NJ Land preservation only ballot question

    A proposal to borrow $400-million dollars for land preservation in New Jersey is the only statewide ballot question in next month’s election. And a new poll indicates there could be a close vote on that initiative.

    By Phil Gregoryphilgregorynews@gmail.com

    A proposal to borrow $400-million dollars for land preservation in New Jersey is the only statewide ballot question in next month’s election. And a new poll indicates there could be a close vote on that initiative.

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    The Rutgers Eagleton poll shows just 43% of likely voters support borrowing the money to preserve open space, farmland and historic sites while 41% oppose it.

    Poll director David Redlawsk says that result is quite a difference from a recent Monmouth University survey that showed 55% of those questioned favor the bond act.

    Redlawsk: I think we’re dealing with a very difficult economy an I think people are being very, very cautious so if you point out to them that the state is talking about borrowing money, they’re looking at it in a really uncertain situation and saying to themselves we’re not so sure this is the time to do it.

    New Jersey voters approved 12 previous open space bond acts since 1961. Environmentalists say this one is needed to protect water quality and wildlife, but opponents say with a projected $8 billion budget deficit, the state can’t afford it.

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