N.J. Governor Urges Action On His Reform Plan

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) -- Governor Christie took his reform plan to the people of Gloucester County Monday, in the hopes the public would spur action by the democratic-controlled legislature.

Standing before a friendly crowd of 300 at the Washington Township Municipal Building, Governor Christie outlined his proposals for tighter ethics requirements, reducing spending on state pensions and benefits, and reforming education through merit pay.

In his 13th Town Hall meeting since Labor Day, Christie told the crowd the clock was ticking on the current legislative session -- and that many of his proposals so far have gone nowhere.

"I need your help now. There are 36 days left and there are a lot of important members of the legislature who work down here. And I need all of you need to speak out," said Christie.

A small group of retired teachers protested outside the Town Hall meeting. Christie said his complaint is not with teachers, it is with the state teachers' union, which wields its power to allow underperforming teachers to remain on the job.

Reported by: Mike DeNardo, KYW Newsradio