But both measures will fall in the lap of Governor-elect JimMcGreevey, a Democrat. Faced with a potential budget deficit of $2billion, McGreevey has convinced key lawmakers to table themeasures until after his administration is in place. In exchange,according to a published report, McGreevey has promised tojumpstart both issues within the first six months of hisadministration. At issue are two pieces of legislation that couldremake urban New Jersey.

The best-known item is development of a new arena in Newark tohouse the NBA Nets and NHL Devils. The legislation that had workedits way through Trenton involved everything from a $190-millionbond issue to fund construction, special taxing districts in Newarkand the Meadowlands, a $115-million contribution by Nets' andDevils' owner YankeeNets, and $50 million in grants and loans fromNewark and Essex County. But the bill that made it into committeewas so loaded with add-ons for the rest of the state thatthen-candidate McGreevey called in a "pork fest."

The other issue is a $180-million package to help stimulate theeconomy of Camden. The latest package included nearly $7 million indirect aid, with the rest coming in the form of a bond issue. Themost controversial aspect was that it involved a virtual statetakeover of Camden.