(WEST ORANGE, OCTOBER 10) - Schundler for Governor campaign manager Bill Pascoe today issued the following statement:

“Today, we are releasing a new 30-second television ad, appropriately entitled ‘Courage To Lead.’ This ad focuses on the fact that Bret Schundler is the only candidate who has the courage, experience, and leadership to help New Jerseyans as they face uncertain economic times. Now, more than ever, New Jersey needs a leader in the Governor’s office who is ready, willing, and able to make the tough decisions to keep New Jersey families’ safe and financially secure.

“Bret Schundler clearly demonstrated his leadership skills as the Mayor of Jersey City, where he built a bipartisan coalition to fight against the corruption and fiscal mismanagement of Hudson County’s infamous Democratic machine. As Mayor of Jersey City, Bret Schundler cut property taxes and reduced violent crime by an astounding 37 percent. He helped transform New Jersey’s second largest city from the state’s job loss leader to its job growth engine.

“Our advertisement also points out why Jim McGreevey is clearly the wrong choice for governor as New Jersey prepares to face difficult economic times. As Mayor of Woodbridge, Jim McGreevey has raised property taxes 59 percent; and while most towns have become safer during the 1990s, Woodbridge has experienced a double-digit increase in violent crime. As a legislator, Jim McGreevey also failed to stand up to the Party bosses and instead cast the deciding vote for Governor Jim Florio’s $2.8 billion tax increase -- the largest tax increase in New Jersey history.

“As New Jerseyans choose a leader to guide them through the tough times ahead, voters must ask themselves the following question: Do they want to vote for a candidate who believes that the best way to move New Jersey forward is to cut taxes to jump start our economy and reform our schools without throwing more money at them; or do they prefer a candidate who solves every problem he sees by raising taxes and increasing government spending?