Our Governor travels by copter at our expense while we wring out our wallets at the gas pumps. What is wrong with that picture? A State emergency? I could see that. A ballgame? No.

are you guys serious? if you had access to a helicopter you wouldnt do the same exact thing? its freakin awesome.

governor, you can go ahead and just put this on my tab. youve done enough cutting extraneous spending and dominating the state to warrant a helicopter trip, which really isnt that much more than having it sit there, since you are paying pilot, storage, everything else anyway. its basically just a gas cost.

everything about this has huge win written all over it. epic.

find something else to complain about guys.

To the author of this story Tom, who ordered that it be covered and the Gov's PR dept. provided all the photos? Next time let him try landing at Vet's field and see what happens.

It is a little questionable, when there really was no pressing state business going on. Just because people think he should run for President, doesn't mean he should act like one. Kudos for attending his kid's game, a thumbs down for using a copter that clearly looks like it suppose to be for emergency use.

"He was driven from the helicopter about 100 yards to the field in a black car with tinted windows" - that explains some stuff :)

Folks, I know there are passions at play here, but please try to keep it civil. Grazie.

Looks like Christie is taking lessons from top gun Obama. Believes in public schools but daughters get to go to private school and let's see where he'll go next when he rolls out Air Force One, another play or interview on the View? A politician is a polititian, nothing different nothing new...

That is bad, the helicopter abuse, but the entire government of the United States, each elected official down to the mayor of the smallest town, is corrupt. They are criminals, all of them. All politicians are criminals, you know that. George Bush Jr was never quoted when he said the most honest thing any president has said when asked by some economist, I forget but he's from Argentina, what is the best way to stimulate the American economy and George Bush said war. That is true. I like George (now).

Hey Patch, Would you want to miss your son's baseball game if YOU were on a demanding schedule to run the State of New Jersey. Shut up and sit down.

Very disgusting! Just because a bad precedent has been set by previous administrations should not excuse this type of misuse of taxpayers money, especially by the one who has worked hard to eliminate government waste and irresponsible spending. I'm very disappointed in our state leader. He knows better and he knows that he should lead by setting the proper example.

how did his son get to the game? on a school bus or private car? and taking a helicopter to the kids game only to leave in the 5th inning? i smell publicity and a power trip...but way to go NJ you voted him in...

and before you all jump in and say hes a busy man and yada,yada,yada----what is more important than your kids and their feelings...and when they see you on the bench/sideline but then they notice neither mom or dad are there to see that Homerun, or those 2 rbi's, or that goal, or the cheer they worked so hard on.....btw i am a NJ single mom and have 3 kids in the public schools who play sports, and seeing them see me at the end of the game is...priceless

Thanks Tom Troncone, for getting those photos here and to all those Patch pages you supervise.

Author a few more like this so I can write to you more often. I referred the North Jersey readers that didn't have any of your free lance photographer photos in their story, what they are missing. Not bad for this "old man" without his 1939 Underwood Typewriter.

Stay well ole man with that baseball shirt..... Dom

Thank you for covering this story. A disturbing and completely inappropriate use of our tax dollars...

REALLY- This is a big story. It is his kid, and he deserves that option ONCE IN A BLUE MOON. not all the time.

How many times has the President been to NYC in the past 6 months on Democratic Fundraisers where hs is in and out in a few hours, costs us MILLIONS of dollars, and inconvenience to raise MILLIONS of dollars for his re-election campaign, and that is the way it goes. To the victor goes the spoils, and as long as he doesn't make a habbit out of it, lets give him a break.

Was that a state car and how did it get there? If it was driven up from Trenton , why did they need the chopper. Three hundred feet sure is a long way to way to walk.
Now I know where my home owner's rebate went.

The ONLY thing that I agree with is that it is very intersting, and sends a bad message when all or our politicians, both Republicans and Democrats. tell us how great the public school systems are and ALL of them send their kids to private schools that costs over 12K a year.

That sends mixed messages to say the least, and speaks volumes about the divide between the haves and have nots.

I can't stand Christie but I see nothing wrong with this. He wanted to go to his son's state playoff game and is the Governor of this state that has access to a helicopter. No big deal.

What's even more disturbing is he couldn't even walk 100 yards and had to take a car! No wonder he's pushing 300lbs.

Nothing like being a fiscal conservative on the public dime.

can we find out how many public school teachers or state police lost their jobs for this 'cool, freakin awesome' helicopter ride?

The man vilifies public employees and wants to stop the 'business as usual abuses' and then takes the ride because it's been done before.

Let him ride the turnpike and get stuck in traffic the way we all have to.

Oh come on now people, remember this from October 2010??

President Barack Obama has arrived in Cresskill.

Marine One touched down at 5:50 p.m. on a soccer field across from the town's firehouse, where volunteer firemen waited and watched, dressed in full gear.

At least 100 onlookers gathered nearby.

Ten minutes after landing, Obama's motorcade headed to a fundraiser dinner for the Democratic National Committee on the other side of this 2-square-mile town, in a wealthy development called Tammy Brook. The dinner is at the home of Michael Kempner, CEO of MWW Group, an East Rutherford-based public relations and lobbying firm. The invitation said the guest list is limited to 50, at $30,400 a plate.

An official from the DNC said the dinner is expected to raise $1 million.

I feel really sorry for his son, how embarrassing. Dad arrives in noisy helicopter and then couldn't even walk the distance from copter to field. Ugh. Poor kid.

Nice way to spend OUR monies!!! Use a car like everyone else! He's such an idiot!!!

Good work, Patch, for going out and getting the story. And it IS a story. It's a story because my Governor rails against public spending and says he's a fiscal conservative, then spends thousands of dollars to fly to a ball game. (To those of you who don't know, aircraft are maintained by how many hours they fly, so it's not just gas. Every hour in the air is thousands of tax dollars spent.) It's a story because he has always sent his kids to private school. The President's kids, any President's kids, can't go to a public school and expect not to have major security issues. It's a story of national import, about political hypocrisy, broken by a teeny online local outlet. Kudos to Patch!

