“Dear Madam Secretary:”
With those words, now former Governor Jim McGreevey began his one-sentence resignation letter, effective as of 11:59 PM today. So, since noon, we of the Garden State have a new Governor, Richard Codey, who is an undertaker and insurance guy by trade, and who still presides as president of the state senate.
Governor Codey had enough class to have been sworn in at a private ceremony, indicating afterwards to members of the press that he did so, because this was not exactly a time of celebration.
Mr. and Mrs. McGreevey have taken separate residences, his being an apartment in Rahway (home of the “Scared Straight†prison), while she and the couple’s daughter will move into a house in nearby Springfield.
Governor Codey intends to focus on mental health issues in the state [I’m biting my tongue here so as not to be snarky] and ways to remedy the state’s huge deficit, which reportedly includes placing slot machines at the Meadowlands racetrack.
Due to a “glitch†in New Jersey law, Governor Codey, as noted above, will also continue to serve as the president of the state senate. [I know it’s nuts, but, hey, it’s Jersey] Indeed, he is lawfully able to collect both salaries, but it is reported that he will decline the state senate pay in favor of the Governor’s salary. Although he will be collecting the Governor’s salary, he reportedly will not move into the Governor’s mansion, preferring to commute to Trenton from his West Orange home.
He continues to be non-committal about his plans for running for a full term in November 2005. My cynical guess is that U.S. Senator Corzine and the New Jersey political bosses will make that call for Governor Codey.
I wish him well. I’d be crazy not to.
Thanks to Roberto of DynamoBuzz for a link or two.
Yeah, and I heard he was gonna nickname his home “Drumroll” as a play on Drumthwacket. I think it should be Drumstick, as in turkey, but I’m just sayin’ . . .
I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.
Comment by Shamrock — November 15, 2004 @ 9:46 pm
Just wanted to set the record striaght –
The prison is in Woodbridge on Rahway Ave. It is not in Rahway and never has been – Although, the DMV which is right next door (literally) is in Rahway.
Also not many people are that happy about McGreevy moving in –
Can ya tell I am a Rahway Girl –
Comment by Laurie — November 16, 2004 @ 8:40 am
Laurie –
I’ve lived in New Jersey all my life, and I never knew that. Yep, ya learn something every day.
Thanks.
Comment by Jim - Parkway Rest Stop — November 16, 2004 @ 8:50 am
It is disheartening that our new governor is already proposing discussions with the two football teams which call themselves NY teams for purposes of building a new stadium. Perhaps Sharpe James can build these in Newark next to the new arena. Good money definitely will be wasted. Of course, his focus on mental health is nice but is motivated by his wife’s long term battle with depression. Do any of these do gooders ever support a cause that does not benefit themself of someone close. Granted, good comes from it but I am sick and tired of these self serving philanthrpists and politicians.
Comment by Joseph — November 16, 2004 @ 9:59 am
Not many people do know the prison is in Woodbridge/Avenel –
Back when I was a sophmore or a junior in Rahway High, the Economic class sold either t-shirts or boxer shorts that said the “Prison is not in Rahway”. They were quite the big seller for that company – (each economic class had to “open” a company and sell something).
Not too long before that (which would have been around 88-90 or so – Rahway Prison went through a name change to East Jersey Correction Institute (or something to that effect). BUT everyone still calls it Rahway Prison. People in Rahway just call it the Prison. Sometimes we even call it Rahway Prison, but watch out anyone else who does – LOL
Comment by Laurie — November 16, 2004 @ 11:35 am
As a 24 year friend of the new Governor’s brother, I have met the Governor on several occasions and am familiar with his record and his reputation. He is as honest as any politician I have ever met, and he is a man of his word. Of course, he is a master of the art of politics, but that said, he is a genuine good guy who is known for getting people together, to agree. Whether or not you agree with his politics, he will bring back honor to his office, and will be a breath of fresh air in his truthfulness. Plus, he has a sense of humor, and spends a great deal of time with his family.
The last Democrat I voted for was Bill Bradley. Dick Codey would get my vote for Governor.
Comment by cousin gary — November 16, 2004 @ 12:54 pm
Cousin — I’m glad to read your comment and I wish Governor Codey well. Any snarkiness about his ascension has to do with the circumstances and the fact that, well, he is an Essex County democrat. Doesn’t mean he’s a bad guy and certainly doesn’t mean he won’t be a good governor, but it does get your spidey-sense tingling. I hope he concentrates on cleaning house and leaves the big ticket items for someone who was elected.
Comment by Mike — November 16, 2004 @ 2:36 pm
I meant, of course, elected by the whole state.
Comment by Mike — November 16, 2004 @ 2:37 pm