The Republican and Democratic parties have given us gubernatorial candidates who cannot logically address the major problems that plague New Jersey. These candidates came from those same party “leaders” who previously chose a State legislature that gave us the highest taxes in the nation and an economy that is headed for third-world status. And, once again, they expect New Jersey voters to endorse them by voting their candidates into office.

The Star Ledger published an editorial this morning that discusses this problem. Here are a few snippets:

“The lamentable fact is that the two parties are, themselves, little more than narrow special interests. Their competition for short-term political and/or monetary gain has jeopardized the state’s long-term economic health and left it with a tarnished national reputation.”

“They have contributed equally to gross overspending in Trenton by consistently pandering to the pay, pension and retirement policies demanded by powerful public employee unions. Democrats have financed the spree with tax hikes, Republicans with borrowed money, and both with pension-fund raids.”

“Where the major parties have differed, their differences have been inconsequential. Where they’ve been the same, their similarities have been destructive.”

As I meet citizens of the 14^th District, I hear it more and more. They are starting to believe that the political parties represent bad Government in NJ. They are starting to recognize the apparent collusion between the political parties and how they have worked closely to make it impossible to fix the problems of NJ.

The Star Ledger opinion piece that was quoted earlier offers a solution.

“New Jersey needs radical change in Trenton.”

“Only by breaking the hold of the Democratic and Republican mandarins on the governor’s office and putting a rein on their power will the state have any hope for the kind of change needed to halt its downward economic, political and ethical spiral.”

“The Star-Ledger today endorses independent candidate Chris Daggett and recommends his election as the next governor of New Jersey.”

I agree with the Star Ledger that we need a massive repudiation of the parties that put us into this mess. I agree that they have “forfeited any claim to the trust and confidence of the people of New Jersey.”

What about Chris Daggett?

I have not looked into all of his ideas. But it is not necessary. Even if we disagree on some issues, we agree on the most important need for New Jersey. An Independent Governor would be independent enough to break the monopolistic stranglehold that’s preventing good ideas from penetrating the walls of the State House. Until we cure that disease, there is little profit in looking at any other issues. That is enough for me to consider him as a viable choice for Governor.

–Gene

Star Ledger Article Endorsing Daggett