Every time I see Christie I am reminded that our country has a major obesity problem and I wonder why he doesn't set a better example. Unless he has some medical condition responsible for his weight, I really think he needs to set a better example. Perhaps walking or biking would be better than going by helicopter. I'm truly not trying to be mean here or disrespectful, but I do think our leaders should set good examples.

As I recall, the right wing was ready to burn down the state of Hawaii when Obama took his family on vacation using government transportation. So what's good for the goose is good for this overweight gander......Christie deserves to take plenty of stick for this ....sure, he's allowed to use government funds to travel, but politics is perception, and this LOOKs really bad for a guy who's all about wasteful (or is it waistful?) spending.

Elections have consequences--you get what you pay for.

Love all the lovely comments about the guys weight. And I thought it was the nasty republicans that were intolerent and did not understand peoples shortcomings and issues of personal regards.

Must be nice to be so perfect. Stick to the issue, which is a legit one about using the helicoptor for personal use, but I am sick and tired of the nastiness only being attributed to one party, when it is the D's that love to throw stones at people, but that is OK, and the national Media, National Organization of Woman, ACLU all look the other way when a D throws a shot at someone, but God forbid when a Republican says something, it is front page news, they have to resign, etc. So sick of the douible standard.

I for one have NO PROBLEM with the President using our equipement to take his family to Hawaii. NONE. He is the President of the USA, and I respect the office and the man. Hope he is a one term Presient, but he still is OUR president, and I wish him nothing but the best, and he has the toughes job on the world and deserves respect, but that certainly rarely comes the other way, and it is the media that is so slanted one way that is sickening.

Looking at the gut on this pompus loser he should leave earlier and walk to some of the games for exercise...it would do him and the tax payers some good.

yet it was ok for pelosi to hop in her govt funded aircraft and jet yhome a couple times a week across country? You are COLOSSAL HYPOCRITES!!!

Obama is the President, and he and his family should always be protected...just like all the Presidents and their families before him.....and i bet President Obama can walk and will walk 100 yards....

Hey, Governor, maybe if you supported high speed rail for those of us who haven't access to a private helicopter, I wouldn't be thinking " What a fake!" But no one should be surprised that a politician is all "do as I say, not as I am priviledged!" And not to get too personal, but maybe you really should walk more to these games.

Would love to live back in NJ near my grandchildren but cant afford the taxes. This is just another example of why the taxes are so high.

high speed rail??? seriously? you mean the one that goes 40 mph??? LMAO!!!!!!! What are you gonna do when that rail drops you off/ Walk 10 miles to where you need to go? Go grocery sghopping on it? I think not!

ah... Obama took AF one to NY so he and Micelle could have a date night.. sorry..ring no sale with the criticism of Chritie.. costs a lot less to run the Helicopter then AF One

It's abusive and indicative of the way politicians govern in NJ. If that state would invest as much in educating its population and their outdated caricatures, then maybe NJ would become more than a NYC off-shoot, and a known bunch of education-less mobsters and assorted criminals.

The sense of arrogance and entitlement on the part of our government overseers is amazing. Pelosi's alcohol bill for her govt. plane was over $100,000! Clearly, they need more of our tax money!!

maybe someone can confirm the story on 6 abc in philly last night. I thought they said Palin was having dinner with Christie quess he couldn't be late for their date and maybe the state of nj paid for that too.

Why did him and wifey leave in the 5th...was the kid a screwup? Who won the game?

Give Christie a break. He probably offset the cost of the Trip by Firing a Police Officer.

I'm a little guy who likes the Gov very much, people need to understand rank has its privilege ! ie: Mrs Obama taking the girls to Paris on Air Force One, or to the Space Launch ! I voted for him and will vote again as long as he cuts spending across the board to ALL sectors !

Projustice: Source, please for this number? A credible one not named "Andrew Breitbart" or "Fox News"?

But it is fine with you all that we flew "The Beast" to Europe and Nancy Pelosi used the Air Force to go back and forth to California, routinely.

most have been a real big helicopter.

I suppose those of you who object to Christi using a form of government transportation, also object to Pres. Obama using Air force one for a date night in NYC, or Pelosi using Air force jets to shuttle her back and forth from Wash, to Ca.
The Gov. is a busy man, perhaps the only way he could make his sons game was by using a heliocopter. I commend him on trying to serve the people of NJ and while trying to fufill his job as a parent.

I am disgusted by this. This man just had a dinner with prospective supporters for the Presidency. Where will he have the audacity to land Airforce One...oh wait, he can land it in my backyard. Perhaps that is why our taxes are so high in NJ - so he can build little landing fields and strips in our yards. SHAME ON YOU Mr. Christie...

There is nothing wron with. I guess if had a lot of time on his hands he would drive but as governor still have a driver, and an escort. He has been working hard. The negative comments are from those who didnt like him to begin wihth. This is the first good governor we have had in many years.

Rot

Christie need to jog to this baseball game. He is a very obese. He criticize President Obama for his spending. Yet, Christie is making the people of New Jersey pay for his personal luxuries. Do the maid get to fly to the grocery store too...? Do the wife get to fly to get her hair and nails done. This is gas spent on TAXPAYERS DOLLARS. And, I bet New Jersey will not make him answer for it...

The face of fiscal conservatism hypocrisy !
Can Joysey afford Christie?

This politician does it all wrong he should set an example by rideing a bicyle saveing gas and the planet and reducing his big fat belly as well not spending the tax peoples hard earned money tax payers diserve more respect tax money should only be spent on inferstructure that is used by all the common people neighborhood, city, county, state, or the federal gouvernment!

ITS OK, CHRISTIE JUST FIRED 800 TOLL COLLECTORS SO HE CAN KEEP HIS CHOPPER FLYING AT THE COST OF $2000. PER HOUR. (TRUE COST). AFTER ALL WHATS MORE IMPORTANT YOUR SON'S BASEBALL GAME OR LOWER MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES TRYING TO SURVIVE?

Yep, Looks like Christie is emulating Pres. Obama who sent or allowed his daughter Sasha to attend a Bat-Mizvah in Chicago last week with the entire entourage of security, plane etc. and I am sure paid by the taxpayers....what else is new?!?

Pure hypocrisy. The man wants to cut the middle and lower class benefits from the budget but he thinks it's OK to be piloted around in a private chopper. This guy stinks.

