On the Scene: It’s Florio, Stupid

BRET SCHUNDLER’S inauguration was the place to be one hot July Thursday. Schundler, a white Wall Street Republican, had run for mayor of this poor, largely minority city on a platform of empowerment, and won in a 68 per cent landslide. In attendance at his inaugration were former governors, statewide officials, and Mr. Empower the Inner City himself, Jack Kemp. Also tagging along, evidently hoping to exploit Schundler’s enormous popularity, were Democratic Governor Jim Florio, who signed a $3-million “jobs” bill at the podium, and his Republican challenger, Christine Todd Whitman.

Mayor Schundler’s speech, as it happens, rebuked politicians who imply that signing bills and sending money is the way to treat society’s maladies. He went on to pitch his own message of low taxes, safe and clean streets, and an end to welfare and the NEA’s lock on public education. In effect he dismissed the governor and took control of the debate about how to save Jersey City. The question from now until November is: Can Christine Whitman do the same?

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Geoffrey Morris

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BRET SCHUNDLER’S inauguration was the place to be one hot July Thursday. Schundler, a white Wall Street Republican, had run for mayor of this poor, largely minority city on a platform of empowerment, and won in a 68 per cent landslide. In attendance at his inaugration were former governors, statewide officials, and Mr. Empower the Inner City himself, Jack Kemp. Also tagging along, evidently hoping to exploit Schundler’s enormous popularity, were Democratic Governor Jim Florio, who signed a $3-million “jobs” bill at the podium, and his Republican challenger, Christine Todd Whitman.

Mayor Schundler’s speech, as it happens, rebuked politicians who imply that signing bills and sending money is the way to treat society’s maladies. He went on to pitch his own message of low taxes, safe and clean streets, and an end to welfare and the NEA’s lock on public education. In effect he dismissed the governor and took control of the debate about how to save Jersey City. The question from now until November is: Can Christine Whitman do the same?