By Darryl R. Isherwood - PolitickerNJ - September 8th, 2010

As Gov. Christie tours the state touting his version of reform, two South Jersey legislators have launched an internet initiative designed to involve citizens in their own reform movement.

State Sen. Donald Norcross, (D-Camden) and Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D-Washington Twp.) have kicked off their own statewide offensive to push their “Government reality Check Act.” Their campaign includes a website, www.stopspendingmymoney.com , which the pair of lawmakers says will let citizens help “slash the waste, abuse and insider deals that have driven up the cost of government throughout New Jersey.”

“We want all the citizens of New Jersey to join us in adopting these essential and long-overdue reforms so we can rid government of the wasteful spending and other abuses that make New Jersey such an unaffordable place to live for so many,” Norcross said.

According to the website, the legislation introduced by the two would:

--Ban all perks, such as free EZ-Pass transponders, parking privileges, car and meal allowances and travel expenses. It would end housing allowances for college presidents, authority executives, or any public employee, stop luxury vehicle stipends, eliminate personal drivers (beyond official police security details), and end government-issued credit cards at all levels of government in New Jersey.

--Require the Governor’s office to approve travel only for essential state purposes for all executive branch employees as well as employees and board members of the state’s autonomous agencies, state colleges and universities. The law would also restructure the approval process for county and local level official travel for boards, commissions, and authorities, as well as school and fire districts.

--Institute a Zero Tolerance on Gifts. No public employee or elected official at any level of government would be allowed to receive gifts, including meals, sporting tickets and entertainment expenses.

--Create a “Revolving Door” policy.
Any employee or board member in a decision-making role over public contracts will be prohibited from working for a vendor they have hired for a period of 2 years from leaving that office.

--Institute a penalty mandating that any public official or employee who violates the new law would be subject to the penalties under the Conflicts of Interest Law, including up to $10,000 per offense and also potential suspension or removal from office.

Christie this week is making at run at his own brand of reform, appearing today at a town hall meeting in Raritan Township push for legislation that would ban dual office holding, limit officials to one public job, and add more stringent financial disclosures for legislators.

Christie’s plan also includes sweeping financial reforms, including changes to the state pension system and healthcare systems, and education reforms, including instituting merit pay for teachers and changes in teacher tenure.