Christie's Budget Address Draws Local Reaction
By Jim Melwert
CHERRY HILL, N.J. (CBS) --- Governor Christie's budget address yesterday focused on pension and education funding. But some New Jersey voters this morning are wondering why there was no mention about another potential funding crisis: transportation.
Paul from Cherry Hill says education and pension reform are important, but he would have liked to hear the governor discuss a transportation plan.
"We certainly need transportation funding because the roads are probably the worst in the country, and also the pension's in bad shape too, they're both in bad shape," Paul says.
He says he'd support a hike in the gas tax, which is the second lowest in the country. "The roads are in such bad shape, and the bridges need repair, you gotta get money from somewhere," he says, "and that's about the only place you can't get money unless you raise the sales tax."
But he says he is frustrated by what he thinks is Christie's focus on a run for the White House, rather than on issues facing New Jersey.
"He's got everybody fooled that the states are in good shape around the country, but it's not -- it's in really bad shape," he says. "Unemployment is higher than the national average. I don't think he's been a good governor at all. It's all smoke and mirrors to me."
Joe from Marlton says he's not a fan of raising the gas tax, but he says something needs to be done with the roads.
"I actually got a flat, a blowout on of the potholes in Jersey," he says. "And I work in Philly and Jersey's potholes are almost as bad as Philly's now."
Another New Jersey resident says the governor has the right message with no tax hikes: "No more debt, no more tax. If they have to come up with more money, they can cut to get it, as far as I'm concerned."