All of President Obama's travel is per protocols used for Presidential travel and is no different for him than it is for any other President. When George W. Bush ran for re-election in 2004 and he went to fundraisers and campaign events, he went in Air Force One because he was the President. When Obama goes on fundraising trips and campaign events now, he uses Air Force One because he is the President. The President Obama, Bush, Clinton, Bush, etc etc etc. travels on Air Force One wherever he goes....because he is the President. When the Bushes (Geo and Laura) vacationed in Crawford, TX, they went on Air Force One. When the Bushes (Geo. and Barbara) vacationed in Kennebunkport, ME, they traveled on Air Force one. When the Obamas go to Hawaii or NY, they travel on Air Force One. Unless your argument is that every President EXCEPT Obama is permitted to travel on Air Force One, bringing up Obama's travel in the context of what Christie did is irrelevant. Now if you want to make an apples-to-apples comparison, Obama's daughters play soccer (Malia) and basketball (Sasha). I have not yet heard of him ever taking a helicopter to one of their games. In a non-comparative analysis, Christie is not wrong to use the helicopter but I'm not sure he was smart to use the helicopter for this purpose given the pressures regular New Jerseyans are under, in part because of his policies.

What makes it look even worse, the helicopter was apparently needed because he had to rush back home to have dinner with several weathy GOP campaign donors and activists from Iowa...

http://caucuses.desmoinesregister.com/2011/05/31/chris-christie-wont-run-for-president-but-hell-visit-iowa-this-summer/

He really did step in it with this one.

Think this was bad? In Illinois, our Governors refuse to live in the Governor's mansion in Springfield. The Governor's prefer to live in Chicago and fly to Springfield and back on the tax payers dime. It's only a matter of time till they move the Capital to Chicago, they (Demo. Chicago) certainly don't need the rest of the State. By the way, Illinois is so deep in debt that if every citizen of the State gave 50% of their pay back to the State we could never pay down our debt, that is of course unless our Governor and legislators would stop tying to spend all that extra income as fast as they got it. So, think your State and Governor are bad? I would trade you.

O'malley is no better

Oh, good grief. Here we go again. I thought New Jersey voters made it abundantly clear a number of election cycles ago that using a state chopper for personal use by ANY elected official was way out of bounds. Now I will admit to not being a Chrisie fan, I much prefered him pursuing corrupt politicians before than governor now, but we've had far worse. This though, is a gross violation of the pubic trust and cannot be forgiven nnless he reimburses the state for the full cost of this "outing" from his own pocket. If he doesn't, his future political career is sunk.

All of you Republicans bashing Obama for using Air Force One forget that George Bush did the exact same thing. How many personal trip to he take using Air Force one? All the trips to his ranch in Texas and he also used Air Force One for campaigning as well as every President has and campign expenses are usually picked up by both the RNC and the DNC. Using Obama's use of Air Force one to excuse Christies's actions is indeed hypocritical. Do we also not forget Bush's expense of the military jet he flew in for publicity? One can maybe let Christie get away with the use of the helicopter, but not be able to walk 100 yards to the game? No wonder he says he does not want run for President or that he is ready to run for President, he actually couldn't handling the running part!

There is a reason that the private schools do better than the public schools. The private schools don't have to take any of the special needs kids and the parents have to take the kids to school, as there is no busing. Most households both parents have to work so they have to take the bus to school. I know, I have worked and attended public and private schools. The teachers in the private schools are no different than than in public schools. They just have the cream of the crop to work with. Easy job if you can get it.

Reresident--I WANT YOU TO KNOW, THAT CHRISTIE IS NO PRESIDENT OBAMA. HE DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AS THE PRESIDENT...Yet, you have a problem with President Obama using his legal rights as a President...and, a Governor using his power, NOT HIS RIGHT...BUT, THE TAXPAYERS DOLLARS FOR HIS OWN GAIN....

Are the five new helicopters at least American-made?

Ok, I guess somebody's afraid of Christie running for Prez, so it's the old make a mountain out of a mole hill story. How about running the same story when Obama takes his next jaunt around the world spending millions and claims its for some sort of business trip, and all the while the economy is still not so good. This story actually makes me think the dems may be a little nervous about someone like Christie. A silly story that is easily seen through. Next time Biden takes a jaunt in our government for planes write about that. Or do you really want to be fair??

$1830.00 per hour for his helicopter flights. Bravo!

Come on guys, Obama does this every day why not complain about him. These people can't travel like the rest of us for safety concerns. Do I like it, No. But that's how it is.

What a load of crap here. Leave Christe alone. He is the best thing to happen to this rotten state in decades.

This article is SO unbelieveably typical of media bias. It shouldnt even have been news. It is purely based on getting people to look at Christie unfavorably.
Do you people really believe he was sitting in house all day then decided "oh snap" I got my kids ball game to go to, let me just call up the helicopter. Whatever you think of him, he's not stupid and I'm sure he knew he would get liberal crap for it. Jeez, we've had how many years and years of Democrat run government in NJ which pummeled us economically into the ground and someone comes along and tries to fix it WITHOUT raising taxes (think back people...) and you slam him for doing what ALL other politicians do on both sides.

Some people still have to grow up,and play by the rules. Take the bus,the limo,call a cab; but dont waste the tax payers money,remember you are being paid to help the people not your self, be a good guy do the right thing

Its bad enough that a man who claims to be about tightening the belt flies in on a state funded ride, but then he loads his corpulent self into a limo to drive 100 yards to the field. What about a little personal responsibility in walking that 100 yards and burning a few calories off his already overweight frame. Like all politicians, and notably many conservatives, he is a walking contradiction. Its like Bush talking tough about war, wearing his flight suit. Christie should make a public statement and offer a way in which he'll pay back the citizens of NJ for this trip, and how he'll get out and walk 100 yards everyday to atone.

Like Obama, becareful what you ask for because you just might get it. Christie is just political SCUM. Not only sending his son to a private school while cutting Public School funding he has the audacity to use a State helicopter and then get driven 100 yards the field, What a piece of (expletive) he is. The only difference between him and Obama is his Political Party. One gives away everything and the other takes away everything. Who pays for this "the middle class worker". The don't pay anything and the poor have nothing to give. Sound familiar it should it has been this way for years with no end in sight.

