On Our Dime

New Jersey's ex-governors still get free rides on taxpayer expense. Lovely.

Five former governors were chauffeured 153 times, traveling 11,700 miles -- all at taxpayer expense – according to data detailing 30 months worth of trips.

“If I did it on my own I’d have to drive, I’d have to find a parking space, get through the crowd,” said 84-year-old Brendan T. Byrne, a Democrat last in power 26 years ago.

The service came under scrutiny last year, following Governor Corzine’s near-fatal crash in a car driven by a state trooper assigned to the Executive Protection Unit. A review panel said discontinuing the free rides — unless there was a specific security issue — would free up the troopers’ schedules, ultimately increasing safety for the governor, his drivers and other motorists.

At a time when the state can ill afford extra expenses, we're paying for the driving and travel habits of former politicians to places like the Jersey Shore?

Sorry, but you're in the private sector now Mr. Byrne. Get used to driving like the rest of us. Or, if you need someone to drive you - pay for it yourself.

I suspect that this isn't just a New Jersey issue. I have a sneaking suspicion that other states and other municipalities engage in this sort of activity as well. It's time that it comes to an end.