Chris Christie At Republican Convention As New Jersey Cuts Service For 9/11 Families (UPDATE)

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie looks over the podium during a sound check at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

TAMPA, Fla. -- As New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie touts his brand of conservatism and fiscal responsibility in a marquee speech at the Republican convention Tuesday, relatives of 9/11 victims said they think the Garden State may be going too far in cutting transportation for them to this year's memorial services.

For the previous decade, New Jersey has run a ferry to Ground Zero for family members, making it easier for them on a day that all find difficult. But they have been told they will have to make their own way to the tragic site on the 11th anniversary, according to Arnold Korotkin, who runs a listserv dedicated to Sept. 11 and its survivors. He warned of the cut Tuesday:

Dear 9/11 Family Members: Recently a New Jersey 9/11 Family received a voice communication stating that the State of New Jersey will not be providing transportation to this year's 9/11 ceremony. Below is a sample letter you can fax to Governor Chris Christie and to Assistant Attorney General, Mr. John G.Holl urging them to reverse this decision. The Governor's fax number is: 1-609-292-5212 The Attorney General's fax number is: 1-609-292-3508 All of New Jersey's 9/11 families should be informed about this matter and should voice their opinions to both Governor Christie and Assistant Attorney General Holl about the lack of transportation. Thank you, Arnie Arnold Korotkin ===================== TO: The Governor of New Jersey The Honorable Chris Christie TO: Office of the Attorney General Assistant Attorney General Mr. John G. Holl We would first like to express our sincere thanks to Mr. Holl for his service and dedication to all of the families of the 760 New Jersey victims of this national tragedy. His kindness and tireless efforts for all of the families shall always be remembered. It was disappointing to receive a communication today, conveying the information that there will be no transportation from Liberty State Park to the ceremony provided by the New Jersey. All of the family members , parents, siblings, extended family members have endured not only the loss of loved ones, but immense adverse health impact upon their lives, the absence of transportation and security provided by the state of New Jersey will surely impact them as they attempt to reach the ceremony at the required arrival time. As 9/11 family members we hope you will re-consider your decision, and at the minimum afford a means for the readers and family members to reach the destination in time for the ceremony. It cannot be that the lives lost, all 760 , are not worth the cost of a ferry ride, to ensure that they are remembered by the State which they were born in, or lived their lives, or selected as their residence? A simple acknowledgement would be appreciated.

Thank You.

Update: Aug. 30, 4 p.m.

Dennis Quinn, chief of staff of the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security, said that the ferry service would in fact be provided, but that steps had not been taken to get it going by Tuesday when HuffPost reported it because "the families had not expressed an interest."

He said that the service had never been cancelled, since it is a donated service provided by the ferry company, Seastreak, which has agreed to provide it again. He added that police officials had planned to provide the usual escorts and assistance they generally provide on the anniversary of 9/11.

Here is an announcement sent out this afternoon:

The State of New Jersey, at the direction of Governor Christie, is pleased to offer ferry service, free of charge, to New York City’s Commemorative Ceremony on Tuesday, September 11, 2012. The event will be held at the World Trade Center site.
You MUST REGISTER for the ferry service. Please call Assistant Attorney General John Holl at [phone] as soon as possible, but not later than September 7, 2012 and leave a voice mail with the following information.
· Your name and phone number · Victim’s name and P or T number · Number of family members in your party · Be sure to mention any special needs members of your party may have. New York is prepared to provide assistance for those who need it, but it must be pre-arranged.
The ferry service from Liberty State Park to NYC will be one time only: 6:45 a.m.
The returning ferry will depart New York City for Liberty State Park approximately one half hour after the Ceremony concludes.
Please do not bring food and water or other liquids. Please plan toarrive by 6:00 a.m. to allow time to go through security. The Salvation Army will provide light refreshments. Please do not carry large bags with you.
If you drive to Liberty State Park, please display the enclosed pink “Parking Pass” in your vehicle window on the morning of September 11 to gain access to Liberty State Park and the ferry parking area.

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• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, left and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney waves to delegates after his speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney acknowledges delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan and his wife Janna salute delegates following Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney's speech during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. Behind is Mitt Romney and his wife Ann. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney waves to delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney acknowledges delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Mitt Romney

  Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney hugs a supporter as he walks to the stage during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney makes his way through delegates before speaking at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan, right, along with Ann Romney, wife of U.S. Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, left, applaud during Florida Senator Marco Rubio's speech at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Marco Rubio

  Florida Senator Marco Rubio addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

• Florida Senator Marco Rubio addresses delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Marco Rubio

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  Chairman of the Romney-Ryan Campaign Bob White addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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• Frantz Placide and Sean Duffy, center, listen to Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, left, as he speaks during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012.during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

• Jeb Bush

  Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush steps onstage to speak to delegates at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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• Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista walk onto the stage to speak to delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

• Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista speak to delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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• Stagehands make final adjustments to the expanded stage where Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will accept his party's nomination later tonight a the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

• Protesters yell as Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan addresses the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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• Jeb Bush

  FILE In this Aug. 27, 2012 file photo, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush looks at the convention floor from the podium during a microphone check at the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

• Stagehands make final adjustments to the expanded stage where Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney will accept his party's nomination later tonight a the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

• Paul Ryan

  Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan waves toward the delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

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• Republican vice presidential nominee, Rep. Paul Ryan speaks to delegates during the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Fla., on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012.(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

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Comments

[Giggie]

03:51 AM on 08/30/2012

On the 9/11 10th anniversary not a single republican joined Obama at the sight. Why? A bad photo op for their party. They accuse Obama of being partisan and divisive, but not a single republucan could put politics aside for the 10th anniversary. Republucans used 9/11 so that they could invade Iraq on a false premise. Other than that, it's a sound bite for them, nothing more.

[l78lancer]

07:01 PM on 08/29/2012

Christie is more of a partyline toadie than a bold power player who can get things done. He is not courageous. He is not a "fighter. He can do no more thant the state legislatures allows. And for the things he has the ability and control he is perfectly capable of screwing them up, blowing it and playing bush league politics.

For example, so what is he going to do with a hole in the ground for which the federal government provided millions of dollars to construct a commuter tunnel to New York and points north? Not only was it slated to significantly improve transportation, but it created thousands of jobs. The work was under way and YOU stopped it. In the case your bastardization of Obama's quote is exactly right - YOU DIDN'T BUILD THAT, and it your fault because YOU got in the way.

Or what about the health care exchanges for which you took the money from the federal government but stated that you would not do it? The Supreme Court has ruled. ACA is the law of the land. By not doing it you are stating that you do not support the constitution. And by keeping the money you're committing theft. You haven't built that yet, either.

So terminating ferry services for the 9/11 families is just another example of you screwing over the people.

[leyvadaniel]

04:55 PM on 08/29/2012

Republicans have never been interested in 9/11, for them 9/11 was and is a political prop, a tool to raise money.

[Eric6014]

02:06 PM on 08/29/2012

Christie is a blithering idiot. I probably disagree with him on just about every other thing he has done, but the PATH train is literally five steps away from from the memorial and costs a whopping $2.00... It's probably a lot faster than a ferry across the Hudson too.. Is there really a need for a state funded ferry? People are probably taking the PATH to get to the ferry anyway...

[imajoebob]

12:25 PM on 08/29/2012

1) Chris Christie is a repugnant bully. And that's his good points.

2) (read this with a relaxed tone, that's how it's intended) It's been 11 years, it is time to move on with life and stop expecting special treatment. As difficult as it has been, it is just as difficult for everyone who loses a loved one, whether through "normal" or traumatic circumstance. Do yourselves a favor: stop believing your pain is any more exceptional than any one else's and move on to a happier, productive life.

I know that may sound cold, but it's meant to help, and point out there is a healthier way to cope.

Let the flames begin.

[brunswicker]

01:20 PM on 08/29/2012

Amen. I agree with everything you posted.about the 9/11 families I know we'll both be perceived as "un-American" but what you say is true: their pain is no greater than anyone who has lost a loved one, as traumatic as their losses were. They all need to try to do the most difficult thing imaginable - move on, but never forget.

[imajoebob]

02:24 PM on 08/29/2012

The only bit of sage advice I have ever claimed was telling a coworker, after the death of his father, that everyone tells you it gets better with time. They lied. It doesn't get better; you just get used to it.

Once you understand that, you can move on with the rest of your life.

[BlueKoi]

11:29 AM on 08/29/2012

"Chris Christie At Republican Convention As New Jersey Cuts Service For 9/11 Families "

Not a very popular guy in his own state . I dont know why they thought Christie was such a "Star" . I think that the Republicans are just really out of touch with the American people,

Christie will never ge President. If he had run in this election cycle he would heve lost badly .
I dont see 1 candidate in the GOP who can beat Hillary in 2016.

By 2016 if the GOP is out of the way the economy will have turned around and the Dems will be unbeatable.

Also a large portion of the GOP base will have died of old age . And there are fewer young people joining the GOP

[rocketman19]

11:18 AM on 08/29/2012

Suits provided by omar the tent maker.

[BlueKoi]

11:01 AM on 08/29/2012

What Christie didnt mention is that his" Jersey Miracle" is a failure and that people in his state would rather have Snookie in the Governors Mansion than him.

New Jersey wants Christie gone. He wont survive the next election.

[Charlie468]

12:44 PM on 08/29/2012

I think what we see is at their core the Republican Party has become one-dimensional. Fiscally Christie has accomplished a great deal for NJ. Tragically, he has done it by ignoring all other needs of many in the NJ population. This is why I have left the GOP. I like much of what is said and done particularly at the state level with respect to fiscal responsibility but I cannot stomach the irresponsible approach to other issues.

[BlueKoi]

01:59 PM on 08/29/2012

Words are just words, The GOP has all the populist words. But what they say is never what they do. Who they say they are is never who they really are .

[timberdoodle]

10:58 AM on 08/29/2012

After watching the many childish outbursts this bully has hurled at people during his appearances has always made me wonder if he would be talking that way to other people if he didn't have a host of security people protecting him? Most bully types are very insecure blow hards who are really cowards at heart.

[wjhamilton29464]

10:18 AM on 08/29/2012

This might not matter if Christie hadn't been cutting funds for transit for years. I'm sure the Ferry trip is more memorable for the victims who probably take a turn around the Statue of Liberty. However it's about respect now, not love as Christi says. People are just cost centers to be eliminated.

[KickstandCat]

09:59 AM on 08/29/2012

Putting all thoughts of humanity aside, I'm not sure there should be funding for this type of thing. I mean they don't pay for folks to visit the Viet Nam War Memorial Wall and that type of thing.

BUT, WE were attacked on our own soil. Like at Pearl Harbor. That's different.

SO, in light of the possibility of flawed thinking, and in these drastic financial times--lest the 1% be burdened with paying their fair share of taxes--the right and correct thing for Christy to do, would be to solicit funding from his rich friends the same way he garners campaign donations, for what is a cause that is far more worthy than what he now supports.

OR, we could ALL send a buck.

[broc51]

09:57 AM on 08/29/2012

Did anyone notice how tiny the podium was last night?

[IMissAmerica]

09:49 AM on 08/29/2012

Surely some charity will arrange for the families' transportation. After all, isn't that "compassionate conservatism"?

[wjhamilton29464]

10:19 AM on 08/29/2012

Charities of all types are on the verge of collapse across the United States at the moment. Years of draining need and shrinking donations have taken their toll.

[majad]

11:32 AM on 08/29/2012

Because in this horrible economy, people are struggling to make ends meet and therefore do not have spare resources to donate. Time to get rid of Obama and restore America to greatness.

[BostonMassachusetts]

09:19 AM on 08/29/2012

Just wait until Ryan and Congress cut Medicare into a Voucher system that only allows Seniors to buy cheap, low quality healthcare.

[Lisa Shields]

09:13 AM on 08/29/2012

I wonder where Christie was, at 2 AM on September 12, 2001?

I know where my daughter's dad was.
He was at the staging place on Liberty Island, waiting to go across the river (actually through the Holland Tunnel) to try and sort through the mess.

He worked by the Stack at Ground Zero for three months...maybe longer.
And he's never gone to one of those ceremonies...and he won't talk about how it was.

Thanks for NOTHING, Christie.
You are lying sack...draped in an American flag.
Shame on you.

[Laura Thompson-Schaeffer]

10:40 AM on 08/29/2012

And if you visit the 9/11 memorial in NYC, Christie's name is on a big sign as if he himself were a hero! So, he uses NJ taxes to contribute to the memorial but he really only did it so his name would be up on that sign. The sign is such a disgusting way to promote oneself...

[Robin Duncan]

01:06 PM on 08/29/2012

That's a darn shame Lisa. I live in Cleveland, Ohio. How do the people of New jersey feel about Christie.