At a gathering of New Jersey legislators Friday in Dodds Auditorium, participants gave a positive report of the level of public trust in government.
Organized by the University's community and state affairs office, the annual meeting is a chance for local politicians to interact, cement ties with the University and compare notes on an important theme in public service.
This year's event — titled "In Government We Trust?" — provided ample opportunities for those assembled to showcase their rhetorical skills.
Reed Gusciora, a Democrat who represents Princeton's district in the state assembly, quoted Winston Churchill's observation that "democracy is the worst institution, except for all the others."
Gusciora said when Democrats were in the minority, they found it easy to criticize the waste and inefficiency Republicans allowed. Now that the governor is a Democrat, however, they are engaged in a "holding pattern" as they try to retain control.
Gusciora said his most important issue is the high proportion of AIDS cases in New Jersey that are contracted through intravenous drug use.
Calling needle exchange programs "promising," he suggested they might be the best way of handling the problem. Gusciora also noted that he is one of few state legislators in New Jersey who favor marijuana legalization.
Gusciora also expressed concern about the low level of interest in government.
David Russo — a Republican state assemblyman from northern New Jersey who is running for a seat in the House of Representatives — said he thinks low voter turnouts in some elections reflect a high degree of trust in government.
"I used to feel people don't trust government," he said. "[But] people understand that the government works pretty well.
"That's why they don't vote," he added. "Because the system is trusted."
Russo took aim at those who criticize the state workers that help elected officials run New Jersey's government. Noting that these workers are paid little for long hours, he said he has always been "impressed" by their dedication and ability.
The University used the symposium as a chance to finesse New Jersey's legislators.
Participants in the symposium received an orange and black booklet titled "Community Ties," touting the ways in which the University contributes to the local community. The booklet listed millions of dollars paid each year in taxes and charitable donations.
The University is also the largest employer in Mercer County, according to its promotional materials.
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