NJ $ 17,549
Camden, NJ $ 16,683
East Orange, NJ $ 16,681
Paterson, NJ $ 16,302
Union City, NJ $ 15,773
Passaic, NJ $ 15,531

Until our government becomes responsible with our money we will continue to be taxed and burdened with irresponsible spending. Public companies provide quarterly reports why not our state. I went to the State Audit site http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/auditreports_department.asp
Interesting reading however not all areas provide a financial statement.
Of note was the Pineland's commission which spent around 34 thousand dollars on a Timber rattlesnake study and rattlesnake fencing. Retire Health Care Costs we just shy of a whopping $775,000.

I am tired of statements such as "staying with the Devil you know" or "the lesser of two evils" it is time to take back our state and demand that our officials do what is in the best interest of the general public and not special interests groups who have donated money to the candidates campaign. We have a voice it may be small but together nine million voices can rise above the sound of money to demand that our common and best interests looked after.

I for one am seriously looking at the independents this election - whatever your choice make sure your voice is heard this Tuesday