Bateman Eyes Return to Trenton to Continue Bipartisan Progress

A series of profiles on the candidates running for the 16th District's Assembly and Senate seats in the upcoming election.

Incumbent Republican 16th District Senator Christopher "Kip" Bateman said his extensive experience working with Democrats is crucial to helping New Jersey survive the recession. 

Bateman, of Somerville, has served in the 16th District Legislature since 1994, when he was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly and served seven consecutive terms, ending in 2007. He has served in the senate since 2008. 

Bateman graduated from Ithaca College with a B.A. in History and Political Science in 1980. He is a graduate of Seton Hall Law School and was admitted to the bar in 1987. He is currently a partner with the law firm of DiFrancesco, Bateman, Coley, Yospin, Kunzman, Davis and Lehrer, P.C.

"I'm not afraid to work with Democrats and I've reached across the aisle to sponsor a number of successful bills," Bateman said. "When Republicans were in the majority I worked on important legislation with the Democrats, and they remember that. I've worked with Sen. (Shirley) Turner (D-15) and Sen. (Raymond) Lesniak (D-20) on legislation to name a few. I try to help everybody and reach across party lines to build a consensus."

Bateman said his top priority continues to be helping to lower property taxes and to stimulate New Jersey's economy with less cumbersome regulations for a more business-friendly environment. He said Trenton needs to stop passing unfunded mandates that create a burden for municipalities and the state needs smaller government to help lower property taxes.

"There are a number of things we need to do as a state, we need to continue with (Gov. Chris Christie's) tool kit, and we took a good first step with the 2 percent tax cap," Bateman said. "There are still a slew of bills that need to be passed to give officials the tools they need to lower taxes."

Bateman said he is a supporter of consolidation, such as with Princeton Township and Borough, if savings could be realized.

"The governor spoke recently about putting out incentive money for towns to consolidate with money available for the first year," he said. "We need to offer that help and provide more incentive to help towns come to the table with real numbers.

"I would encourage all towns to look at more shared services. It's a sign of the times. Years ago everybody wanted to do everything on their own, but we don't have that luxury anymore."

Bateman said the was a good first step, but more work needs to be done.

"This will save $130 billion over the next few years and more needs to be done, but this legislation shows that unlike Washington, in New Jersey Republicans and Democrats can work together for meaningful reform," he said. "I wish we could've kept in the (automatic cost of living adjustment) and the governor has indicated we will revisit that if the economy turns. Seniors who are retired and living on a fixed income count on COLA, so we need to revisit that when the time is right."

On the issue of charter schools in the suburbs, Bateman said charters can have a positive impact in areas where public schools are failing, but he does support a public vote before a charter is approved by the Department of Education.

"I think in the right areas charters are part of the solution, but it has to be supported by the local communities," he said. "In areas where schools are failing they can play an important role. There are a lot of great charters, but they have to be welcomed by the municipality and the public should have a right to have a say in the matter."

Bateman said he didn't support the millionaires' tax due to the harmful ramifications it could have on New Jersey's economy in the long run.

"It would have a negative impact on business in New Jersey, because when CEO's look to see where taxes are the most strict in various states, they can move anywhere, and the bottom line is they will choose elsewhere," he said. "Any new taxes are not good, we need to stimulate the economy and that tax may have the opposite effect for businesses. I'd rather we cut spending and practice more fiscal discipline."

Bateman said he will continue to champion environmental causes, as he recently was endorsed by the Sierra Club for his record of "promoting clean energy, open space preservation, and protection of New Jersey's air and water quality."

Bateman's record includes sponsoring legislation to require recycling of plastic bags, and voting to ban the gas drilling technique of fracking, which threatens New Jersey’s drinking water. 

With declining ratable bases throughout the nation and in New Jersey, Bateman said he hoped to return to Trenton to help keep New Jersey on the right path to recovery.

"I want to help the governor make this a more business friendly-state because that will help our ratable base," he said. "The economy is in a slump and that's not going to turn around overnight. We need to help businesses grow, because for years Trenton had an anti-business philosophy."

Tomorrow: Democratic 16th District Assembly Candidate Marie Corfield