If the financial problems in New Jersey are as serious as he says they are, there should be no question about paying back the state for using the helicopter. If he is in a rush to see his kid play baseball and then has to rush back home to meet with people to discuss his plans for running for the White House, that should be on his own dime. It doesn't look like there's a serious financial crisis if he thinks joy riding is a normal expense for the state.
Facing broad criticism for flying by helicopter to watch his son’s high school baseball game in Bergen County, Gov. Chris Christie refused today to refund the state for Tuesday’s $2,500-an-hour flight.
"The governor does not reimburse for security and travel," a spokesman for the governor, Kevin Roberts, said in an e-mail message. "The use of air travel has been extremely limited and appropriate."
The State Police said the flight taken by Christie and his wife, Mary Pat, had presented "no additional cost to taxpayers."
