Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Fraternal Order of Police - New Jersey State Lodge

Edward R. Brannigan, president of the Fraternal Order of Police - New Jersey State Chapter, released the following statement regarding Governor Christie's line item veto of $50 million from the budget to support municipal fire and police departments:

Governor Christie's decision to cut from the budget badly needed funds to fight a spike in violent crime in New Jersey's cities is a manifestation of his misplaced priorities. His cut means there won't be enough police officers in the heat of the summer to respond to murders, robberies, rapes and muggings.

Despite repeatedly saying he has no interest in running for president, he made these reckless budget cuts to burnish a national image among the most extreme right-wing members of his party. For his own selfish political gain, he has put innocent families and law abiding citizens at risk. It is a clear case of badly misplaced priorities.

Dominick Marino, president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey, the state association for the International Association of Fire Fighters, issued the following statement:

Governor Christie, once again, showed his disregard for the safety and well being of the citizens of New Jersey and its firefighters and police officers. Cutting the money from the budget that would have been used to put more firefighters in fire houses is proof of that. Fire departments across the state have been struggling to maintain a safe level in an effort to protect the citizens of New Jersey.

The ability to do more with less does not work in the fire service. When there are not enough firefighters to respond to an incident, the fire grows. The safety and security of the citizens of New Jersey should be a priority for a governor.

Ps

My opponents in the Assembly race have called me irresponsible for voting on behalf of the unions. It is obvious then, that if they get elected, they will be nothing short of a 'Yes-Man' tandem to Gov. Christie.

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