What to Know
- Christie has been unapologetic about photos snapped by NJ.com that showed him at the state governor's residence at Island Beach State Park
- People in New Jersey and beyond seized on what many saw as a let-them-eat-cake gesture by the state's chief executive
- The ethics complaint is seeking fines and sanctions to be imposed against the lame-duck governor
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie's trip to the beach during a state government shutdown has inspired new legislation, and sparked calls from his potential successor for the property to be sold outright.
Democratic Assemblyman John Wisniewski said Friday he has introduced a bill that would let the public rent the house on Island Beach State Park that is now reserved for the governor.
A second bill would prevent the beach house to be used by the governor during any state shutdown.
And on Friday, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno — the Republican vying to succeed Christie — said the property should be sold outright.
"I've never thought there should be a beach house for the governor," Guadagno told NJ.com. "I think it should be sold."
Christie ordered last weekend's shutdown after lawmakers couldn't agree on a budget last Friday. The shutdown included blocking access to the beach at the park.
But Christie and his family kept their plans to stay at the beach house, and Christie was photographed by NJ.com sitting with his family on the beach that had been closed to the public.
