Mercer Assemblywoman calls on Christie, Guadagno to Ensure Both Are Not on Vacation Simultaneously in the Future
Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, a prime sponsor of the constitutional amendment that created New Jersey’s new position of Lieutenant Governor, today called on Governor Christie and Lieutenant Governor Guadagno to put the residents of New Jersey first, particularly during times of emergencies, by ensuring that both are not out of state simultaneously in the future.
“This weekend New Jersey was hit with one of the worst storms on record and yet neither of the state’s top two executives were anywhere to be found. The reason I sponsored the law creating the position of lieutenant governor was to ensure a seamless transition of power should the governor be out of state or incapacitated.
“In offices everywhere around this country vacation time is usually carefully coordinated to ensure that all responsibilities and functions continue to be covered. This is one of the main responsibilities of the lieutenant governor and should not be ignored when both of our top executives decide they want to take a vacation at the same time.
“Thankfully, Senate President Sweeney stepped in and provided the leadership necessary during this state of emergency. However, the residents of our state chose to create the position of lieutenant governor for this reason. In the future, I would hope the Governor and Lieutenant Governor will respect this and better coordinate their schedules in order to put the safety and welfare of our residents first,” said Watson Coleman (D-Mercer).