In his inauguration speech, Gov. Chris Christie reached out to Senator Steven Sweeney and Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver to come to the podium and join in a handshake of resolve and friendship.

Then, unfortunately, he signed executive orders to balance the mid-year budget without first consulting with them.

The good will he attempted to establish at his inauguration will evaporate if he continues to attempt to go it alone.

As the governor works on balancing the budget, he needs Senator Sweeney and Speaker Oliver to be in concert with the entire process.

Only with their cooperation will he be successful in his battle to plug the giant financial hole in a the ship of state known as New Jersey.

David M. Levin

Vineland