Galloway Residents Happy Gov. Christie Decided Not to Run

From “he’s not ready” to “I like him, but I’m glad he’s not running,” and “I don’t like him and I’m glad he isn’t running,” opinions were varied throughout Galloway Township as to Gov. Chris Christie’s announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 4 that he next year.

One junior even said she was disappointed he wasn’t going to run.

“I think he should run for president,” she said. “He’s an honest guy and he talks with emotion.”

Stockton College is in contention to host a during next year’s election. It is one of 12 schools to submit a bid to host a debate. Four will be selected to host a mix of three presidential and one vice presidential debates later this fall.

Daniel Douglas, Director of the William J. Hughes Center Director for Public Policy at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, said it came as no surprise that Christie announced he wasn’t running for president.

“He took his time, and he came back to his original decision,” Douglas said. “He came back to where he started.”

Christie had been saying for weeks he wouldn't run for president next year, but speculation continued to mount that he would change his mind and throw his hat in the ring. Tuesday, he unequivocally said no. Again.

“It didn’t shock me because he has been saying he’s not ready to run for president,” Stockton sophomore Brad Korch said, adding that he would like to see Christie run for president at some point.

Dan Pestalozzi, the Treasurer for Stockton’s Republican Club, believes Christie will run for president some day, but was happy that day isn’t coming any time soon.

“I’m stoked he’s not running because I want him to stay in New Jersey for as long as possible,” Pestalozzi said. “I love his education reforms, and just because he isn’t running this time, I don’t think that means he’s never going to run. I think it’s definitely in the cards.”

“The Republicans don’t really have anybody right now,” graduate student Darice Prico said. “I think of the candidates the Republicans have right now, he would be the best, but he needs to do something about his

Earlier this year, when the school announced it was pursuing a bid to host a debate, Douglas spoke about the possibility of the state’s governor participating in a presidential debate at the growing state college.

"It would've been fun to have the Governor of New Jersey debate the President of the United States at Stockton College,” Douglas said. “We're still expecting to have fun with the president debating the Republican candidate, whoever it is."

Galloway resident Dan Burke hopes that candidate will be Ron Paul, who has gained notoriety in the past few years for his stance on auditing the Federal Reserve and ending America’s military involvement in foreign affairs, and has been labeled “the Original Tea Party” representative.

“I’m glad (Christie’s) not running for president because he just became governor,” Burke said while at on Tuesday. “I don’t think he’s ready. I just think the Republican Party is desperate to beat Ron Paul because he’s the only one telling the truth about the issues. He can’t be bought.”

“I like him and I’m happy with what he’s doing,” Galloway resident Virginia DeNegri said while out for a stroll around Tuesday afternoon. “I’m glad he’s not running in this one, but I hope he will in the future.”

Four Seasons residents Sylvia Micklin and Gerry Stone agreed with DeNegri.

“He’s smart, and if he thinks he’s not ready, he’s not ready,” Micklin said. “If he wanted to, that’s different. He knows what he’s doing, and he should just continue.”

“Why push it?” Stone asked. “The Republicans are pushing it because they know they need somebody.  … He’s an honest man who believes in his convictions. He’s a great governor.”

Galloway residents Lillian Curatolo, Patsy Pink and Denise Firestine watched the announcement at , and all three were happy Christie won’t be running for president for another reason.

“I don’t think he has enough experience, but I also don’t think he’s fit to be president,” Firestine said. “He only cares about the upper class.”

“I don’t think he’s fit to be president,” Pink said. “You need someone to be well-qualified, and I don’t think he is.”

Curatolo doesn’t approve of the job Christie is doing in the state, but also doesn’t believe President Barack Obama will see another term in the White House.

“(Christie’s) not qualified, but none of them really are,” Curatolo said. “Obama’s not making things any better. Look at the mess he’s in. I voted for him, but I don’t think there will be a next time.”