Government

Chris Christie: ‘I Make No Apologies’ Regarding Use of NJ State Helicopter

Chris Christie: I Make No Apologies Regarding Use of NJ State HelicopterNew Jersey Gov. Chris Christie isn’t one who plays by the traditional political rulebook. He‘s not afraid to say what’s on his mind and, by many accounts, he’s willing to make some tough and unpopular choices. But, a few weeks ago, when he found himself in the middle of a controversy surrounding private use of a government helicopter, he quickly caved and reimbursed the state for the expenses.

Tonight, CNN’s Piers Morgan aired an interview with Christie in which the governor took on the issue and defended his use of the helicopter. He said, ”I make no apologies…I would not make a different decision if I had to do it again” (though he says he would pay for it next time).

In the interview, Christie said that, though he is not complaining, he is often forced to miss his children’s events. That day, the only way he could attend his son’s baseball game was by helicopter, so he believes his duties as a father warranted the use of the aircraft. The governor goes on to explain that it was the public’s perception that caused him to return the money. Watch for yourself:

Comments (116)

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  • benrush
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:08pm

    The president earns a $400,000 annual salary, along with a $50,000 annual expense account, a $100,000 non-taxable travel account and $19,000 for entertainment.

    I guess Chris Christie can do whatever the citizens of his state have agreed for him to do.

    Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 6:53am

      The citizens of his state are the ones who called him on it.

      Report Post » tifosa  
  • TexOkie
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:37pm

    Life is not fair and equal. Some people have greater privilege than others, it does not mean that they are better than others, just that they have access to privilege. Christie was wrong to try and use the helicopter for personal motives without paying for it, but he made it right. Get over your class envy people and get on with your own lives.

    Report Post »  
  • frankee47
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:19pm

    you go dude.i will vote for you no matter what.

    Report Post »  
  • firemanfrank
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:17pm

    @ essence I volunteered in my town since I was a kid. I am employed as a paid firemen in the city I work in which gives me a paycheck yes

    Report Post »  
  • NILAP
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:14pm

    Christie better get used to helicopters because Air Force One belongs to President Obama until 2016.

    Report Post » NILAP  
  • jim
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:09pm

    Meanwhile, Obama holds a fundraiser in Miami, using Air Force One for his re-election transportation, and holds ANOTHER fundraiser in the WH… at taxpayer expense! Did Obama pay US BACK? Nada… and he gets no criticism. Christie, on the other hand, gets slammed for being a good father and paying for the helicopter! When did you ever hear of Pelosi paying us back for her jet flights on our dime? Let’s celebrate Christie, not let the corrupt liberal media use their lame double standard tactics to try to bring him down.

    Report Post » jim  
  • firemanfrank
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:07pm

    I am sure he isnt the average me me me politician who puts his own agenda ahead of the people of his state. He aint no tea partier he puts himself before the people.

    Report Post »  
  • firemanfrank
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:01pm

    @ phsychosis I am also a volunteer so I know what its about This is my career I have been injured at more fires than you have ever been too son

    Report Post »  
    • essence428
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:09pm

      You volunteers, but get a paycheck and benefits? Kinda takes away from the meaning of “volunteer” doesnt it. I remember when the word volunteer meant no paycheck and no benefits..I guess that’s the difference between unions and no unions.

      Report Post »  
  • firemanfrank
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:57pm

    @phsychosis I am a volunteer also so you know its a different ball game son.

    Report Post »  
    • booger71
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:27pm

      My son is a volunteer firefighter. He gets 5 bucks a call. I am calling BS that your a volunteer firefighter.

      Report Post » booger71  
  • firemanfrank
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:56pm

    This guy is destroying the lives of the cops and firemen in New jersey after he secured our vote.We backed him and now he has turned his back on his states first responders.We currently contribute 8.5 percent into our pension more than any other state in the union,now he wants us to pay for our own benefits when the only time a cop or firemen goes to the doctor is the orthopedic to have his injuries on the job treated. PUBLIC stop compairing Fire/police union members to the people that pull a lever on a drill press for 8 hours a day.It just isnt fair 9/11 heroes=2011 zeros

    Report Post »  
    • essence428
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:03pm

      Stop your whining…you have a job…many don’t!

      Report Post »  
    • MikieTx
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:05pm

      Good, it’s about time you carried your own weight. Those of us who own businesses contribute 100 to our plans. Try that on for size. I wish you paid more, and you will. Union thuggery is over in the USA.

