In a Nutshell

Lara Webb-Barrett posed some questions to our governor about everything from his agenda to the “Robin Hood Tax,” to his favorite places to visit in South Jersey…

What specific South Jersey agenda items are you currently concerned with or handling?
South Jersey has a vital and bright future, and is central to the entire State’s success. We’re developing businesses and job opportunities with $170 million invested in South Jersey, through the Economic Development Authority, since January 2002. My Administration has invested $1.3 billion in new school construction in South Jersey. Coming soon are new community schools for Camden and Vineland. These will incorporate features such as community centers and neighborhood revitalization with the construction of a new school building – a new approach to learning and improving the community.

We’ve invested $402 million in transportation improvements in South Jersey. These include the reconstruction of the Nacote Creek Bridge in Galloway Township; reconstruction of I-295 and Route 38 in Cherry Hill and Mount Laurel; and the upcoming replacement of the Route 52 Causeway in Cape May County.

Thanks to the EDA’s investments, Rhodia Inc., one of the world’s major specialty chemicals companies, will create new jobs in Deepwater. Perpetual Pancake Partners is getting ready to run a restaurant at “The Walk” in Atlantic City. American Mortgage Express Corporation recently opened its new headquarters in Mount Laurel. We’re helping South Jersey’s workers receive training and find jobs, through programs outlined at www.southjerseyworks.info.

When you are in our neck of the woods, what are your favorite places to visit in the South Jersey region?
Of course, the Jersey Shore is one of my favorite places anywhere. From the historic Congress Hall hotel in Cape May to the doo-wop style of Wildwood to the gaming metropolis of Atlantic City, the Shore offers something for everyone. And, to top it off, this diversity is connected by one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in the world.

South Jersey also offers some of the best diners around. Among my favorites are Mastoris in Bordentown, Olga’s in Marlton and Ponzio’s in Cherry Hill. Camden’s waterfront, home of the Battleship New Jersey, is poised to explode with new restaurants, office buildings and retail shops. Our State investment of $175 million for Camden’s renewal has attracted more than $1 billion in private capital investment – and made it the sixth best big city in America for business, according to Inc. Magazine. Ultimately, we are creating jobs – and that is what’s most important for the region.

And right next to Camden is Gloucester City, another favorite of mine that’s on the verge of a rebirth. These two neighboring cities are uniquely intertwined and their revitalization will boost all of South Jersey.

How would you advise someone involved in South Jersey local government who’s interested in pursuing political work in a State-level capacity?
Just follow the lead of so many South Jersey leaders who already serve in State government.

They include Susan Bass Levin, who serves on my Cabinet as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs; former Governor James J. Florio, chairman of the Pinelands Commission; and Jeffrey Nash, vice chair of the Delaware River Port Authority. Curtis Bashaw, executive director of the Casino Redevelopment Authority, is from Cape May. Frank Spencer of Haddonfield, is Chairman of the South Jersey Transportation Authority.

South Jerseyans also hold some of the most influential positions in the Legislature. Sen. Wayne Bryant is the skillful chairman of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. Assemblyman Joe Roberts provides critical leadership as Majority Leader. Assemblyman Lou Greenwald, a rising star, is chairman of the Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Leaders who are currently involved in local government should keep confronting the challenge of governing and making people’s lives better. Serving in town councils, school boards and other local agencies is the best way to gain hands-on experience and achievement that is essential for anyone holding an important position in State government.

If you were describing South Jersey to someone new to our region, what would you talk about?
South Jersey is dynamic; a place of opportunity. It is old-fashioned, with miles of beautiful farms, dense Pinelands and gorgeous beaches – the perfect place to relax. And it’s modern. The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper in Voorhees is part of our plan to make New Jersey the nation’s medical research capital and lead the way to eradicating cancer. South Jersey is the fastest-growing part of our State. Last year New Jersey gained more jobs than all of our neighboring states combined. Half of those jobs came from South Jersey. With a $92 million investment from the State, Atlantic City’s casinos will soon build thousands of new hotel rooms, turning Atlantic City into a sensational place for overnight visitors. Today’s pressures make South Jersey a place where we must balance modern growth and the need to protect natural resources.

Since I took office, we have preserved nearly 15,000 acres of farmland and nearly 19,000 acres of green space in South Jersey. This will ensure that the region’s unmatched beauty and character remain for our children and their children.

How is the current “Robin Hood” tax going to affect the South Jersey region, and what percentage of South Jerseyans will be affected?
Our property tax crisis is 25 years old and still growing. It must be reversed. Seniors shouldn’t be forced out of the homes they worked their lives to own. Consider these numbers: A senior citizen with a $25,000 annual income loses 17 percent to property taxes. A senior with a $43,000 income loses 10 percent. Under the “millionaires tax” in my FAIR property tax plan, South Jersey’s seniors and middle class families will receive more tax rebate money than those in any other region of the State. Many senior citizens who are currently eligible for the maximum $775 homestead rebate will receive an increase of over 50 percent, to a maximum of $1,200. Many homeowners with incomes below $125,000 will receive a new maximum rebate of $800 – triple the current average of $250. The FAIR plan provides immediate taxpayer relief, but also holds the keys to long-term property tax reform.

The plan freezes government spending at 2.5 percent. And it calls for a Constitutional convention, which will get the reform process out of Trenton and into the hands of citizens. The immediate relief is needed, but this long-term reform will be of even greater benefit to present and future generations.

Published in South Jersey Magazine, July 2004.
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Author: Lara Webb-Barrett