Education Becomes Focus Of Christie Town Hall On Hospital Reopening
WESTWOOD, NJ (CBSNewYork) - New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie got a standing ovation as he announced state approval to reopen Pascack Valley Hospital, but many of the questions were at the town hall meeting were about making the public schools better.
WCBS 880's Marla Diamond With The Governor
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Christie, a proponent of school choice, said his parents moved from Newark to Livingston when he was 5-years-old to give him a better chance.
"Now, I can guarantee you if I went to the Newark public school system, the overwhelming likelihood is I wouldn't be standing here today. I wouldn't be governor of New Jersey," said Christie in Westwood on Wednesday.
He said he believes thousands of kids in inner city schools won't reach their full potential "because we don't the strength, the will, or the guts to stand up to these political bullies in the union and say 'No more! Every kid deserves a chance!'."
He's pushing for school vouchers and changes in the teacher tenure system, saying too many tax dollars are being wasted.
"New Jerseyans are really generous, but here's what New Jerseyans are tired of. What they're tired of, and what I'm tired of, is paying for failure," he said.
Where do you stand on the issue of school vouchers? Sound off in the comments section below!
