Teachers union memo jokes about NJ governor dying, politician says it’s no laughing matter

Teachers union memo jokes about NJ governor dying

HACKENSACK, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie isn’t laughing about a teachers union’s memo that jokes about his death.

The memo is the latest salvo in a war of words between Christie and the union over wage and benefits concessions.

The Record of Bergen County obtained the Bergen County Education Association memo. It includes a closing prayer that reads:

“Dear Lord this year you have taken away my favorite actor, Patrick Swayze, my favorite actress, Farrah Fawcett, my favorite singer, Michael Jackson, and my favorite salesman, Billy Mays. I just wanted to let you know that Chris Christie is my favorite governor.”

Association president Joe Coppola says it was a joke and was never meant to be made public.

Christie spokesman Michael Drewniak calls it unprofessional.

Information from: The Record of Bergen County, www.northjersey.com