On Monday, Governor Jon, “Stupidhead” Corzine, Frank Louseyberg, and Bobby, “I am not guilty” Menendez helped to kick off the new trans Hudson River Railroad Tunnel project.  It was interesting to watch Bobby making sure that the group, when they made dug the ceremonial first shovel full of dirt, did not dig up any of his former political opponents.

The reason for this post is to ask a few questions of these politicians and the lackys we have working in the various agencies involved in this project.  When are you bums going to tell us the truth?  When are you going to start giving us facts, and not a bunch of crap?

Back last summer, during the hearings about raising the tolls on the GSP, NJTurnpike and Atlantic City Expressway, one of the places the new revenue was going to be spent, was on this tunnel.  One of the key points for building the tunnel was that it would remove 22,000 cars per day from the roads going to New York City.  When questioned about this, the director of NJ Transit made it crystal clear, that was not a projection of new cars on the roads, but cars currently on the roads today.  First NY-NJ Tunnel Contracts Released for Bids  The major reason given for this being such a good deal, was that the carbon footprint for these cars would be removed and we could breath easier in the knowledge that Al Gore would be happy!

Well, guess what, they lied.  In an article published on Tuesday in the Star Ledger, there is no mention of these cars being removed from the roads leading to New York.  But, a new figure came up, that is the creation of 44,000 to 50,000 permanent jobs.  22,000 cars to 44,000 permanent jobs, sounds a little coincidental to me that these numbers are either being pulled out of a hat, or the creation of these jobs was always the reason for this tunnel (2 people per car).  If it is true that 44,000 permanent jobs are going to be created, where exactly are they going to be created?  Now I am going to venture a guess, and say that those jobs are going to be created in New York City. 

When this project was first brought up, we were told that this tunnel would be used on the Northeast Corridor of Amtrak’s service.  Well guess what, they lied again!  This tunnel will only be used by NJ Transit trains, because it will not connect with either existing lines at Penn Station, or be connected to Grand Central Terminal (because of a water tunnel in the way).  So we now have a second lie from those politicians who tell us they can be trusted. 

So, what have we learned about this new Hudson River Tunnel?  First off, it will create 44,000 new jobs in New York City.  New York City and New York State will benefit by having new jobs created in their city/state.  They will benefit by having businesses pay taxes to them.  They will benefit by having communters spend their dollars in New York City, paying New York sales tax, and income tax. 

Now how about New Jersey?  What does New Jersey get out of this?  Well, first off, the United States Government (us taxpayers) have to borrow $3 billion for their “share” of the project.  The State of New Jersey, through DOT and NJ Transit have to borrow $3 billion for their “share” of the project.  Finally, the Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey is on the hook for the remained of the money.  But, guess who is not throwing one single dollar into this project?  If you guessed both the State of New York, and the City of New York, you are right!  Not one single cent of money from either one!  So what does New Jersey get out of it?  Nothing but a huge amount of debt!

In all, New Jersey is borrowing on the order of $5 billion to create 44,000 jobs for New York.  Why the hell is that money not being spent to create 44,000 or more jobs here in the State of New Jersey?  Why are we letting these clowns, Louseyberg, “Stupidhead” Crozine, and “I am not guilty” Menendez spend are children’s future for the benefit of New York City?  Is it not time that we ring their phones off the hook demanding that this project be stopped now?  Is it not time that Chris Christie gets on a soap box and starts showing that he has the stones to lead this state by declaring to the citizens of this state that this project will be stopped the first day he is in office?  Is is not time for some republican representative or senator to say our loud, “This madness must stop now”?  Don’t hold your breath waiting, because in my opinion, not one of them has the guts to do it.

“Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself.”  Mark Twain

This post is Hank approved!