      Report Post »  
    • Al J Zira
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:21pm

      Destroying your lives! Really? Last I looked all the cops in my neighborhood in NJ still live in the same type of house I do, infact they drive Escolades and brand new SUV’s. Never have to worry about retirement or health care. So don’t give me the line your lives are being ruined.

      This is the same thing Obama, Pelosi and Reed threw around with Obamacare: people are dying in the streets because hospitals are throwing them out. What a load of bull! So I guess now you want to be considered a hero just for showing up to work? This is where your union has lost touch with reality. Heros don’t expect to be looked at as such nor do they seek recognition. They simply do they’re job. They don‘t hold taxpayers hostage for unlimited benefits simply because they’re cops or firemen. That‘s just arrogance and that’s why peple are linning up against you. The guy pulling the lever on a drill press everyday could be making the gun a cop uses or the respirator you use but I guess thats not as important as you.

      I can only hope collective bargaining get thrown out of NJ too. It’s not a right and never was. it’s a self-serving interest that suites a very small portion of the population while costing everyone huge amounts of hard earned money.

      Report Post » Al J Zira  
    • Arizona Don
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 1:56am

      Firemanfrank:

      I don’t think anybody is holding a gun to your head and telling you, you have to be in that job, or making you live in New Jersey for that matter. I paid 100% of my retirement and never complained.

      I guess some of you guys just don’t get it do you?

      Report Post » Arizona Don  
    • melmatmic
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 7:57am

      We get it Frank. You think you are better than the people who pay your salary. Enough already. You can get off your soap box now. Most of the people who pay your salary and benefits, don’t have the salary and benefits that you do. Thanks for your service but get realistic. The states, nearly all of them, have promised more than they can continually deliver, so everyone has to take a step back.

      Report Post » melmatmic  
    • longhornpapa
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 10:10am

      what makes you so freakin special? those of us WITH jobs are happy JUST TO STILL HAVE JOBS!

      frankie-boy… quitcherbitchin!

      Report Post »  
  • BeardedDog
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:56pm

    I don’t know about Joy-Zee, but here in NY the governor is protected day and night by the state troopers. I would expect that they would have transportation available for him at all times. Going to a kids baseball game may be a little bit over the top but he still is one awesome dude. Hard to complain about state over spending issues then charging the public for this though. Glad he paid up.

    Report Post »  
  • Guy Bee
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:56pm

    The hypocrisy slays me. Pelosi flies cross country at a cost of millions of dollars – not a word. Obama takes his family on vacations at taxpayer expense, not a word. This is Alinsky talk – demean and devalue. Attack and ridicule. It is all Alinsky speak. STFU

    Report Post »  
  • Mr Charley
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:54pm

    Gee…………….Wish I had access to a state paid for helicopter so I could take it to baseball games.

    The kids thing don‘t just don’t cut it. Lots of good hard working folks miss family events and other things they would like to be a part of and I don’t see any of them pi$$ing and moaning.

    I hate to disagree with some of the folks here whose opinion I respect but IMHO this guy couldn’t win anything above a state election. His “Loud Fat Guy” routine wouldn’t play to well in the other 49 states……….

    Report Post »  
  • ISRAELISOURFRIEND
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:53pm

    He should make no apology “before” Obama makes an apology for using the White House.

    I correct myself…

    Report Post » ISRAELISOURFRIEND  
  • ISRAELISOURFRIEND
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:45pm

    He should make no more apology than Obama making use of the White House.

    Report Post » ISRAELISOURFRIEND  
  • Zoe
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:43pm

    It’s news that the “man” interviewing him plays checkmate with his questions using both sides of the argument to challenge him.

    Report Post » Zoe  
  • gexiscole
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:41pm

    What Christie is saying is that he has to use the fastest mode of transportation to be at all his state’s meetings, functions, etc. and still see his family. Why did no one question Pelosi using military planes to fly her and her family, and sometimes just her family without her being on the plane, all around the country.

    I am sure he has a tax paid cell phone and computer to communicate instead of using the usps or a courier. I think that for all the good that Christie has done his state that the tax payers are willing to pay for the tools he needs.

    And, where is the outrage of Obama vacationing all over the world and Michelle flying in separate planes all over the world.

