Christie Skips Teaneck Fundraiser For Business in Trenton

Gov. Chris Christie did not make it to a scheduled appearance at a Republican fundraiser at Glenpointe Wednesday night, instead staying in Trenton to deal with the ongoing debate over pension and health benefits, a GOP official said.

“He was doing his business as governor and it was more important that he focus on those important issues,” said Bergen County Republican Organization Chairman Bob Yudin.

Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno appeared at the event instead, Yudin said.

Protesters, who expected to see Christie, gathered outside the hotel with signs criticizing budget cuts and model helicopters mocking the . Christie later repaid the state for the flight. 

Seton Hall student Alfredo Orejuela came wearing a homemade state police helicopter fashioned together with boxes. 

“For someone who preaches fiscal responsibly, you should practice what you preach,” Orejuela said of the flight. 

The group ranged from students angry over tuition hikes, to residents who worried about cuts to public workers.

“I think that governors throughout the country are wrong in trying to cut budgets by firing police officers and teachers,” said Art Lerman, a township resident and vice chair of the Teaneck Democratic Municipal Committee.

Yudin declined to say how much money the event raised, but said all proper disclosure forms would be submitted.  A Christie spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.

Tickets to the event were sold for $295 per person. 

“It was a very, very successful event,” Yudin said.