Why is New Jersey losing businesses and people? You might have seen in the newspaper or on the internet that Mercedes-Benz USA is leaving Bergen County for the Atlanta Georgia area. A number of factors have caused them to decide to move down South and unfortunately they are not the only company that is moving out of New Jersey.
A spokesperson for the Development Authority (EDA) of State of New Jersey never even received a New Jersey Economic application from Mercedes-Benz. So they were not interested even talking about staying. This might sound strange to you, but not to me. I will now tell you why they are leaving.
It was very simple decision for them to make. The business climate is terrible here in New Jersey, the taxes are extremely high and the government is either indifferent or uncaring of their business needs. Mercedes-Benz gives the excuse that by moving down south that they will be near their major manufacturing plant and nearer to a major port. What they do not mention are the lower costs of living and doing business, a friendly business climate and tax incentives.
Many other companies have echoed similar reasons and left this state for good. Our Legislatures are trying to discredit our Governor any way they can and are ignoring the fact that more companies/people are leaving this state than ever before. Just look around your neighborhood and you will see For Sale signs everywhere. The problems that are causing this mass exodus are not new, it is just that those who should be coming up with solutions are almost nonexistent.
All our elected representatives really seem to care about is getting themselves reelected and how much money they will get from the pension system when they retire. Right now it is the Progressive Democrats who are attacking the Governor about Bridgegate and right now about his relationship with the Cowboy’s football team owner. The Federal Prosecutor is looking into these allegations as he should and those, who I will not name, that are calling to waste more of the taxpayers money should be thrown out of office.
Just let me make it clear that it is not just the Democrats or the Republicans who are the blame for the multitude of problems this state is plagued with. It is just right now that the Democrats are in charge and they have gotten on their high horse about our Governor possibly running for President. I am sure that if the situation were reversed the Republicans would do the same thing(s).
Well let us get back to the reality that this state is dying and if we do nothing else, we must somehow force our elected representatives to get down to fixing the problem of high taxes and building a friendlier business climate. This must be done now before it becomes too late!
People are not leaving just because it gets cold here and certainly not because they can reach two major metropolitan areas within a very reasonable amount of time. This state is certainly blessed with a great location on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States for both business and people to live.
How do we fix our problems you may ask, well I will not tell you it will be easy nor will it not be painful for some. But, here are the basic problems-
1) High property taxes.
2) Unfriendly business climate.
3) High cost of real estate.
4) Out of control government.
5) Over regulation.
These are the basic problems and I will address some of them in my next weeks blog.
That is my opinion- Jumpin Jersey Mike