Hey, it's New Jersey! He needed a heavy lift chopper and this one was handy. It's just as cheap as...oh, never mind, I was wrong.

And the Republican Party wants this guy to run for president.

i am not defending christie if in fact this is TRUE. however, pelosi had her private jet on tax dime take her to and from calif. m. obama goes to spain with twenty friends..broadway shows, failed olympic trip, etc. obviously politicians feel they are entitled to spend our money for their own indulgences. self annointed fat cats. shameful too bad we dont consider them as important or impressive as they see themselves. i wouldnt walk across the street to see any of them. i do my research and i vote. dont need the b.s.

Wait a minute guys!! Obama uses Air Force One all the time to travel around the country to attend fund raising events,,,,,HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK THAT COSTS TAXPAYERS.

Jcnansky, you forgot to mention that they used donor money to go to lesbian strip clubs.

people stupid enough to vote and elect republican's
get anyhting and everything they deserve.

At least he didn't do 95 on the Garden state Parkway, get into an accident , and almost kill people likeCorzine

You get what you voted for. Fat and lazy!

I'm surprised the helicopter got off the ground. I would have loved to see him arrive on a bicycle.

Gary the reason this is a story about Christie and not Pelosi is because this is a NJ website and Christie being Governor makes it legitimate story to cover. Pelosi's use was covered and to say it was not is not a fact. Fox Noise did thier job on it it. Also being able to bring up Christie's weight as a legitimate issue when judging him as fit and healthy enough to do the job is also legitimate. See the reason this is also such a big story is the hypocracy of Republicans claiming to be fiscal conservatives who do stuff like this. The hypocracy of Republicans who claim to be about family values then cheat on thier wives. For some reason Republicans will never own up to making mistakes. Recent polls of Republicans all across the country who took office in 2010 are proving this. Republicans are running so scared right now they are running in circles. Obama's poll numbers are up and they can't stand the fact under his administration Bin Laden was caught. Republicans are showing thier desparation and will pay for it in 2012.

Why do you guys get so worked up over such trivial things... Really! US taxpayers pay for limo'd drives to school for Oblunder's kids and what about all the wasteful trips for fundraisers? Hmmm?

Ah I was wondering why, as a combat veteran, I owed the government money during this past tax season...now I know why...

This string of comments are hiliarious. Basically what the comments indicate are that the political party of a public official should be the determining factor as to whether abuse of power exists. And I didn't even know that date nights were a presidential priviledge.

Three words:

ABUSE OF POWER

Jcnasky, I was talking about the Republicans.

Correction Stoli89: President Carter sent his daughter, Amy, to public school - one of the only presidents to do so.

Oh and bob, Corzine's accident had nothing to do with the speed he was going. It was the other driver's fault.

Helicopter to the game, black car with tinted windows to ferry him the last 100 yards? He and the Mrs left before the kid got done playing. Yeah, that is judicious use of government funds while trying to strangle the life out of schools, teachers, and working people.

elected officials must set an example by their actions. Especially a Governor . The use of a state owned chopper to get to a sons ball game is the perfect example of poor judgement . If he can't see the error in this before he thought of taking the chopper ... what does it tell his constituents when it comes time to make more important decisions in his post as governor ???

When MA Deval Patrick first took his office, he placed an order for new curtains for the Governors office and was lambasted for needless spending with citizens tax dollars..

Lets not forget that the "use" and buying of Limos has gone up 77% since Obama has taken office...

Another don't do as I do, do as I say do politician. He is a hypocrit personified. No wonder he says he doesn't want to run for president.

NJ is a fairly sizable state. Bergen County is the farthest distance from Trenton then any other county. If the leader of the state is to have a consistent presence in the entire state then he/ she would need a helicopter. That helicopter help keep the governor to be physically available to all his constituents. A 2-3 motorcade with state police vehicles occupied by the security detail and at least 1-2 staff members would probably cost about as much an hour as a helicopter. Especially when you consider the cost of time saved. I do not begrudge the man the right to see his children and still be readily available for state business. Everyone hit the roof in December when he went on holiday and was not in NJ for a snow storm.

As to those who base their arguments on his weight and where he chooses to send his kids to school - you lost me. Personal attacks have little place in the public debate about abuse of power.

Misappropriation of funds & tax dollars!! Perhaps he paid for the lavishness out of his own account?! And, if not, perhaps he should consider repaying the expenses of his excellent adventure?!

Christie is the ultimate in your face bully, I am so disgusted that he is our governor. He has a prosecuter's mind and doesn't have a diplomatic cell in his body. (I'll spare the size of the body comments, since a picture says it all) What is wrong here is his elitist attitude. He slashes public school funding while he sends is own kids to private school. He behaves like a king (Henry the Eighth comes to mind, can't help the visual comparison is TOO obvious) and speaks about the citizens of this state as though we are his subjects. Gov. Corzine paid for a lot of his own living expenses, I believe he even paid for repairs to the governor's residence out of his own money. Chris Christie's wife makes a very good salary and I'm sure he amassed a good amount of money in his prior career. This is what happens when there is a light voter turnout with an uninformed electorate. The people who voted for this guy are now starting to complain because he is not changing things i.e. lowering taxes that they were sure he would do. A lot of people vote for someone without looking at the entire person. I am counting the days to when he is out of office, which hopefully will be after 1 term. The nerve of this bombastic, nasty man.

It dosen't matter that his son is in a private school, unless we are paying for it. It dosen't matter that he is over weight, he will pay the ultimate price for that. It doesn't matter that the Presidents children are in private school, the disturbance caused at a public school everyday would disrupt the other students performance. It doesn't matter how long it took the reporter and photographer to do the story, that is what they do when they get the scoop. What does matter is that he used the new 12.5 million $ helecoptor for personal use. This is bad and good, now he definatly will not be running for president. As far as other administration doing the same thing - is there an example? If there is do two wrongs make a right? As far as only republicans being singled out - no way, anytime there is a negative be either party, it gets covered. As far as Obama using government transportation to go on vacation, it is required and it has been required for every prisident since Hoover. Bush II spent over 3 years total at the ranch during his term, I suppose you could say he went on vacation to the white house occationally.

