"Governor Christie, why are you spending an extra $12-million of our money on an extra general election day?"

Dear Governor Christie:

Spending $12-million on a special general election to fill Senator Lautenberg's seat when our regularly scheduled and budgeted general election day is only 3 weeks later betrays taxpayers trust.

I thank you for finding an extra $12-million bonanza of unnecessary taxpayers' money being collected ... but ...

But if you can find an extra $12-million for an unnecessary, extra election day to fill Senator Lautenberg's seat, then you should return the money to us, the taxpayers.

Governor Christie, here are a few ideas for returning the extra $12-million to taxpayers without the further expense of issuing and mailing us checks:

(1) Eliminate the $13.5-million Public Utilities Excise Tax

(2) Reduce the $191-million Realty Transfer Tax, which would save the average home purchaser approximately $300 (Aren't we trying to revive the housing market?)

(3) Help out businesses by reducing the $80-million Corporate Energy Tax

(4) Chip away at the $535-million Motor Fuels Tax.

I'm sure you can find other taxes to cut as well.

Governor Christie, if you believe that it's important that our $12-million bonanza be spent -- you know, to boost the economy -- then here are a few items that should be higher on your list than an extra, unnecessary general election:

(1) 200 police officers?

(2) 200 teachers?

(3) Help thousands of New Jersey victims of Hurricane Sandy?  (Hasn't Mary Pat been putting that bug in your ear?)

Governor Christie, why haven't you been speaking up for your decision? Help us out in understanding why it's so important to have an extra general election during election season. 

We've heard the press and politicians argue rather persuasively that you scheduled the Senator Lautenberg replacement election away from the general election day in order to avoid the much heavier voter turnout, especially by Democrats and Democratic-leaning Independents, that a federal election brings.

Frankly, it's been troublesome that you have NOT offered any good reason, nor any reason at all, for deciding to set the special general election to fill Senator Lautenberg's seat on a different day from the regular November general election when they're only 3 weeks apart! 

Perhaps, Governor Christie, you have not offered any reason because there is no reason in the taxpayers' interest. I'd hate to think that you'd waste $12-million of taxpayers' money so blatantly on political self-interest.

Please argue persuasively for your decision to bifurcate a special general election and regular general election that are only 3 weeks apart.

Otherwise, we the taxpayers will have to conclude that you did it for these political reasons.

On a personal note, Governor Christie, I've often disagreed with your policies, though not all, but I've always respected you. This election scheduling thing really hurts!

Respectfully,
Steve Reichenstein