Lieutenant governor post is good for state

I recently traveled out of state for business and ate breakfast in a hotel where I overheard salespeople discussing their itinerary.

No comments were made about Los Angeles, Chicago or Boise, Idaho, but plenty was said about New Jersey’s turnpike exits and political scandals.

It could take years to change the misconceptions held about New Jersey, but there have been developments in Trenton — that the employer community fully supports — that will help our image and business-attraction efforts.

Let’s start with the proposal to create a lieutenant governor. It’s been said that New Jersey’s office of the governor is the most powerful in the country.

Illogically, the acting governor in our state is awarded even more power by also serving as Senate president.

We should create a clear line of succession that allows voters to choose a replacement if the governor can’t serve. Our lieutenant governor could be a business ambassador, responsible for bringing out-of-state companies to New Jersey and making sure that those here have the tools to succeed.

Another office deserving support is that of inspector general. We applaud acting Gov. Richard Codey for proposing a position to help eliminate waste, fraud, and government mismanagement. Let’s make this a permanent position, instead of one subject to the whims of the administration.

In the aftermath of the McGreevey resignation, government reform should be the state’s top priority. These initiatives may never stop the turnpike jokes, but can improve the way New Jersey’s government and business practices are viewed in the future.

Peter Cocoziello

president and CEO

Advance Realty Group

chairman

New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Government Reform Initiative