Gov. Christie argues with voter, tells her to run for office

After casting his last ballot as governor in Mendham Township on Tuesday, Gov. Chris Christie engaged in a testy exchange with a voter over what she said was his failure to merge the township with neighboring Mendham Borough.

During an informal exchange with reporters after he voted, a voter, Victoria Giambra, overheard his comments about the state's high property taxes. Their exchange quickly grew heated, and culminated with Christie urging Giambra to run for public office, Giambra walking away and the governor telling her sarcastically that "serving folks like you ... really is a unique joy."  

MORRIS RESULTS: Full election results for Morris, Bergen, Passaic and Essex

Giambra had approached Christie in the parking lot of Brookside Engine Co., where they both vote. Referring to himself as "yesterday's news," Christie, a Republican, said he voted for his lieutenant governor, Kim Guadagno, to be his successor.

Christie, who is preparing to leave office with historically low approval ratings, mentioned duplicate services in the two Mendhams and said major cities like Paterson and Trenton should follow a policing model established in Camden, which disbanded its Police Department in 2013 and replaced it with a new county force with more than 400 officers. 

He said residents frequently complain about high taxes, but don't want to consolidate services, including police, with other municipalities.

FRESH START: Murphy wins, Chris Christie out after 8 years

Giambra said her taxes have gone up 20 percent and asked Christie why he never merged the two Mendhams in his eight years as governor. Christie said he couldn't because, as governor, he did not have the authority to do so. He told Giambra to run for office in Mendham Township instead of being critical.

When Giambra flapped her hand in a dismissive gesture, Christie said, "No, I know it, because that's too hard. It's easier to sit here and complain."

"No, it's not hard," Giambra said before walking away. "It's just that nobody cares because it's whose hand's in whose pocket. And I don't have the money like you do."

Christie told reporters homelessness has been reduced on his watch and the state is well-prepared to handle a terrorist attack.  

"Homelessness is significantly down in this state, double-digits down. We've done more to reduce homelessness in this state than any administration in the last 30 years," he said.

Christie said he has no immediate job plans after his term ends and said he'll be disappointed if Guadagno loses.

DEMS GAIN: Barberio out as Parsippany mayor

An hour earlier Christie's son Andrew cast his ballot at the fire house. He declined to discuss his vote, and about politics he said: "I'm not interested, career-wise."

"Easier to sit here and complain," the governor shot back. "But you know what?   That's the joy of public service. It's serving folks like you that really is such a unique joy. It really is. You're fabulous."

Staff Writer Peggy Wright: 973-267-1142; pwright@GannettNJ.com.