‘He’s the president of the United States, and he wants to come here and see the people of New Jersey. I’m the governor. I’ll be here to welcome him.”
Chris Christie’s right. So we’re not put out by a president and a governor of different political parties strolling along Point Pleasant Beach’s restored boardwalk yesterday. But amid the pleasantries, wouldn’t it be nice if someone noticed something those hard-hit by Sandy still lack: a thriving, job-and opportunity-creating economy?
The thought comes to mind as we compare the Garden State to another state slammed by Mother Nature: Oklahoma. In New Jersey, the unemployment rate is 8.7 percent (well above the national average); in Oklahoma, it is 4.9 percent. When we looked at the latest state report issued by the American Legislative Exchange Council, moreover, we were not surprised to find the respective top marginal tax rates are 9.97 percent against just 5.25 percent.
There are other comparisons, but you get the point: If you and your family were struggling to get back on your feet, which economy would help you more?
Under Christie, New Jersey has made large strides toward economic sanity — but the state is still held back by a blue legislature. Meanwhile, in Washington, Obama adds to the uncertainty with his calls for higher taxes and more spending.
Maybe Sen. Tom Coburn, who fought against pork in the Sandy relief bill, should invite them both to his home state for a tour to show them how they do things in Oklahoma.