Once again the republicans just don't understand the entire notion of hypocrisy.

I'll try again. OK, the reason that this is not about democrats or the president is because of the self-righteousness that republicans show toward paying taxes and funding the necessities of the government, while at the same time excusing every bit of pork and any crazy spending that they come up with. See? They stuff themselves, while pointing and screaming at others. See how it works? It's called hypocrisy.

You can apply it to religious beliefs as well. Go ahead.

You have got to be kidding me.....I'm totally dumbfounded how some of our elected officials use taxpayers money......and to be driven 100 yds to the field.....by the looks of it, he could have used the excercise.

Isn't this "big government wasteful spending"? If a Democrat did this, the GOPers would be all over it like a cheap suit...especially Gov.Christy who blames public school teachers for all of the woes in New Jersey. What a big fat hypocrite!

You would think that Christie would at least try to walk 100 yards...ya know, burn a few calories..guess he had to save time so he could get to his fans from Iowa faster just for dinner...

jcnansky - I can not recall the last time I made a personal attack about somebody based on their appearance or any other perceived shortcomings. It is my preference to debate issues and not personalize things. I get no joy in putting down people in an attempt feel better about myself.

Go, go, GOP ! Your hypocracy is showing.

Surprised the chopper could get off the ground. Not surprised he had to be driven from the chopper to the stands.

Michaela - very good points and I do not know the answers. I did not vote for the governor and I have not reason to defend him. I think there could be valid reasons to use a helicopter. Especially when it feels like South Jersey gets political preference over North Jersey (that debate is for another day). I can answer one question though - he will always travel with at least 1 or 2 aides to answer calls and let him know of a urgent situation. He was physically at the geographic top of the state. It is not unheard of something suddenly happening in another location that requires an immediate return to Trenton to meet with the right staff. i.e. a state trooper shot, major accident on a state roadway or with NJ transit, homeland security issue, or any number of issues that people would expect the governor to be on top of.

In Massachusetts they had a female governor, Jane King, who once used a State Police copter to get home when her twin babies developed fevers of 104 degrees, and she took a beating in the press for doing what any Mom would do if she had the means. This, however, is ridiculous in my opinion. Who the h*ll does he think he is?? Does anyone have a clue what that cost the state? Close to a year's pension for an elderly schoolteacher, I'll bet.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-center-for-public-integrity/limousine-liberals-number_b_868922.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk2%7C67418

To quote the Frenchman Joseph Fouche: "It's worse than a crime; it's a mistake." ("C'est pire qu'un crime; c'est une faute.") Some fool politician does something like this every couple of years and it's always a mistake, always looks bad, always costs him or her a percentage of their support. (It's often related to transportation. Google "Bill Janklow South Dakota"; Janklow killed a motorcyclist with his speeding.) What are they thinking? How could they be so foolish? Well, they get corrupted. As the historian Acton said: "Power tends to corrupt." Not corrupt in the sense of taking bribes; corrupt in the sense of messing up one's ability to gauge things, feel things, sense the truth of things, remain connected to ordinary things; corrupt in the sense of putting a sort of gauzy veil between oneself and reality; corrupt in the sense of creating a sense of entitlement, telling themselves with absolute conviction, "I work SO hard, I am SO busy, I am entitled to this helicopter ride and also the 100-yard drive in a limo with tinted windows." (Tinted windows! Too perfect. Also perfect: reminding everyone that his kid attends an expensive private prep school.) It's the extremely rare politician who avoids some corruption in this sense, and some go way overboard.

I have read many comments and the thing that bothers me most is that this sounds like political divide istead of misuse of power. And yes, both sides have done it but that does not make it right no matter the political party one is affilliated with.
Christie used Emergency Law Enforcement equiptment for personal use and cost taxpayers the bill to do so. That is the one and only point. And it does not matter his political affilliation. Wrong from our governement leaders is wrong. plain and simple. This is not political, it is a moral, ethical and finacial issue of one that feels his "position" affords him more than what is mandated to him by law.
Leave your partisn differences behind, close your eyes and forget who is Goveror of New Jersey. Ifthe guy was a non-partisn person by the name of Joe Smith, was it right or wrong. That is all that needs to be asked. Was itright or wrong regardless of who was Governor?

I hope there is a good explanantion. It could very well be that the use of the helicopter was for the Trooper Pilot to retain his piloting rating. All pilots have to have a certain number of hours in the air each year to remain certified. I hope that's the answer.

If you want to see abuse ---- just track Pres. Obama's use of Air Force One and the helecopter use.... I read an article where even the pilots were getting tired of the constant use ---- usually with his family and many many vacations using taxpayers funds ------ at 200K and hour !!!!

As a New Jersey resident who struggles with property taxes I find that the use of a helicopter that is not for state related business a slap in the face. GO CHRISTIE !

We vote these people in. Might want to think about cleaning house in the Gov. It is getting pretty bad when Donald trump could be our next president. Wow!

I thought New Jersey had a deficit. If so, it sure is being helped by the Christie taking a helicopter ride at taxpayer expense. Also, if I might add, has anyone suggested that he get on a DIET PLAN!

Sadden and disappointed this site has become a place for trash talking and flinging insults. It has become a school yard brawl of immature adults.

Wow, he could run for president? So you mean no change, get rid of one corrupt pres for another corrupt pres. It's disgusting when 'our' presidents go to another country and tries to tell them how they should run their country when they can't or won't even run ours properly. The majority of our current politicions should be hung for the damage they have done. They want to raise taxes on gas to repair the roads. We have been paying for this since I can remember. They use these funds for their slush funds or as you and I would call it, fun money. Campaign funds, Oh man where to start! If they entertain, travel, anything as long as they say thanks for voting or please vote for me they claim it was campaigning so they get money from the average Joe that thought the politician would be responsible. Disgusting! I'm surprised the chopper could carry his fat butt!

I was expecting the photo to look more like...

http://www.chinook-helicopter.com/sling_loads/Cargo_Net_Unknown_a.jpg

If he's taking the helicopter all the time I would say enough. But being a New Yorker I know our governor's use them all the time. Mainly because our governor's never live in our Capitol. That is a disgrace. Cristie needs to keep it in check and he'll be alright.

