Steve Lonegan Responds To The Record

Steve Lonegan: Why I should be governor as reported in the Northern New Jersey Newspaper – The Record

1) Why are you the best candidate?

New Jersey needs a conservative change. In Bogota, I led Republicans to repeated victories in a town both Bret Schundler and Doug Forrester lost. We froze spending, reduced debt and kept taxes below inflation. No other candidate can match my record of standing up for small business and suburban taxpayers.

2) What do you think is the state's most pressing problem and what would you do to address it?

An alleged $4 billion deficit and billions more in unauthorized debt. New Jersey must reduce spending in areas that have seen the most growth in recent years, including urban school aid. I will line-item veto any appropriation to repay debt not approved by voters as required in the state Constitution.

3) What would your first executive order be?

It should be illegal to ask anyone's race on a job application, college admissions form or other government document. As governor, I will immediately sign an order prohibiting state agencies from asking this intrusive and personal information that has no bearing on an individual's ability to do a good job.

4) What would you do to combat high property taxes?

Trenton is the problem, not the solution. We must end project labor agreements mandating excessively high wages on municipal and school construction or maintenance projects. Public employee contracts whose total cost exceeds inflation should be placed on the ballot and state income tax proceeds must be distributed according to population.

5) How would you balance the budget? Which, if any, taxes would you raise? Which, if any, spending would you cut?

New Jersey needs a governor with the guts to eliminate literally billions of dollars in unnecessary liberal social welfare programs and income redistribution schemes. I would end the phony "tax rebate" program funded by borrowed money and make large reductions in a bloated and out-of-control state payroll.

6) How would you replenish the Transportation Trust Fund?

I oppose increasing gasoline taxes. The Transportation Trust Fund has been a failure, with monies diverted for staff salaries, consulting contracts and other non-highway projects having nothing to do with serving motorists. Road and bridge projects must be funded on a "pay as you go" basis to avoid further debt.

7) What would you do to improve state government's image in terms of ethics and campaign financing?

Our bad image is based on overregulation and high taxes more than anything else. We are ranked one of worst states for business. My victory will send America a message that New Jersey's assault on suburban homeowners and small businesses has ended, and that will attract more jobs and lower taxes.

8) What would you do to end the bitter partisan fighting in New Jersey and the nation?

As a mayor, I've worked with members of both parties to put taxpayers first and will continue this policy as governor. I helped North Arlington's Democrats control taxes and get spending under control and will do the same for any other local officials ready to fight for taxpayers.