    Report Post »  
  • firemanfrank
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:38pm

    He said he doesnt want to miss his sons game. What about the cops and firemen in New Jersey that you said you would not hurt. Well because of the changes in my pension and benefits I will be at my second job to make up the difference of over $1000 a month more I will have to pay, so I will miss MY kids games.9/11 heroes= 2011 zeros

    Report Post »  
    • essence428
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:55pm

      We heard you the first time…welcome to the real world!

      Report Post »  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:07pm

      You don’t sound much like the firefighters I know.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • booger71
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:22pm

      The Firefighters around here make $80,000 grand per year for working 24 on (mostly sleeping and eating) and 72 off. 90% of them have jobs or own their own business on the side (by choice) so they can make $200,000 a year.

      Report Post » booger71  
    • tifosa
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 6:46am

      Running into buildings when everyone else is running out. I give no end to credit to you and others who do the job.

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • hi
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 9:21am

      Pensions are ponzi schemes. It takes 20 firefighters to pay your pension when you retire at age 50. Then it will take 20 firefighters to fund each of those firefighter’s pensions when they retire. The system is flawed….and on and on…..ponzi.

      Report Post » hi  
  • CanteenBoy
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:34pm

    He and Rick Perry are the obvious choices.

    Report Post » CanteenBoy  
  • jzs
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:34pm

    He flew to a personal event at the taxpayer’s expense. When that became public knowledge, he then reimbursed the state. He thought it was okay as long as nobody knew about it.

    Good for him for attending the game, but sad that he thought the taxpayers wanted to pay for that.

    Report Post » jzs  
    • Therightsofbilly
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 11:17pm

      @JZS

      Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police:

      “Governor Christie is on duty every hour of every day. His transportation, safety and security are my responsibility, and he therefore travels with the State Police Executive Protection Unit, whether on state or personal business. As part of our long-standing security protocol, the EPU provides secure, protected travel by vehicle in the overwhelming majority of the Governor’s business and personal travel, except in those rare instances when the Governor’s schedule warrants use of air travel.

      To date, Governor Christie has been aboard State Police helicopters 35 times since taking office, including aerial surveys of flood and storm damage. It is important to understand that State Police helicopters fly daily homeland security missions, and use flight time for training purposes, more so lately as we acclimate our pilots to the new aircraft. These are flight hours that would be logged in any event. Therefore, there is no additional cost to taxpayers or the State Police budget, nor is there any interference with our daily mission, by adding the state’s chief executive to any of these trips. Any flights transporting the Governor would be subordinated to priority needs for our aircraft including rescue and emergent law enforcement missions”

      Please note the remark about “No additional cost to the taxpayers or the State Police Budget.

      Report Post » Therightsofbilly  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 12:14am

      Therightsofbilly, Well played ;)

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 6:33am

      The really funny thing is why he was in a rush. Couldn’t stay until the end of the game to hurry back for the BIG MEETING. Yep, he knew and paid for the air taxi.

      Report Post » tifosa  
  • mossbrain
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:33pm

    Probably those who saw Cristie fly by thought they were seeing the Goodyear blimp being helicoptered into it’s landing bay. I wasn’t aware that helicopters could carry such a heavy load, did that whirlybird have an extra engine?

    Report Post » mossbrain  
    • CanteenBoy
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:36pm

      Lame comment.

      Nearly 45% of this Country are way overweight.

      Report Post » CanteenBoy  
    • tifosa
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 6:36am

      MOSSBRAIN, get it straight. weight is only important when looking at the FLOTUS’ butt.

      Report Post » tifosa  
  • firemanfrank
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:32pm

    What about the cops and firemen in New Jersey that you said you would defend and now are against, what about them missing their kids games. Your not complaining your just using the chopper. I wont see my kids game because I will be at my second job to make up the difference in pay about $1000 a month more I will have to contribute to my pension and benefits.Your hurting the very people who put you into office.9/11 heroes = 2011 zeros

    Report Post »  
  • Conservophiliac
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:29pm

    This isn’t interesting enough to comment on even if I do get in the top five or so comments. I do like Christie though.

    Report Post » Conservophiliac  
  • discardofevil
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:26pm

    Is this news?? We have already heard about this.

    Report Post »  
  • hersey10
    Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:22pm

    LOVE Double C !!!

    Report Post » hersey10  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:41pm

      EXCELLENT!

