Christie angrily defends delay of millions to save underwater homeowners
Gov. Christie got into it with a TV reporter yesterday working on a follow-up to my story from earlier this month about New Jersey's failure to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in money available to those in foreclosure. This time, Christie didn't call the reporter an "idiot," he just got annoyed and cut him off. In the piece, despite the anchor's claim of an "exclusive," I did report the story first earlier this month -- and technically, the federal government nabbed the exclusive: In a report from the summer, it compiled data that showed that of the 18 states awarded federal money because they've been hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis, New Jersey has used the least amount of money.
Christie angrily defends delay of millions to save underwater homeowners
Matt Katz, Inquirer Staff Writer
Gov. Christie got into it with a TV reporter yesterday working on a follow-up to my story from earlier this month about New Jersey's failure to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in money available to those in foreclosure.
This time, Christie didn't call the reporter an "idiot," he just got annoyed and cut him off.
In the piece, despite the anchor's claim of an "exclusive," I did report the story first earlier this month -- and technically, the federal government nabbed the exclusive: In a report from the summer, it compiled data that showed that of the 18 states awarded federal money because they've been hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis, New Jersey has used the least amount of money.
In my story, Christie's Department of Community Affairs commissioner actually acknowledged the problems with spending the money, and told me about a series of changes they would be implementing to improve and quicken the distribution of funds.
But when pressed by a reporter from ABC's New York affiliate yesterday, Christie didn't acknowledge the problems and used a different excuse for the delay in spending the cash: "Our policy was put on hold waiting to see what the courts were going to do regarding foreclosures."
Actually, that shouldn't have mattered. And I did not hear that explanation at all in my reporting. While there was a temporary stoppage of some banks foreclosing on New Jerseyans, plenty of homeowners were still in foreclosure and could have been helped with the money. After all, New Jersey has one of the worst foreclosure rates in the country.
New Jersey Assembly Democrats announced today they plan to hold hearings on the issue.
I've received dozens of calls after my story ran from residents looking for help. If you're a New Jerseyan who needs help staying in your home, click here for the HomeKeeper program.
And here's video, courtesy of PolitickerNJ.com, from yesterday's heated exchange in Long Branch between the gov and a reporter:
More "reporting" that agrees with the writer’s preconceived notions.— Another_1- dear governor snookie, please use the money that was given to the state by the federal bank bailout for its intended purpose - to help struggling NJ families. i know they are not your cup of tea and you could care less about them, but the money was given to you for their needs, not yours.— slanted and enchanted
Are you talking to me Mr. Double Chin, Double Gut?- LOL!!! So when are we going to see a reporter like this go after Barry for all his failed policies, really not that hard:
"Mr President, can you explain why Ford Motor Company took no government money and is doing fine while those that did still owe billions to taxpayers"?
"Mr President, why did we lose millions from Green Energy policies and why would we want to continue, will we keep losing"?
"Mr. President, Shovel-ready wasn't shovel-ready...please explain"
LOL!!! etc., etc. this guy isn't a reporter, just a Lib doing what they do best...attacking those they hate...DUDE, DO YOUR JOB IN AN HONEST WAY WILL YA'???— sarah89 - As usual, the Obama haters go off issue. The Bully rides again against anyone who questions his policies and the direction of his failed stewardship. Answer the question, O heavy one, and admit you are hoarding money given to help struggling people so you can give tax breaks to the wealthy.— lport
Comment removed.
Why should the state provide money to people whom should not have purchased homes in the first place? Just like the Gubberment shouldnt be bailing out banks they also should not be bailing out private citizens.— Professor1982- Friggin' mafioso in a tent-sized suit. Oh - and "professor"? Because it's federal money handed to this bloated buffalo specifically for this porpoise...Sorry purpose.— CiceroSpuriousDeodatusTheSecond
- Rethug governors have consistently used federal money for purposes OTHER THAN what the LAWS WERE PASSED TO FUND.
Perry in Texas used billions from the stimulus to cover his states deficit instead of funding vital services for those in need (food, medical care, housing) - just so he could lie and claim to have turned that state's disastrous economy around.
Chrissy is simply sitting on the money from the feds because he, like all repukes, has absolutely no interest in help in people in need - even if they lose their homes as a result. In his bible, only those who do not need help will receive it.— JeffJenk - People have money for the mortgage, they don't have the money to pay the New Jersey property taxes.— Public1
- The Christie response: If I don't know the answer, I'll simply doubletalk around it.— hernnde
- Professor 1982 ! Lose your job after 40 years and then open ur toilet!— HurtinSenior
Reach him at mkatz@phillynews.com or 609-217-8355.
Follow Matt on Twitter: @mattkatz00. Reach Matt at mkatz@phillynews.com or 609-217-8355.
