Joseph R. Malone, Assemblyman, District 30
To the editor:
Editor’s note: The following is a copy of a letter sent to Gov. Jon Corzine.
Dear Gov. Corzine:
Recently you announced that Edward McBride and Matthew Boxer will be responsible for overseeing New Jersey’s share of the federal stimulus legislation. While it is commendable that you have selected these two members of the Executive Branch to supervise the distribution of funds, I believe, your decision does not go far enough. A bipartisan panel of executive and legislative representatives should be put together to ensure that the federal assistance is directed and allocated in an appropriate and responsible manner.
Recent events regarding spending decisions have led to a general lack of confidence by the public regarding the ability of elected officials to wisely spend tax dollars. And, despite the characterization as a “stimulus,” these are tax dollars. Also, it is important that a broad consensus be achieved regarding how the federal funding is to be used. It would be unwise to create new or expand existing programs knowing that there will be no money to continue that funding once the federal assistance dries up. I am sure that you have heard that governors of other states have expressed concern with taking certain components of the federal stimulus funding because of associated requirements. These are the types of decisions that should be reviewed by a bipartisan panel.
Please be assured that I am committed to working with you to make sure that any new and additional federal funding be used in the most appropriate ways and not just distributed in the most politically expedient manner.

