Local Residents React to Christie Announcement

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced Tuesday that —and residents, on the whole, agree that he has made the correct decision.

“I think it was a smart move on his part,” said Warren resident Joe Morales. “He said he is not ready and that he has to finish his job in New Jersey.”

Many residents said they agree he should not be running for president at this time, and would prefer that he continue his term as governor in New Jersey.

"While he would be an excellent candidate, there's too much to do in New Jersey now," Michael Mullaney, of Warren, said. "Eight years of Corzine pandering to NJEA has caused a major problem for most municipalities in the state."

“He still has work to do here,” said Bridgewater resident Pat Mancuso. “I think he would make a very good president, and he would have my vote. And I would support him if he ran for governor again.”

“But I think he needs more experience right now,” she added.

Paul Stillwaggon, of Warren, said he "definitely did not want him to run, wanted him to stay in New Jersey."

Kirsten Rasky, of Monroe Township, said she is pleased that Christie has decided against running for president at this time.

“We need him here,” she said. “I like what he’s doing in New Jersey.”

For some, they are pleased Christie is not running, but not because they prefer he stay in the state.

“I don’t think he’d be good on a national level,” said Basking Ridge resident Bill DeLorenzo. “I don’t like his politics. I don’t think he’s doing any harm to the state, but there are some decision-making principles he has that I don’t believe in.”

Judy Hnat, of Asbury, said she believes Christie has proven he is capable of being a governor, but she has been turned off by the way he gets things done and the way he interacts with others. She said she has a “hard time imagining him in the UN.”

“If it was a woman in office, she would have been run out of town talking like he talks,” she said, adding that as a registered Independent with a background voting Democrat, she would not support Christie running for either president or another term as governor. “If he is serious about running next time, he needs more diplomacy and polish.”

Warren Township Committeeman Vic Sordillo is a GOP State Committeeman, who was part of Christie's ticket in the primary race, said he thinks CHristie woud be a great president.

"I would not be surprised to see him in the White House at some future date," Sordillo said. "If he had decided to run, President Obama would not have know what hit him. He is a great debater, identifies opportunities, and gets results with a tough stance on problem solving. Gov. Christie has positioned our state for future prosperity and been up-front and honest with the residents of New Jersey. The nation's loss is our continued gain."

Warren resident Harold Grossnickle said he thinks the decision makes sense, in light of recent changes in primary election dates in some states.

"When several of the states indicated they are moving up their primaries and caucuses, it seemed obvious that would put the brakes on Gov. Christie's plans to enter the Republican campaign," Grossnickle said. He added that woudn't give Christie much time to organize an effective national campaign, something he hasn't done yet.

"I especially appreciate that he said he is committed to completing the work he began and is leading in New Jersey," he added. "Too many politicians 'jump ship' for some other opportunity, and/or leave their responsibilities unfulfilled for months while they campaign for another position. And after watching Piers Morgan's interview with Christie, his wife and two of his children, I had the feeling they just weren't ready for the rigors of campaigning, and microscopic examinations that would have been layed upon them. Good for you, Gov. Christie!"