As a police officer for nearly 20 years and a member in good standing of the largest police union in New Jersey, I know firsthand that our society works because we can rely on police officers to enforce the laws fairly and honestly. That we do, but many of our union bosses are spreading outright lies in a shameful effort to frighten their members away from voting for Chris Christie.
These union bosses are telling the rank and file that Christie would somehow eliminate or diminish police pension benefits. This is 100 percent false, as Christie himself stated unequivocally as far back as the primary race and during the first TV debate.
During his seven years as U.S. Attorney, Chris worked with the men and women of law enforcement day in and day out, and he proved the depth of his respect for the tough job which our police handle as routine.
Through their hard work, he got illegal guns off the street, prosecuted gang members, thwarted two terrorist plots and threw corrupt politicians in jail. Having seen their tireless dedication firsthand in a way that sheltered mega-millionaire Jon Corzine never has, only Christie will stand up for police the way a governor should.
To be sure, while Christie has put forward proposals to cut taxes and spending in order to make New Jersey more affordable for families, he has stressed that law enforcement pension agreements are a sacred trust that will be respected without condition. In a Christie administration, nothing will change for pensions of current officers, future officers or retirees.
Don’t be swayed by the lies of police union bosses. Vote for Chris Christie come Nov. 3.
Dean M. Pinto
Jackson