Dear Listeners:

On December 19, 2001, Governor-elect James E. McGreevey sat behind the microphone for his first “Ask the Governor” broadcast.  He agreed to go one-on-one with New Jersey residents once a month on New Jersey 101.5.  In his own, words, McGreevey promised to “do this for the next four years.”

Over the last two and half years, the Governor has attentively listened to the questions and concerns of people from around New Jersey.  His has shown both compassion and concern for many of our listeners.  His staff has dutifully followed up on each and every inquiry.  

“Ask the Governor” was also the forum for many memorable debates.  As Jim McGreevey struggled through the first year of his term, he faced tough questions about his appointments, hiring practices, taxes and more.  The exchanges were often heated, but McGreevey never backed down.  He answered repeated questions about his controversial State Police Superintendent Joseph Santiago, who ultimately resigned in disgrace.   He endured embarrassing questions about his relationship with the man he appointed as Homeland Security Advisor.  

It was these confrontations that led many of his senior staff members to urge him to cancel the program, and refuse to appear in our studio.  To Jim McGreevey’s credit, he never did.  The tougher the questions, the more intense the debate, the more heated the exchange, the more he seemed to determined to return.  Even McGreevey’s harshest critics gave him credit for continuing to come back and never backing down.  

That, however, is no longer the case.   Tonight, (Governor) Jim McGreevey was to make his monthly appearance on “Ask the Governor.”  He will not be here.  As Millennium Radio has reported, he refuses to answer questions about the reasons he announced his resignation.  

Our David Matthau has reported McGreevey is negotiating book and interview deals in exchange for money.   When David asked the Governor why he would no longer take your calls, his reply was this: “I enjoy being in the public.  I enjoy questions and answers.  I look forward to doing more public events…Right now, on a personal level, I need to spend time with my family.  I need to spend time to focus on those personal needs, which are critically important.  I think that’s understandable.”  

He has since claimed only the media is concerned with such matters.  We know that simply is not true. Based on countless calls and e-mails, we know you have questions.  For now, there are no answers.   Despite the grit and determination that has defined Jim McGreevey his entire political life, he has backed down.  He says he does not believe you have any questions about the details surrounding his resignation.  Nor, according to his staff, are you entitled to any.     

We have extended an open invitation to the Governor to make good on the promise he made 33 months ago.  To date, there has been no response.  

Eric Scott
Vice President of News
Millennium Radio New Jersey
News Director
New Jersey 101.5 FM Radio