BS we all have to make sacrfices and arrange our work schedule to be a pratcipating parent, he needs a reality check, not only did he take the chopper to the game but left early, what a power trip and what message is he sending to his kids and the people of NJ???

wow- not ONE of my earlier comments is left on this board. how hysterical. guess you couldn't handle me pointing out your collassal HYPOCRISY when nancy pelosi traveled across country a couple times a week and wined and dined 50 of her closest friends here and abroad. typical

Christie is an overfed bully - of COURSE he flies around on the taxpayer dime to run his personal errands... WE OWE HIM! We are all just Serfs and Lord Christie was born on third base thinking he hit a triple - lecturing us on "shared sacrifice" while he could never even sacrifice LUNCH! Sweet Jesus - SAVE us all from these ENTITLED Republican bullies, who have ALWAYS hated "We The People" since Thomas Paine wrote "Rights of Man" to rebut the "Father of Conservatism" Edmund Burke's assertion that the unwashed masses needed to be RULED by a small group of wealthy elite who own and run everything - as the Serfs stay in their "natural" place and await their reward in Heaven. The Republicans have turned America into the LEAST upwardly mobile of all industrialized nations with the widest gap between rich and poor. The Republican mission can be boiled down to 2 words - CHEAP LABOR - in other words - MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. God save us all from their "help."

That is like most government officials, they go thru the motions of caring about the people, but when the truth comes out their only concern is themselves. They take John F. Kennedy's slogan to heart when he said "Ask not what your country can do for you, Ask what you can do for your country." They took it literal and this is why they keep taking from the people for themselves.

SHAME SHAME on YOU..... my kids are out of work over a year due to your " best intrest in the state of NJ " whose intrest did you have with this move?

What a waste of resources. Anyone else would lose their job for theft of services.

I am a Democrat, but don't see anything wrong with this. I am sure it gave everyone at the game, including the kids a thrill. Have some fun people. Governors are busy people.

Its obvious that no one really cares, but most state governments have assetts dedicated for use by their governors (Cars, planes, Copters,Security) These assetts are often under the auspices of the State Police Agencies. Governors have operations/security budgets and these assetts are included in those budgets. The assetts are not solely for the use of the governors, but are shared. The governor can request an assett and if it is available, it can be used....the budget is then debited for its use.

Doesn't it just get your goat that this father would do anything to make it to his sons ballgame. It's either drive like a bat to get there or fly like a bird to make it on time. TIME. That means he still was able to do the States work alittle longer or a few extra min.with his WIFE. Oh my... he loves his GOD,wife and family and his job as GOVERNOR.. If he didn't make the time some of you people would be saying the exact opposite.. ( He wouldn't take the time for his son)

how dare he!!! yup he does things tht is right for him but not for the average person ... let him take his personal car to the game, not use a helicopter tht the tasx payers pay for. yup he is for the4 rickh all right... take from the poor to support the rich... thast is is secret policy isnt it????. he is lining his pockets more and more at the tax payers expense isnt he...ok so i see how he will be if he runs for president... o no!!!! here we go again another mr. president bush... all for the rich and the tsax payers get poorer and poorer. now that works!!!
Now here is a "weapon of mass destructiuon" in the name of Chris Christie. sounds great to me... it works doesn't it..
Let make sure he is not elected at all. Lets get rid of the Republicans... they are crooked all the way....

Typical of the new rank of Republican Governors who fight public deficits by trying to balance the budgets on the backs of the middle class and pull stunts like this or give tax breaks or government contracts to their rich friends

Are you kidding me. he goes after the teachers and the schools district as well as the NJEA and claims that their is an abundance of waste here and here he is riding in a helicopter on tax payers money. I wonder what the price of fuel cost us for that ride to his son's baseball game. I have a few words for you Christie, why don't you do what every parent in NJ does when they want to go to see their child's baseball game. DRIVE ON YOUR OWN DIME!

You cant turn a blind eye when its a dem and then cry foul when it is a GOP....just saying...

Which is worse, ignorance or arrogance? He is either so far out of the loop that he didn't realize that the perception of taking a state helicopter to his son's baseball game would be greeted with criticism or he's arrogant enough to not care how his actions are perceived. I don't think this is a stupid man so I go with arrogance. I'm really tired of people that defend this man as just being a good father because it was so important for him to attend the baseball game (or take his family to Disneyworld during a state of emergency) I was raised by a policeman and stay at home mom and there were plenty of events my dad missed due to his work schedule. Somehow I managed to grow up without any psychological damage because my father missed some events. Christie is a joke.

WoW. I"M FROM JERSEY LIVING IN SO. FL. , WHEN I READ HE IS CHOPPER HAPPY AND SEEING HIM AS BIG AS JACKIE GLEASON, OR DOM DELOUISE , AT THEIR LARGEST, IT MADE ME THINK HIS BODY MAY HAVE A REALITY SHOW OF IT'S OWN COMING THIS FALL. JUST DON'T V O T E FOR IT!

What an abuse of power!! And then he had to have a car waiting to take him 100 yards?? He needs to layoff the groceries and exercise!! I hope the people of NJ wake up before the next election cycle!!!

HE SHOULD OF WALKED !!!!!!!!!!!!

In response to some of the comments......

According to General Services Administration data , the number of limousines in the federal fleet increased from 238 in fiscal 2008, the last year of the George W. Bush administration, to 412 in 2010. Much of the 73 percent increase—111 of the 174 additional limos—took place in fiscal 2009, more than eight months of which corresponded with Obama’s first year in office. However, some of those purchases could reflect requests made by the Bush administration during an appropriations process that would have begun in the spring of 2008.

The lies were on Fox News, as usual.

Strange that the majority of the justification of this abuse of office is that other politician(s) are doing it.

Is this the rationale for poor judgment? When will this crap end?

anyone know what postion the kid played? did he start? have any hits? come on, the important questions.

Let me get this straight....RERESIDENT.....Christie does something stupid and you find a way to write an entire paragraph blaming President Obama for it. Damn, how you Teabaggers twist everything. Christie is responsible for his own actions and he will be held accountable. He finds ways of taking from the poorer of Jersey, so he can feed his own enormous ego. Place the blame where the blame is due....

