Christie Trumpets Pension Cuts in Paramus

Gov. Chris Christie said Wednesday that the savings gained from his package of pension cuts that passed this summer will save local governments $267 million across the state.

The governor said the pension and benefit cuts, along with reforms such as  the 2% cap on property tax increases, would also help ease the property tax burden.

"The building blocks of real long-term property tax reform are finally in place," Christie said. "So for taxpayers ... across the state, they can be sure that now we're finally controlling this problem."

The savings came about due to increases in the amounts that municipal employees are required to contribute to their pensions.

Bergen County Freeholder Chairman John Driscoll said pension cuts would save the county government nearly $4 million.

"That's tangible savings and real reform," said Driscoll, who introduced Christie.

Speaking at Paramus Borough Hall, Christie said local governments should use the savings for property tax relief and to "follow the example that [County Executive] Kathy Donovan and John Driscoll did here in the county. To act responsibly to not increase spending."

Christie took the opportunity to campaign on behalf of Driscoll, who is running against Sen. Robert Gordon for the District 38 seat. The governor criticized Gordon for voting against the reforms he was in Paramus to tout.

The governor will be back in Paramus on Tuesday for an actual campaign event, a cocktail reception and fundraiser for Driscoll and Assembly candidates Richard Goldberg and Fernando Alonso at . Guests must pay $250 to attend, and $1,000 to take a photo with the governor.

Christie originally planned to appear at the Abbott Road home of Louis and Maria Scalera. The Scaleras were on hand and met with the governor before he spoke, but rain led to the press conference being moved.