Corzine must take up the gauntlet at his feet
(Open letter to Gov. Jon Corzine) In my 77 years I do not think I have been more troubled than I am now with the world of politics but especially the depressed and immoral stature of our own New Jersey disgrace.

There is not a day that the front pages of the local newspaper do not carry up to four scenarios of the worst abuses of public trust - integrity and honor, fiscal responsibility and honesty are all for naught, forgotten!

I truly believe that the dye is cast from the top - what Trenton does and how Trenton operates radiates permissibility. I make no accusations of you with respect to this moral malaise. However, I do make this (and other) searching question of you, namely: where are you?

The corruption in Trenton is so rampant that it is flaunted throughout the state as sick and cynical humor. No one holds our government with any enviable esteem. Rather, it is regarded with derision, embarrassment, disgust and anger.

I repeat, Mr. Governor, where are you?

You spoke with determination and conviction about the many and varied needs of our beloved state prior to your election. Much the time the subject of those speeches addressed the flagrant and pervasive nature of governmental abuse.

Where are you, Mr. Governor?

I have heard you loud and clear on borrowing, on selling state assets, on family leave, on increasing benefits, and on and on - but not once have I heard a mere peep from your mouth or from your office about "cleaning house"!

Please tell me that the Goldman Sachs culture would have so flourished if you had used your management of New Jersey technique when you were its chairman.

You have the possibility of creating a new legacy for yourself, the state government and its faithful and frustrated taxpayers.

Why not take the challenge?

I know the budget is a very tough situation. Much of this is self-inflicted through the inaction of management. Benign headline strategy will never serve to reduce and eliminate the costly and inefficient bureaucracy that currently seems in charge in Trenton.

Attacking these issues can rapidly lead to a good government, significant monetary relief/saving and most importantly, an immediate morale boost to those that pay the bills - the taxpayer.

Taking up the gauntlet that is flagrantly strewn at your feet would immediately be welcomed, monument al and exceedingly exciting.

John J. Conklin Jr.

Rumson