Christie set to deliver State of the State address

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is set to deliver his State of the State address Tuesday afternoon in Trenton.

Political analysts say the issues that dominated the end of 2012 will be Christie’s focus this year.

Fairleigh Dickinson political scientist Peter Woolley expects the governor to hit two somber notes in his annual address.

“One, of course, is for the first responders to Sandy,” he said.

Sandy continues to rule the political conversation in New Jersey as residents and businesses rebuild, and towns deal with shrinking revenues from property taxes.

School safety has also become a hot-button issue. Woolley says Christie has already spoken about the need for reforms in the aftermath of the shootings in Newtown, Connecticut.

“The question is whether he will make a strong pitch for some kind of policy change as a result,” Woolley said.

Taxes are another topic sure to be mentioned.

“That’s the issue that won’t go away in New Jersey and, of course, Sandy is related to property taxes,” Woolley said. “There are many towns that find their property tax revenues have fallen down because of destruction to their homes and therefore their ratable base.”

And with Chrisitie’s re-election campaign in full swing, Woolley has no doubt the governor also will be laying out his plans for beyond 2013.