Big raises for some Christie aides

A newspaper reports that only about 20 percent of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s staff got pay raises this year. But for those who did, the gains were big.The Record reported Thursday that 27 of the 148 employees in the governor’s office got salary hikes in 2014.The paper reported almost all who did are responsible for helping craft the governor’s image. They include members of his press team and staffers who set up for public events.

The newspaper found those individuals got raises averaging 23 percent.

The paper requested the records through the state’s open records law. But the administration only turned them over after the paper sued, according to the Record.

Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak says the salary increases largely reflect changes in positions, promotions and expanded duties.