When Republican candidate Kim Guadagno says property taxes are the number one issue in the 2017 gubernatorial campaign,she may be suitable. WNYC asked for voters' questions (submit your question here), and the most frequent requests were surprising.1. Property TaxesVoters want to know how the candidates will lower them, and in a sign that many recent Jersey residents are frustrated with the promises of previous governors,many people want to know if the next governor would decline to dash for re-election if they don't fulfill their pledge.2. The EnvironmentAdmittedly, this is a wide category. But we've received almost as many questions about the environment as taxes. Voters want to know about climate change, and restrictions on building pipelines,conserving open space (most notably the Pinelands and the Highlands), protecting drinking water and reducing pollution.3.Affordable HousingSome recent Jersey voters want more affordable housing, and but a large number of questions include complaints about the state's landmark law that requires every town to build it. Many complain about over-development,or high-density apartment complexes, and they want to know what the candidates will do to conserve the suburban feel of their town.4. Public Employee PensionsIt's no surprise that many people want to know what the candidates will do about the pension system, and which is underfunded and has caused the state to maintain its credit rating downgraded. The pension system serves some 760000 people,both current and former workers, and it is likely to cause taxes to rise in the state.5. PoliticsThis category is catch-all for a variety of questions that include what the candidates will do to cease President Trump from harming the state. Voters also are concerned about corruption, and transparency,and elected officeholders who hold two or three government positions. Alexander Gonzalez contributed to this report.
Source: thetakeaway.org