Some in Hopatcong Echo Poll: N.J., Stop the Spending

Paul Breheny, Steve Henderson and Mike Oliva met at Modick Park Wednesday night to help their daughters learn basketball.

That's not all they have in common.

A recently released Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind poll stated 60 percent of New Jersey's voters say the state should curb spending, even if it means many programs would be reduced. Breheny, Henderson and Olivia agreed with them.

 "I think that's a good idea," said Henderson, an eight-year Hopatcong resident. "Stop spending and see where the money's going. Scrutinize all programs and reevaluate where we spend our money."

Breheny, who's lived in Hopatcong for more than 20 years, said it's time the state trimmed some fat.

"Over the years they've build up [excess]," he said. "There are things [that should have a second look] and possibly be cut. They need to save some money, some taxpayer money. And I agree with that."

On the flip side, PublicMind said 22 percent of voters wouldn't fight if the state raised taxes to support programs. While Breheny, Henderson and Oliva were against them, Charlotte Sylvain, a 12-year Hopatcong resident, said she would support increased taxes if it meant less educational cuts.

"I definitely don't like what [Gov. Chris Christie is] doing," said Sylvain of Christie, who hammered school districts with state aid cuts this year. "Let's just leave it at that."

Christine McNichol, who moved to Hopatcong in April, and Tamara Pragiere, a four-year borough resident, echoed Sylvain's sentiment.

When placed alongside state voters, however, PublicMind thinks Sylvain, McNichol and Pragiere would be outnumbered. The poll found that 47 percent of voters approve of Christie's job so far, while 36 disapprove. Christie entered office on Jan. 19.

Breheny didn't like Christie's brash style when he took over as governor. But he's warmed to the Republican.

"It's tough love," Breheny said of Christie's policies. "It has to happen. I think everybody in the past has been hands off, raising taxes and keeping things status quo. I think it's time to look at things. You can't just keep spending."

Arnold Leander, who's resided in Hopatcong for 36 years, wasn't shocked when told the poll said only 42 percent of voters think New Jersey is headed on the right track while 48 percent think it's the other way around.

"New Jersey hasn't been on track in years," he said. "That's why we pay the highest property taxes and the highest taxes all the way around."

But Leander was surprised to learn 54 percent said the country is going in the wrong direction while just 33 percent said it's moving the right way.

"I think it's moving in the right direction," he said. "You can't accomplish everything over night, you know? It takes time."

Henderson seemed not to be part of the 40-49 percent of voters the poll said approved of President Barack Obama's actions.

"[The country] is heading in the wrong direction," he said. "We are not, on a national scale, stopping our spending. I believe we're heading in the wrong direction in that respect."

Though Henderson would favor a tax increase "as long as I know where my tax dollars are going," he said.

But he didn't think the rest of Hopatcong would go for it.

"Nobody wants to see taxes increase," Henderson said. "I think especially the people on the lake, [whom] get hit the hardest."