Stem Cell Research Funding and a fourth Nuclear Power Reactor in Salem County......what are your thoughts??

[Ethan Hasbrouck]

On July 17, 2008 Governor Jon Corzine addressed the NJTC membership at the Annual Meeting. In his remarks, the Governor mentioned two issues that can be perceived as controversial. The first was on stem cell research. As you may remember, the $450 million Stem Cell Referendum was rejected by the voters during the November 2007 election. This referendum was defeated by nearly 53% of the vote, despite polling numbers showing a favorable outcome prior to the election day outcome. The Governor noted a few reasons as to why it failed: an off-year election with a small turnout, and voter angst over spending and taxes. However Governor Corzine said the referendum is not dead and will appear again on the ballot, maybe in 2009 when he is up for re-election. Do you believe this is the right time to try another referendum and do you think millions of state dollars should be invested in stem cell research to attract and retain companies?

The second issue Governor Corzine raised was the possibility of adding a fourth nuclear reactor in Salem County as part of his energy master plan. Plans for a fourth nuclear reactor have not been finalized or even approved, it is just being discussed and debated. How do you feel about adding another nuclear reactor in New Jersey to reach the energy and national leading greenhouse gas reduction goals the Governor set in his energy master plan?

[George Nikanorov]

Stem cell research holds many benefits to medical science. While I think that the referendum is a step in the right direction, I have to agree that potential spending as related to this needs to be watched. The public needs to make a judgement call as to whether or not to make the next 'leap' in medical and technological science to keep New Jersey as one of the top leaders in that realm. For me, seeing and reading about the potential for stem cell research only convinces me more that a referendum if passed will bring in myriad benefits to the State of New Jersey and those suffering from multiple medical conditions.

I'm not pretending to be an expert with regards to nuclear power, however on the short term, I can see how the reduction of greenhouse gases can be an appealing short term goal. I have to wonder however about the long-term effects - i.e. transportation and storage of nuclear waste materials, security against potential threats (an issue that has been brought up again and again with Indian Pont) and other potential risks. Of course, these risks are minimal as I understand, but at the end of the day, more discussion and facts need to emerge on this topic before I make a decision. Plus, it would be interesting to look at the potential alternatives energy sources that might be available such as the use of water turbine technologies that New York city uses or installing solar panels in key locations.