TRENTON — State lawmakers’ reactions to Bret Schundler’s firing as education commissioner have so far broken down along partisan lines, with Republicans praising Gov. Chris Christie for decisive action and Democrats accusing him of passing the buck. “Two days ago, Governor Christie said this was his responsibility. Then he said it was all President Obama’s fault. Apparently, he’s now...
Former education chief Bret Schundler speaks with the press in Trenton in this August 16th, 2010 photo.TRENTON — State lawmakers’ reactions to Bret Schundler’s firing as education commissioner have so far broken down along partisan lines, with Republicans praising Gov. Chris Christie for decisive action and Democrats accusing him of passing the buck.
“Two days ago, Governor Christie said this was his responsibility. Then he said it was all President Obama’s fault. Apparently, he’s now decided it’s Bret Schundler’s fault,” said Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester).
Senate and Assembly Democrats both plan hearings on how New Jersey made a mistake on its application for up to $400 million in federal “Race to the Top” funds that caused it to place 11th out of 19 contenders, coming just one place short of winning funds. The mistake cost New Jersey 4.8 points, and Ohio — the 10th place state and the lowest ranking one to get funds — edged the Garden State out by just three points.
The Democrats plan to invite Schundler to testify.
The governor said Wednesday that he was told the state attempted to provide the correct budget during a presentation two weeks ago but wasn't allowed. A videotape was released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Education showing that statement to be untrue.
“New Jerseyans deserve an honest accounting from Gov. Christie about what truly happened with this costly error,” said Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D-Essex).
By contrast, Assembly Minority Leader Alex DeCroce (R-Morris) said the “unfortunate” episode is over and lawmakers should dwell on other things.
“Governor Christie had no other alternative. He did what is right and in the best interest of our state,” said DeCroce. “We now need to move forward and turn our attention to the business of the state, including a review of our school funding formula, the tool kit and continued property tax reform
But Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-Passaic) said Christie had “no other choice” but to fire Schundler. “His decision to terminate Commissioner Schundler shows this governor’s commitment to doing what is best for the people of New Jersey,” he said.
State Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex), said she was "just blown away" that the governor agreed to fire Schundler after asking for his resignation and said Christie "should be accountable under the law of helping to perpetrate a fraud."
"The facts as I understand them, the stated purpose of asking the governor's office to fire him instead of resigning, was so he will then qualify to receive unemployment benefits from the State of New Jersey that he would not otherwise qualify for," Buono said.
Previous coverage:
| Bret Schundler comments on firing as education commissioner |
• U.S. officials refute Christie on attempt to fix Race to the Top application during presentation
• Bob Braun: If N.J. had stronger Race to the Top application, clerical error wouldn't have mattered
• Full transcript of the governor's remarks
• Gov. Christie blames Washington bureaucracy for state's failed 'Race to the Top' application
• Read text of mistake from the documents
• Gov. Chris Christie's summary of Race to the Top application, submitted June 1
• Gov. Christie says plan Schundler reached with NJEA caved to teachers union
• Bob Braun: Gov. Chris Christie's put-down of Schundler further erodes autonomy of education commissioner
• Gov. Christie says N.J. education chief made mistake with Race to the Top compromise