Corzine defends Camden Oversight

September 16, 2009  |  Courier Post  |  Link to article

Gov. Jon S. Corzine on Tuesday night defended the state's investment in Camden but acknowledged residents' concerns about the lack of progress in their neighborhoods. (photos here)

Speaking at an East Camden church, Corzine agreed that efforts to revive the impoverished city haven't gone as far as they could. But, he said, the state has done its part to provide resources under the $175 million takeover program.

"That doesn't mean we are doing everything right, we aren't," said Corzine, who spoke just days after Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie blasted the state turnaround effort.

"You may not like how it's delivered but we are trying very hard to invest in the city of Camden, whether it's health care, education or housing," Corzine said. "We are doing what we can."

At the same time, the governor said, it's fair to question whether state resources are being spent on the right things and why the city hasn't seen more tangible improvements. Corzine said he would assign someone to report on issues such as abandoned homes, demolitions and poor street lighting.

In response to a question about the recent resignation of Chief Operating Officer Theodore Davis, Corzine said that searching for a permanent replacement would be among his highest priorities if he is re-elected in November.

The state-appointed COO is the city's top official under the takeover program. Some key legislators have urged the state to loosen its control over the city, particularly with a new mayor to be elected this fall.

The COO's position currently is held on an interim basis by Albertha Hyche, an employee in the state Department of Treasury.

Corzine added that the city needs to get back to local control so that residents can demand accountability from their elected officials.

"I don't need a survey to tell me we have more work to go," he said. "We can change this, not with hope, but with hard work."

Hundreds of residents, politicians, city officials and church leaders gathered at St. Joseph's Pro-Cathedral Church to hear the governor speak at a meeting arranged by Camden Churches Organized for People.

CCOP members recounted how the community had lobbied for the state law that put Camden under state control in 2002, dreaming that it would restore the city to vibrancy.

Bernadette Anderson, a pastor at Sword of the Spirit Christian Center, said residents were told neighborhoods would benefit from the investments poured into developing the city's hospitals, universities and other major institutions. But it hasn't worked, she said.

While roads have been improved around Campbell Soup Co. in the northern end of her Gateway neighborhood, on the south side "our roads are filled with potholes and metal plates."

Anderson and other church leaders called for more transparent government, better access to officials and clear and attainable goals for improving every neighborhood that would be publicly assessed on a regular basis.

Corzine's GOP opponent, Chris Christie, blasted the state takeover in an opinion piece in Sunday's Courier-Post.

"Despite the massive state intervention, I've never heard anyone say the city is being 'revitalized'," wrote Christie. He said citizens remain concerned about education and jobs -- "the very areas the Recovery Act was supposed to improve."

Christie also has agreed to hold a meeting in Camden, but a date has not yet been set, according to CCOP Chairman Willie Anderson.

At Tuesday's meeting, Anderson encouraged attendees to keep lobbying for their needs.

"Our elected officials are working because we put them there, and frankly we need to turn up the heat," Anderson said. "We have not lost hope, have we Camden?"