      And DO NOT EVER apologize for attending your son’s ballgame!
      Had you not used the helicopter, either your family would have to suffer (WRONG CHOICE), or,
      you would not have been able to have the official business meetings that took place immediately before and immediately after your son’s ballgame.
      The use of it is warranted. It is there FOR the governor’s use. It allows the governor to be more productive by not spending time in traffic when he can be doing the state’s work.
      The helicopter is required to log hours for training, regardless, so, these trips count toward their required training time in that aircraft.

      PROUD of you, Mr. Christie!

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Revere1
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:46pm

      Gotta love Christie’s willingness to call the media on its baloney. http://www.elephantwatcher.com/2011/05/after-trump-debut-field-still-wide-open.html

      Report Post » Revere1  
    • hersey10
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:53pm

      These losers pounce on him but give Obama a pass while he’s using Air Force 1 as his personal tour bus . Do the math .

      Report Post » hersey10  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:59pm

      Will the potus make any Apologies for the use of Air Force planes for his so called wife and her minnion’s trips over seas and to Chicago?

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • Quack Addict
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:18pm

      He’s a douchebag. Lots of people have to work and miss games and other children events. They don’t get to use taxpayer money to fly around in helicopters. He paid it back because he knows he’s wrong. Most politicians are. Christie is a loudmouth and a fat ass. Nice use of a limo for a 100 yard walk. Goodness this country is in trouble!

      Report Post » Quack Addict  
    • TexOkie
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:32pm

      Come on Quack Addict, you can come up with a few more names to call the man.

      Why do people like you find it necessary to attack a man because of his weight? Typical liberal!

      Report Post »  
    • Stoic one
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:35pm

      Good man
      Good morals
      Good reasoning

      Report Post » Stoic one  
    • barak hussein osama arafat brotherhood
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:37pm

      Gotta luv da big guy.

      Report Post » Iman Barak Hussein  
    • Robert-CA
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:37pm

      Hey QUACK ADDICT You’re a piece of …………..ok guys anyone can fill up the blank .

      Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • jzs
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 10:47pm

      Yeah, he wouldn’t do anything different, except pay for the helicopter.

      Report Post » jzs  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 12:10am

      How many children do you have Quack Addict?

      Report Post »  
    • jb.kibs
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 12:11am

      JZS, he paid for it this time too.. so.. yeah nothing different.

      Report Post »  
    • pschlentz
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 12:12am

      You did the right thing Governor Christie, Family First…. It’s a breath of fresh air!!

      Report Post »  
    • ramburner
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 5:04am

      Let the left jam their thoughts where the sun does not shine! Good for you Mr. C.

      Report Post »  
    • Mee the People
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 5:16am

      he is running the state not having **** sex like the last gov

      Report Post »  
    • tifosa
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 6:06am

      The apology came in the form of a check. Bottom line, he knew.

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • one yrs. food ration like Glenn says..
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 8:15am

      Sheesh!! If obama and family reimbursed the country for all the crap that he does we would be close to a debt free nation…

      Report Post » one years food ration like glenn says  
    • JRook
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 10:03am

      I was a supporter of his until this came out. Tough to support someone who cuts education, healthcare and other key social goods and then misuses the limited amount of money available for his own use. It speaks to his mindset and character. Like Tressel and OSU, there are probably other examples of this type of mindset and stewardship that didn’t come to light.

      Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 10:14am

      hersey10
      Posted on June 14, 2011 at 9:53pm
      These losers pounce on him but give Obama a pass while he’s using Air Force 1 as his personal tour bus . Do the math
      _____________________________
      That is a false comparison, Christy attacking the state unions and cutting funds to the poor in NJ is abusing the use of the State helicopter. AF1 on the other hand in the mobile White House ensuring the President is always in command and control. Christy is proving himself to be another Tony Soprano wanna be with an ego expanding almost as fast as his waist line.

      Report Post »  
    • PER100
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 10:49am

      the might lib left needs to leave that man alone before the irritate him enough to run for Pres. r just explains the trusth of our current POTUS sends BHO home crying.

      Report Post »  
    • PER100
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 10:50am

      I’ll take a full C any day over a weak B. kinda like women’s clothing

      Report Post »  
    • proliance
      Posted on June 15, 2011 at 4:30pm

      The state helicopter isn’t for personal use. Writing a check after the fact doesn’t fix everything.

      Would he have paid for it if this hadn’t gotten the attention? I don’t think so.

      Report Post » proliance  
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