The Hall Institute of Public Policy and the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at  Richard Stockton State College co-hosted a forum on the environment and the gubernatorial race.  The speakers at the forum were:

Matt Elliot, Environment New Jersey

Ed Rodgers, New Jersey Network

Michael Rodriguez, Stockton State College

Michael P. Riccards, Hall Institute of Public Policy

About 65 people showed up.  We had all done our homework; we had all read the candidate’ websites to see what their public opinions were.  Hall Institute’s Richard Lee has followed up with a virtual debate on hallnj.org which dealt with major issues including the environment.  The overall impression one gets is that the candidates are running an anti-issue campaign.  Jon Corzine talks of his record in dealing with the future of energy independence, especially solar and wind.  Chris Christie seems more interested in the economics of the environment, protecting especially the shore with its contributions to the tourism industry.  The most accomplished and informed candidate on the environment is Chris Daggett, a former state and federal department of environmental affairs official who has been endorsed by the Sierra Club of New Jersey.

The problem with public discussions of environmental issues is that they are so complicated, so infused with scientific claims and counterclaims, and so characterized by unstructured priorities.  Still New Jerseyans seem to be supportive of environmental safeguards, especially concerning open space.  Voters accept the need for referendum money, but the political leaders do not support dedicated revenue streams for land acquisition.

If the voters support the cause of environmental protection, why doesn’t the campaign reflect that commitment?  One could observe that other major issues such as education, transpiration, budget deficits, urban renewal are also neglected.  Who discusses those issues on the campaign trail?

If elections are important to a free people, as we argue for Iraq and Afghanistan, then we in New Jersey are being poorly served by the campaign.  A disproportionate time is being spent on individual’s speeding tickets, interest on small loans, and on candidate’s investments.  And what happens when one wins?  Who has a mandate to governor, to change, or even to reaffirm the status quo?  Democracy is about choices, and public policy is the fusion of thought, political action, and public persuasion designed to create a consensus for the future.

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