“I’m really concerned about the cuts to education in our public school system.”

Sally Branon, Princeton

“Controversial — that’s his claim to fame.”

Paul Jacobson, East Brunswick

“I think his job performance is good in the view of our current situation. I think it’s fine what he’s doing. There need to be changes to pension plans. When the private sectors need to cut benefits, there need to be changes in the government sector as well.”

Miroslav Lechman, Lawrenceville

“He’s taking a hard stand but making the right choices. Everything has two sides, so I hope he can weigh what he needs to do and figure out how to get it done right.”

Hector Barona, Princeton

Kelly: “Sacrifices need to be made. I think it’s important to remain neutral, but it’s hard to see the brash decision of making it the unions’ and teachers’ responsibility. At the same time, I think it’s important for improvement to be made so it’s hard to pick a side. Chris Christie has set a model for reexamining the budget crises that are happening all over the country. There are other considerations that could be made elsewhere that are not now in the focus of his job.” Brandon: “I’m not from New Jersey, so I haven’t been following it too carefully, I’m a student at Westminster. I try to read and stay unbiased.”

Kelly Bixby and Brandon Motz, Princeton