July 01, 2017
While New Jersey Park Police block off a popular state beach to the public because of the state government shutdown, one family is still free to kick off the Fourth of July holiday there.
That's Gov. Chris Christie's family, of course. They're bringing friends, too, according to reports.
To be fair, Christie said, his family won't ask for any public services while spending their weekend at the gubernatorial beach house and guest house on Island Beach State Park, according to NJ101.5.
"I don’t know if it’s fair, but they are not asking for any services,” Christie said during a Saturday news conference in Trenton. "The houses are the governor's houses and they are not asking for any services. Where down at the public part of the beach there are all types of services provided like lifeguarding services ... my family doesn't ask for any services while we are there."
"Run for governor and you can have a residence there," he added.
NJ101.5 reported that the homes are guarded by state police, which remain on duty despite the government shutdown that took effect at midnight Saturday over a state budget impasse.
The timing couldn't have been much worse for folks hoping to visit state parks and beaches on the holiday weekend.
Police, welfare services, hospitals, transit and other essential operations will also be open, as well as the New Jersey Lottery and casinos.
