Christie Speech Interrupted, Responds with Buono Burn

Gov. Chris Christie took the stage at the annual Bergen County Senior Citizens Picnic at Van Saun Park in Paramus Tuesday. At one point during his speech, Christie was interrupted by a shout of support for Barbara Buono made by a member Democratic Senator Loretta Weinberg’s staff.

Christie spoke about keeping Bergen County affordable, being there for each other and showing up to vote on Election Day.

“We feel much better about New Jersey. Much better about more people being back to work and lower taxes and the sense that once again New Jerseyans can do anything that we want to do. But the only way that continues is if we vote on November fifth,” said Christie.

As the Governor took a breath, “Vote for Buono,” was yelled out by an audience member standing just a few feet from the stage.

Christie attempted to ignore the shout but the audience responded with a chorus of negativity.

“Listen guys, do me a favor, don’t worry about it,” Christie responded. “[Buono] has got one person here and that will be about what happens on Election Day.”

The man who yelled out in support of Barbara Buono was later identified as 24 year-old Dylan Hawkins. Hawkins is the Legislative Director for Loretta Weinberg and son of Leonia Councilmember Gil Hawkins.

Hawkins, a Bergen County resident, was upset after hearing Christie speak.

“The Governor does this all the time. He parades around and does his little spiel,” said Hawkins. “He says that he’s lowering taxes and making life easier to people all over the state. As a Bergen County resident I know he hasn’t made life easier for me, my family and my neighbors.”

Hawkins continued when asked how he felt about the governor speaking and campaigning at a publicly funded event.

“The Governor has done at every single one of his town halls. Using government and taxpayer dollars to pay for his campaign. That’s what he’s done for his four years in office. If he gets reelected, that’s what he’s going to do for the next four years campaigning for President.”

Barbara Buono, who stopped by the event in Paramus about two hours prior to Christie’s arrival, did not speak on stage. 

“[Buono] was here earlier and she worked with the people. She didn’t need to stand up on stage and tout herself to the crowd here. People are out there doing good work for Barbara Buono today instead of standing here listening to the governor who is signing pictures and kissing babies,” said Hawkins. 

Click here to see more of Christie's speech.