Corodemus is out!

CORODEMUS SAYS HE WILL NOT SEEK RE-ELECTION

Deputy Assembly Republican Leader Steve Corodemus announced today that his eighth term representing the people of Monmouth County's 11th legislative district in the state Assembly will be his last. With eight consecutive victorious elections, he is the longest serving legislative incumbent in Monmouth County history. Corodemus has been in elected office for 19 years having served as a Borough councilman for his hometown of Atlantic Highlands.


"Sixteen years is a good run," said Corodemus. "I am proud of what I have been able to accomplish for the people of Monmouth County and New Jersey. I've had more than 100 bills signed into law, including initiatives to protect the environment and preserve New Jersey's beaches. I sponsored two successful amendments to the state constitution. There is more I would like to get done before I leave, most notably a significant and sustainable reduction in property taxes and real ethics reform. But it's time to take stock and look forward to the future.

"I intend to maintain an active interest in public policy. However, my top priority is to devote more time to my wife, son and daughter. My daughter Katelynn is 16 and will be going to college soon enough. I want to be there for her as she makes the transition."

Since his father, who was a partner in his Metuchen law firm, retired, Corodemus said he also needs to spend more time on his practice.

Corodemus said he is troubled by the direction politics and government policy has taken since his arrival in the Assembly in 1991.

"When I arrived Jim Florio was governor, taxes were out of control and New Jersey's economy was nearly at the depression stage," Corodemus recalled. "Political scandals were undermining the confidence of people in their government. Republicans managed to turn the tide, but now the state is sliding backwards at a breakneck pace.

"Property taxes are driving people out of New Jersey. Yet all the Legislature has done in response is to raise billions of dollars more in state taxes, run up the state debt and spend billions of dollars more each year. It's a prescription for disaster."

Corodemus said one political scandal after another has caused people to lose their faith in government again.

"Yet the Legislature continues to turn a deaf ear to cries for change," the assemblyman said. "Nearly 100 corrupt public and political officials have been charged in just the past few years. The cost of running for public office has reached obscene levels, and campaigns have become a muddy mess. Still those in charge refuse to take any significant action to end corruption and restore the public's trust.

"At this point, I would rather spend more time with my family than spend endless days and hours raising money for a campaign."

Corodemus said it is time for the Republican Party in Monmouth County to find "new blood."

"I am not that egotistical to think that I am irreplaceable," Corodemus said. "There are many highly qualified, honest and energetic people out there who would make excellent candidates."

Corodemus is currently a member of the Joint Committee on Ethical Standards and the Assembly Health and Human Services Committee. He chairs the Assembly Republican Policy Committee that developed a comprehensive plan lower property taxes permanently by up to 30 percent and constrain spending at all levels of government.

Over the course of his legislative career, Corodemus was the prime sponsor of the state's beach replenishment funding program and constitutional amendments creating a $300 million dedicated fund for environmental cleanups. He also sponsored the Health Care Accountability Act of 1998, the Global Export Act to develop satellite export centers around the world to promote trade with small and medium size businesses in New Jersey, and a measure providing $98 million for open space preservation.