Key facts
- Governor Mikie Sherrill used a State Police helicopter to attend a Naval Academy reception.
- Sherrill's office claims the travel was official and efficient, meeting required flight hours at no additional taxpayer cost.
- A Republican state senator criticized the use of the helicopter for non-state business events like alumni gatherings.
- The flight occurred on April 17, with Sherrill traveling from South Jersey to Maryland.
- Previous governors have faced scrutiny and reimbursements for personal use of state helicopters.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has drawn scrutiny for using a taxpayer-funded State Police helicopter to attend a college alumni gathering at the Naval Academy, where she is an alumna and her children currently attend. The use of the helicopter, which costs taxpayers approximately $2,500 per hour, has previously led to controversy for other New Jersey governors.
Sherrill's office defended the flight, stating that State Police helicopters must log a minimum number of flying hours annually and that the governor's travels coincide with this requirement, thus incurring no additional cost to taxpayers. A spokesperson asserted that the travel was part of the official transportation and security for the Governor, ensuring the safest and most efficient manner of service to the state.
However, Republican state Sen. Declan O’Scanlon expressed disapproval, arguing that while helicopter use for state business or emergencies is permissible, it should not extend to events like children's sporting events or college alumni gatherings. He stated there is a clear line that should not be crossed.
Past incidents involving state helicopters include former Governor Jim McGreevey's personal trips, which resulted in his committee reimbursing the state $18,200, and former Governor Chris Christie's use of a helicopter for his son's baseball game, leading to a $3,300 reimbursement. A 2007 State Police report, prompted by a near-fatal car crash involving Governor Jon Corzine's security detail, recommended increased helicopter use for the governor but stipulated reimbursement for political or personal events.