newjerseynewsroom.com

Group represents state's largest private sector employer

The New Jersey Restaurant Association (NJRA) Thursday endorsed Chris Christie as the candidate best qualified to reverse the governmental policies that have negatively impacted restaurant establishments in the state and which threaten to limit their growth in the future.

"The New Jersey Restaurant Association is endorsing Chris Christie for Governor because his record of achievement as US Attorney proves he can get the job done. He is committed to making New Jersey a competitive, affordable place to live, work and create jobs," it was announced today by Deborah Dowell, President, New Jersey Restaurant Association. "Our industry has watched our customers and businesses flee the State during the past four years because there is no hope for an affordable future. Mr. Christie's plan calls for cutting State spending, reducing corporate and income taxes, and reviewing regulations imposed upon businesses and local governments that drive up costs that are passed onto our citizens. This is the type of change we need to create private sector jobs in NJ.

"In contrast to Mr. Daggett who is proposing a massive tax expansion and increase and to Governor Corzine who has a record of creating expensive government programs and relying upon one-time gimmicks to balance the State budget, Mr. Christie is the clear choice for small businesses in New Jersey, for our customers, and our employees who simply want a reasonable and realistic approach to lowering taxes and creating an affordable and hopeful future.

"As US Attorney, Mr. Christie achieved results fighting terrorism and corruption, and we believe he will be just as tough as he works to reform the pension and benefits system by standing firm during collective bargaining negotiations. He supports tort reform and creating more competition in health insurance by allowing access to more affordable out of state policies."

The New Jersey restaurant and hospitality industry includes 23,000 eating and drinking establishments with over 300,000 employees making restaurant and hospitality the largest private sector employer in New Jersey.

— ANDY LAGOMARSINO, NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM