Scharfenberger: Winter is Here & the Legislature Can’t be Left Out in the Cold Anymore

Middletown, N.J. –Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger (R-Monmouth) criticizes the recent regression on COVID-19 restrictions as both the legislature, small business community, and residents are left out of any consultation prior to them occurring:

“It is absolutely frustrating that the governor has continued to take it upon himself to act unilaterally without any consultation or advice from the legislature prior to decisions being made,” says Scharfenberger. “The fact that an entire branch of New Jersey’s government has been left to wonder what restrictions are looming on the horizon is utterly ridiculous and has gone on for far too long. We have jobs to perform and one of them is providing sorely needed checks and balances.”

The comments and building frustrations come as Governor Murphy earlier this week reimplemented COVID-19 restrictions on small businesses and restaurants – reestablishing limitation measures on operations and customer capacity limits:

“The governor‘s expanding lock down spells disaster for what is left of New Jersey’s economy,” said Scharfenberger. “Businesses which have not already closed their doors for good are struggling just to stay afloat with each wave of constraints. Now, they have been burdened yet again ultimately making survival for many unlikely.”

The need for caution was never lost on job creators, in fact small businesses have adjusted well so as to remain open while providing a safe and healthy environment for employees and patrons alike. However, this is seemingly lost on Trenton as businesses continually bear the brunt of blame and chastisement through executive orders:

“Businesses have done a spectacular job of adapting to life during this pandemic and accommodating all of the precautions and recommendations from the CDC,” Scharfenberger continued. “They should not be punished any further with more unreasonable and financially ruining restraints, especially when the decision is being made by one individual.”

The need for clarity and communication is crucial if New Jersey, as a whole, is going to remain viable. The rippling effects of lock downs, fears and sheer uncertainty will only worsen and serve to diminish any hopes of long-term recovery:

“We must demonstrate faith in our residents and business community, that they will continue to take precautions because that’s what they have already done and continue to do,” concluded Scharfenberger. “It is time to give the public clear information, recommendations and guidelines to let them decide for themselves how to go about their daily lives.  Destroying New Jersey’s economy and the psyche of the population sets us down a path from which we may never come back.”