Christie Coming to Hopatcong on Wednesday

Gov. Chris Christie is coming to Hopatcong.

Christie will hold a town hall-style meeting at at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Doors open at 9:45 a.m. The governor will answer questions from the public.

A Christie spokesman said the governor plans to speak about the state's budget.

"We're thrilled he's coming," Hopatcong Mayor Sylvia Petillo said Thursday morning.

Petillo said she's met Christie numerous times.

"The town meetings are an excellent forum for the public," Petillo said. "It makes him accessible. He answers every question. It's their opportunity to come face to face with the governor of New Jersey. He's very open and forthcoming and he enjoys being around people and people enjoy being around him."

Petillo said she couldn't remember the last time a New Jersey governor spoke in the borough.

"Whether you're in agreement or you're not in agreement, this is your opportunity to have your questions answered," she said.

Councilman Mike Francis said Christie's appearance would "give Hopatcong the recognition we need and deserve."

"We've been working real hard to support the ways to keep our tax rates low and I think the governor is doing a great job," Francis said. "He needs to give us the tools locally to support what he's doing."

Francis said he didn't think he'd ask Christie a question during the meeting.

"I'm not sure right now," he said. "I think there's a lot of other folks that have questions. I would be very happy for the people to ask questions."