Corzine: I Will Not Make A No-New-Taxes Pledge

Jon Corzine, the Democratic Party nominee for Governor of New Jersey, told the Asbury Park Press editorial board on Tuesday, he would not make a pledge to refrain from raising state taxes if he were elected governor.

"I will not make a no-new-taxes pledge," Corzine said.

The Asbury Park Press has presented New Jersey voters with the defining issue of this year’s Governor’s race:

The next governor of New Jersey must lead the way when it comes to addressing the high cost of living — which starts with the high cost of government.

In the case of government, the price consumers pay comes in the form of taxes. Those taxes continue to rise, making it increasingly difficult for people to afford living in New Jersey. Tax relief must be at the top of a new governor's agenda. And it won't come without a clear resolve to reduce taxes and spending.

Corzine's Republican opponent, Doug Forrester, pledged early in his primary campaign that he would "oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes." Given the well-documented manner in which tax dollars have been squandered by state, county and local government, and by school districts, voters should make their support for any gubernatorial candidate contingent on an ironclad pledge to oppose any tax increases, or new taxes, fees and surcharges.

New Jersey’s race for Governor of New Jersey offers voters a clear choice. Forrester has pledged to reduce taxes. Corzine, with his long list of new state spending programs, refuses to take a no-new-taxes pledge. Is their any doubt which candidate is more likely to reduce taxes and control government spending?

Examples of Corzine’s New State Spending Programs:

Corzine's Affordable Opportunities Initiative
Corzine’s Edison Innovation Fund
Corzine Care Vs. Reality
New Jersey’s Schools Construction Corp – Invest, Grow, Prosper
Corzine’s Agenda A Prescription For Disaster
Corzine Care: The Numbers Just Don’t Add Up