Christie also says the state will waive fines for cars that have to be towed off highways, removed during snow storm Watch video
TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie took to the airwaves today to continue the defense of his decision to remain in Florida as a blizzard slammed New Jersey and discuss his recent battles with public employee unions.
Christie did a tour of the conservative radio circuit, including an interview with nationally syndicated host Sean Hannity, who also anchors a show on cable’s Fox News.
"I was in charge from Florida," Christie said on Steve Malzberg’s show on WOR in New York. "My decision was that we had a good plan in place and we could execute that plan from a telephone. The rest of it is the criticism that just has to roll off your back."
In a morning interview with New Jersey 101.5 Jim Gearhart, Christie said the state will waive fines imposed for cars that were towed off the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway during the snow storm. The Department of Transportation also announced motorists will be able to recoup towing costs.
In a statement, the DOT said "state government will be accepting claims for reimbursement of reasonable towing costs from motorists whose automobiles — due to circumstances beyond their control — were stranded on state highways and towed during the recent winter blizzard." It said more information on how to make a claim would be released soon.
At each stop on the talk radio tour, Christie defended his decision to remain in Disney World on a family vacation during last week’s blizzard. Pundits, including Gearhart, have been critical of Christie’s decision to remain away. Democratic Senate President Stephen Sweeney was acting governor because Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno was also out of state vacationing with her ailing father.
"It’s not something that I think will happen again because we’re both aware of having to coordinate our schedules," Christie said on Gearhart’s show.
On Hannity’s radio show, broadcast on New York’s WABC, Christie said other states should follow New Jersey’s lead and reexamine their obligations to public employees. Politicians who refuse to do so, he said, are "just political cowards."
Previous coverage:
• Gov. Christie to appear on several conservative radio shows today
• Paul Mulshine: It was a tricky trip to the Magic Kingdom
• PR experts say Gov. Christie mishandled response during, after huge snow storm
• Gov. Christie defends decision to stay in Florida during blizzard, requests federal aid
• Liberal Washington group launches campaign criticizing Gov. Christie's whereabouts
• Acting Gov. Sweeney heading state during storm boosts his visibility, pundits say
• N.J. senator criticizes Gov. Christie, Lt. Gov. Guadagno for being out of state during blizzard