Christie Politicians, judges won’t get raises this year

Stating any raise for prominent public employees in the current economic conditions would be “inappropriate,” Gov. Chris Christie, state Sen. Thomas Kean Jr. (R- Westfield) and Rep. Alex DeCroce (R-Whippany) announced Wednesday they would not appoint anyone to the Public Officers…

Stating any raise for prominent public employees in the current economic conditions would be “inappropriate,” Gov. Chris Christie, state Sen. Thomas Kean Jr. (R- Westfield) and Rep. Alex DeCroce (R-Whippany) announced Wednesday they would not appoint anyone to the Public Officers Salary Review Commission.

The commission, which reviews possible salary increases every four years, looks at pay for the governor, Legislature, Supreme Court and other judges, county prosecutors, and several other agency board members.

“At a time where we are asking everyone to do more with less, it would be inappropriate and send the absolute wrong message to the people of our state for Trenton politicians to consider giving themselves pay raises,” Christie said in a statement.

DeCroce added, “Our priority must be finding a job for those who need it, not giving a raise to public workers who already have one.”

The commission is made up of seven members, and without Christie’s two appointments and the minority senate and assembly leaders’ appointments, the panel is prevented from convening.