I'm the Statehouse bureau chief for New Jersey 101.5, covering the governor, Legislature and state politics, and had previously covered the Statehouse for Gannett newspapers for more than 15 years. I'm a lifelong New Jerseyan -- raised in Bergen, living in Hunterdon, Rutgers graduate. I'm co-author of the 2012 biography 'Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power.' I am not the Iron Chef with a similar name though sometimes get tweets meant for him, especially around Thanksgiving. Believe me, you don't want my cooking tips.
Michael Symons
Christie Rips Sandy Foreclosure Protection Bill — But Signs It Into Law
Gov. Chris Christie enacts a law letting Sandy-impacted homeowners get mortgage forbearance -- with a scathing statement that warns it may violate federal law.
6 NJ Laws That Start in 2017 — Including One That Could Get You a $500 Ticket
Six laws kick in at the start of 2017, as well as the beginning of tax cuts approved in the bargain that increased the gas tax by almost 23 cents a gallon.
Slight Drop in NJ Sales Tax Takes Effect January. Will You Notice?
The first of the tax cuts adopted along with the nearly 23-cent increase in the gas tax takes effect on Sunday – but while everyone benefits, few may notice.
Atlantic City Pitches Last-Ditch Fiscal Plan to Prevent State Takeover
Gov. Chris Christie's administration has until Tuesday to decide whether to accept Atlantic City's five-year financial plan or reject it in favor of a takeover.
Trip to Colorado convinces NJ senator he’s right on legalizing marijuana
Sen. Nicholas Scutari, who wants New Jersey to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana for recreational use, says Colorado's experience bodes well for a similar effort here.
Does Atlantic City Deal Merely Delay Inevitable Takeover?
It will be challenging for city officials to identify the cuts needed within five months to balance their budget. Refinancing its debt would be a big help.
As Atlantic City Runs Out of Money, Crucial Vote in Assembly
A crucial vote is set for Thursday in the Assembly, which is pursuing its own alternative to an Atlantic City takeover as default or bankruptcy inches closer.
Christie Says He Will Unveil Plans to Cut — Not Just Cap — Property Taxes
Proposals to lower property taxes, not just slow their growth, will be unveiled in the next two months, Gov. Chris Christie said Wednesday.
NJ lawmakers ask where state was while Atlantic City unraveled
Gov. Chris Christie’s designs on a takeover of Atlantic City endured a withering critique Monday in the Assembly Budget Committee.
Atlantic City About to Run out of Money — and is Fighting a Hostile Takeover by State
State senators gave their first approval Thursday to granting Gov. Chris Christie’s administration sweeping powers over municipal finances in Atlantic City.
Despite Atlantic City’s Opposition, Senate to Consider Takeover Plan
A hostile takeover of the cash-strapped Atlantic City government is due to take its first formal step in the state Senate Thursday.