Hopatcong's Police Chief: I'm Not Worried About Christie's Visit

When Gov. Chris Christie at on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., Hopatcong Police Chief John Swanson won't be worried about security.

"I've been encouraged and reassured by my time as a police officer in Hopatcong that the residents of Hopatcong will greet the governor with respect and he'll leave here feeling that it's been a pleasureable visit," he said Tuesday afternoon.

Swanson said the governor travles with private security and Hopatcong police will be "providing any assistance they may need and traffic direction."

Swanson said he expects traffic on Maxim Drive to become "a little congested" in the morning, when Christie is expected to speak about the state budget and answer questions from the public. The Parish Center's doors open at 9:45 a.m. Swanson said the police have been given permission to direct vehicles to if St. Jude's parking lot fills.

"Get there early," said Swanson, who also estimated the Parish Center to hold about 360 people. "Once we hit capacity, we have to close the doors."

Calls to St. Jude's seeking comment haven't been returned.