Christy wins this one too. If any of you think that this was just bad judgment or appropriate for the job look a little deeper. This was just another attempt for Christy to manipulate the media get his name in the news. It started when he was with the Justice Department – most prosecutors go about their jobs trying to indite and hopeful get convictions for criminal activity - how many of them hold news conference after news conference about what they do. I bet you can't think of one !!! The man is lawyer
he knew perfectly well that this would make the news cycle. Apparently someone called the local news
(the Ridgewood Patch)so they could have a photographer there, very convenient for a man who was later meeting with a Illinois group to see about a Presidential run. What probably was planned happened and the story went national. After all the hubbub Christy will say he made a mistake and will reimburse the state for the trip – very convenient after the story is already out there.

sorry - it was an Iowa doners meeting

To Shirley Smith, Thank you for your rather informative postings. If it is correct that the Governor merely hopped a ride on a helicopter that was going to be flying to Bergen county anyway, even if he wasn't on it, and it had no negative impact on the state budget expenditures, then I say no harm done....more power to him.

Is he that fat that he can't walk 100 yards. Here he screws everyone else with his savings but he has no problem wasting the states money.

this guy's numbers against BHO must be going up if the socialist/commie pinko left wing media is going to start microing his comings and goings.

let's talk about BHO golf outing on Memorial Day when he should have been visiting wounded warriors...or his buzzing the globe on his never-ending family vacations.

The real issue here is not whether the governor uses the helicopter, but whether we should have a fleet of helicopters, pilot, crew members and mechanics for government helicopters.Obviously,the taxpayers have already paid the salaries of everyone involved so the cost of the actual use of a helicopter is relatively small.instead of trying to make the Governor look bad for using the helicopter, lets get rid of the helicopters, and let the pilots and mechanics get jobs in the private sector saving the taxpayers money.

What the heck is the big deal? We had a state trooper friend in MD whose primary job was to fly the governor around to whatever. Expedite the schedule and make room for more tasking. This governor could not walk on water w/o the libs sounding like a flock of Starlings over a handfull of seed. Good God it gets old.

Another clear example of a politician operating with his head stuck up his backside! As a voting Republican I am embarassed by this fat fool's conduct and the total waste and abuse of tax money that this move and others by him represent. If this nonsense is the best that the Republicans can rally around for the 2012 election then re-taking the White House will remain nothing short of a fleeting illusion. Shame on you Mr. Christie. You more than most should know better!

this nauseates me beyond belief, i can barely afford gas to get to work, no less other functions. oh thats right, i'm not in the millionares club. thank you christie. i guess i'll just walk the 40 miles to work because there's no limo waiting for me.

How many Hot Dogs did he eat? He is the poster boy for "Fat Cat"

None of The Above

Abuse of public trust by politicians has to come to an end. From California to New York, Florida to Alaska, not a day goes by when another news story breaks about some type of corruption and/or abuse of office by either a politician or a public employee.

Push for and support for a None of The Above option on all local, state and federal election ballots.

If an incumbant, or challenger does not receive more than 50% plus 1 of the votes cast in the prior election for that office, that office shall go vacant for the duration of the term.

Watch those office abusers shake in their overpriced suits and as more of their ilk get thrown out of office, the people will hopefully be better served by honest and truly committed public servants.

Write your local, state and federal representatives asking that a None of The Above option be placed on all future ballots

What a JOKE. I hope that he reads some of these responses. Hey Gov - we are the people who vote for your fat, lazy butt. I can NOT believe that you would so blatantly abuse your "power" and show off by buzzing into your kid's game in a State funded helicopter. SHAME!!!!

With the support he received from the New Jersey posters, I'm not surprised the state is insolvant. But as a Republican politician, Christie is just as phoney and bull sheets the public about tightening the belt, yet does something so mindlessly expensive. I'll bet that trip costs taxpayers about $10,000, easily.

the Gov. is laughing at all of you, he couldn't care less. We all knew this guy had a none caring attitude, at least attitude, and he got elected any way. Much like Obama being president !

Everybody needs to remember that no matter what Christie does, he, like many other politicians, will be reelected because we, the public, are too stupid to do anything about it. Right leaning people defend whatever he does while criticizing what Obama does as president. Not comparable. As someone in a previous comment said, he is the president and it is mandated he has protection and travel to events via air.
Also, people need to not care where Christie sends his kids to school. That is his business. If he can afford sending them to private school, why not? Everyone on this website would do the same thing.
Concentrate on the important things. This was definitely an abuse of power but he is not the first and won't be the last. I find it interesting that given his weight (and I have no room to criticise anyone on that account) that he had to have a car (another expense) to take him the final 100 yards instead of walking it.

What would Obama do? Get a life he is the gov! Puts more hours in than most of you losers!

if he starts emailing pictures of his weiner in flight then this will be news till then its BS COMMING FROM THE COMMUNIST LEFT .....HEY HUFF PO THAT MEANS YOU ya commie basterds

Wow this cost more money without a doubt,he,s over scale by fare!!!!!!!!

I've had quadruple bypass and an abdominal aneurysm and even I can walk 100 yards. Just how fat is he these days?

Talk about reducing expenditures - a simple diet would add a lot more disposable income to the Christie family coffers. Pretty sad when some people excuse this behavior for their St. Christopher - just another hypocrite riding the Tea Party line.

Won't you all stop whining, you sound like a bunch of bratty kids!
You need to be concerned with the guy in the oval office !!

Smear Christy time I see. Obama can spend hundreds of thousands on a date night and not a peep out of the liberal hypocrits but put Christy on chopper and it's a major deal. What a joke!

ff

11,789.00 flight 53.miles.

6,493.00 fuel.

CHRISTIE BY HIS CONTINUOUS RUTHLESS AND SELFISH ACTIONS HAS MADE ME; A LIFELONG REPUBLICAN; CONSIDER CHANGING PARTIES. HE HAS NO RESPECT OR CONSIDERATION FOR THE WORKING MAN NOR FOR THE TAXPAYERS OF NEW JERSEY.

