Newark, NJ – Failed offshore wind projects, high taxes, illegal immigration, a housing crisis, COVID-19 lockdowns, school tests falling, and now news that the state is officially in a recession, Phil Murphy has done a great job, according to one candidate for governor this year.
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Mikie Sherrill gave New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy a “solid B” for his time in office, balancing praise for his fiscal management with criticism of the state’s entrenched bureaucracy.
Sherrill credited Murphy for boosting the state’s credit rating and fully funding pensions, achievements she said reflect sound fiscal stewardship.
But the former Navy helicopter pilot and current congresswoman said her grade stops short of an “A” because of persistent issues in Trenton’s culture, citing bureaucratic red tape and lagging progress on energy costs (Cah-sts).
Speaking Friday during a PIX11 News forum, Sherrill said Murphy “certainly has paid into the pension” and “had the credit rating increased nine times,” but added that she’s “frustrated with where we are in electricity costs” and the state’s slow-moving approval process for new infrastructure projects.
Unfortunately, the states credit rating improved while overall credit ratings for struggling New Jerseyans who are now living off credit has declined.
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Sherrill said she would freeze energy rates if she wins. Phil Murphy has said he doesn’t know how she can legally do that and dismissed her plan.
Murphy’s office declined to respond to her remarks.
Sherrill faces Republican Jack Ciattarelli in next month’s election to replace Murphy, who is term-limited. The Democrat hopes to buck history—no party has held New Jersey’s governorship for three straight terms since the early 1960s.