State legislators should pay more attention to voters I thoroughly enjoyed Mark Rosman's editorial of Jan. 24 ("Quotes show state leaders out of touch") regarding how out of touch our esteemed leaders in Trenton are with the world around them. Unfortunately, these same leaders who walk around bumping into walls will be re-elected to fill these same seats which have become conformed to the shape of their backsides. There are many individuals in the state with great ideas for reforming the way the state operates; however they are neither "politically connected" nor can they afford to wage a campaign. Every time the "leaders" come up for re-election, we hear the same promises of what they will do for us and then they simply continue in their same old ways once they are re-elected. They are afraid to stand up against the teachers' union or the state workers' union because of the block of vote these individuals control. Perhaps more concerned citizens would come out to vote if they really felt the individual running for the office was really willing to work for changes. There are so many communities which can benefit from combining services but none of the local politicals want to relinquish their position nor those of any of their friends or family to whom they have handed comfortable positions. Let's face facts; many of the locals are also members of the State Legislature and who wants to give up a little "extra" money. I would like to spend a few years in either the State Senate or the Assembly but like so many others, I am neither "connected" nor do I have enough funds for a campaign. I'm sure it would be very frustrating to be in either of those houses trying to change the ideology of the die-hards who have grown old in their chairs. The legislators always say they want to hear from the constituents, but do they really listen? If a lobbyist is there offering tickets to a show or a big game and that lobbyist represents an interest which is opposed to the feelings of the constituents, whose side do you think the legislator will take? (Gee, I really tried to take your side, but there was too much opposition in the chamber and the bill passed over my objection) Believe this and I'll sell you some oceanfront property in Vermont. Let's face it, most people don't take the time to see how a legislator voted on a particular measure. Perhaps someday we might see more people who really care about the state of the state in the Legislature; I only hope it happens before it is too late. The latest figures show that one in four new hires in the state last year were government positions. How is this helping to reduce the spending? Interestingly, they just passed a bill which will open the list of state jobs so that more people will be able to see them and apply for them. Of course if you are "connected" you will have a better chance at getting one of those positions. I look forward to the day when I can retire and move out of New Jersey. I've lived here all my life and as I get older it sickens me to see how corrupt this state has gotten. My only hope is that I can settle in a state where there are leaders who truly care about the people they represent. Robert Andersch Iselin