WHO GIVE A S!@#$%^&*()

I love it, a helicopter drops him off and then he can't walk the 100 yards to his son's game and needs to get a ride!

He had to take a helicopter AND a car so that the limo could drive him the 100 yards to the field since the copter couldn't get that close - do you folks know how SHORT a distance 100 yards is?? So he used TWO public vehicles to attend half of his child's game - poor kid - I feel sorry for the son AND for the taxpayers of NJ and everyone who will be affected by the draconian cuts this man is making in the state.

don;t you people have something more important to do?

Yes, and Obama takes Air Force One on weekly vacations, and takes the US Motorcade out for pizza or the theater. SFW!

Hey Chrisite-you better take a shot at running for President 'cause your days as NJ Governor are limited!

very interesting discussion here - very constructive, notice how 90% of the comments are made during business hours.

If you notice he landed during business hours too! Wouldn't you like to get paid to attend your son's local h.s. baseball game.

I guess everyone knows were the money for children's educations went!

I don't understand why the state is basically bankrupt but we can purchase 5 new state police helicopters? Where did the money come from to buy them?

Time to get rid of both Christie and Obama. Neither one did anything good for this economy but make the poor poorer, the rich richer, and the middle class struggle harder than ever to support both.. Obama gave no raise in Time to get rid of both Christie and Obama......They both have done nothing but make the poor poorer, the rich richer, and the middle class struggle to support them both. Obama has not given social security a raise in the 3 years he's been president stating the cost of living increase isn't necessary since the cost of living did not go up...
Right only tripled.... Instead he cut the checks to give more to Medicare for the cost to run it went up,,, did he not just say cost of living didn't go up. Christie said he was going to cut the property taxes. Instead he cut the rebates and the rebate programs, and raised property taxes,.. Both are in the hypocrite/lying boat. Maybe we should ask Egypt for some of our 2 billion dollars back that Obama just gave them.. We may need it more soon if these politicians keep this up.........

his 3 years to social security saying there is no need since cost of living did not go up. Instead he cut the amount given this year to go towards the higher cost of Medicare... NOW did he not just say there was no incr

Dan you can do both next election. But who replaces them? You really think John MCCain & Sarah mama grizzly Palin would have done a bette jobr? Really? Who of the comment writers vote? only 28 % voted in our towns school board elections. I guess many are too busy to say yes or no to spending $40,000,000 for schools.

As for the new copters. They wer bought with borrowed money. Like every thing else.

Can I call the NJSP and ask for a trip to Yankee game or do I have to pay $1,000 to get there and back. Pay the state back u fat rat bastard

Can you believe this sonofabitch? Like every other fat cat republican telling us to give it all up while his fat ass is hauled around on personal business with a f---ing helicopter. This should be instant grounds for removal for office, there is no acceptable excuse for this, wake up America! It's a holes like this that are slashing everything for everybody but the top 30%

He's a liar and a fraud. Cut wasteful spending??? Throw the bum out!

John,, hell no Palin needs to go away too.. and yes I do vote . Here's 2 people I thimk could do a better job..Chuck Schumer and Andrew Cuomo. These 2 should run for president and New Jersey will take the loser as governor,,

What the heck happened to actual Journalism here? Did you ask why? The State Police have your answer you left wing hack.
And perhaps we can ask Barry for reimbursement for his Air Force One "Date Night" in NY. Double Freaking standards.

I can't remmeber the last time new jersey had a governor that was not a skunk p.o.s. does it realy shock anyone

I remember back in 2000 when I was living in Boston, MA Governor Jane Swift took a state helicopter to go home to her sick daughter, there was such a big todo over it and she ended up having to reimburse the trip, pay a $1,250 fine, people were calling out for her resignation, and her poll numbers took a deep dive. NJ should do what MA did, or is there some type of double standard at play when it comes to a father making his son's ballgame and a mother rushing home to her sick daughter? Have Christie reimburse the trip.

I can't believe you people. When I was in the military I used to show up at airfields and got hops on planes that were going my way. Did that make me corrupt? The HP stated that they were going to be flying anyway and that the Gov got a hop.The limo for 100 yards is also resonable. Every governor in this nation has security details because of haters such as those who are condeming him in these comments. Not walking 100 yards across an open field where New Jersey's notoriously violent unions could take a pot shot would be reasonable from his security's point of view. Find some real news

how did his son get to the game? on a school bus or private car? and taking a helicopter to the kids game only to leave in the 5th inning? i smell publicity and a power trip...but way to go NJ you voted him in...

anyone who believes this flight costs nothing for the tax payer knows nothing about aviation. These helicopters cost thousands of dollars per hour to operate. The fact that they have five 12 million dollar helicopters is absurd enough, now this is how they use them. You probably couldn't find a more expensive way to get to that game if you tried.

So basically the governor is saying he just caught a lift... Well then, the least he should do is cover the cost of gas like any of us would offer to a friend giving a lift somewhere...... and since he and his wife are well over 50lbs, maybe he should be charged a baggage fee too....

The helicopter ride isn't a ludicrous as the 300 feet he couldn't walk.... the excuse he would need the vehicle if the helicopter had to leave doesnt explain his inability to WALK. The cars would still have been there, right? I guess he was afraid the walk would have shown how much he was sweating from the exertion of simply walking...

Jim: are you a child on this site? You sound as intelligent as Donald Trump. Muslim? Commie? Come on, disagree with his policies but let all that other crap go. Does Obama also have to produce a death certificate for Bin Laden? That childish, idiotic stuff takes attention from where it should be. Concentrate on economic policies, budget deficits, stuff like that. Yeah, I don't like what Christie did but to believe it didn't cost anything is a bit naive. Did you also sell all your assets because the world was going to end?

Well, I guess the pressure got to Christie. He finally saw that the public was demanding he pay the State of New Jersey for the private use of the helicopter. As far as the State Troopers, they will be his "Yes Men" as they are afraid they will be next in line to lose their jobs! Afterall, the cost of Gas to take that trip would have been consumed whether he took the trip or not! The State Troopers must think the public is stupid! Finally, why a car to ride him 100 yards. Who in the hell voted for that IDIOT!

What a waste of our monies, tell him to get a bike. Sorry, we are all counting pennies, and he is wasting dollars.

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