WINNERS/LOSERS

February 20. 2012 3:00AM

WINNERS/LOSERS

By NJBIZ Staff

This week, Steel Pier is a winner. (SteelPier.com)

FACE TIME: SHREWD

Each week in Face Time, NJBIZ editors approximate Chris Christie’s mood and facial expressions based on the news.

Ahead of voting, he declared the gay marriage bill would be DOA on his desk, though he'd accept the results of a referendum, even if it went against his coda. He also nominated a gay man to fill a Supreme Court opening. Democrats just can't figure out how to trap this guy.

Cantonoso family – WINNER
Steel Pier's owners score a $6 million loan from CRDA to improve the iconic attraction, but will need to spend more than that on image repair after announcing that the diving horse will be a star attraction. They finally relented under public outrage, especially from the neglected bearded lady and alligator man.

Vincent Giordano – LOSER
Everything he said about refusing to be bullied by a bully was right on the mark in his fight with Chris Christie. Unfortunately, comments like his "life's not fair" indicate the governor's on to something when he says the teacher's union is part of the problem with schools.

Ron Beit – WINNER
Finally broke ground on Teachers Village, in Newark, an eight-building, $150 million project that's generated lots of buzz in the Brick City. With the governor pushing urban education reform as a highlight for the year, you knew Beit could easily arrange to have Chris Christie show up with a shovel.

Christopher Cerf – LOSER
His confirmation hearing was postponed last week, after he's waited more than a year, because of fresh doubts he should be considered a Somerset County resident. But we also award a big 'L' to Ron Rice and the buffoonic concept of senatorial courtesy.

Jack Markell – WINNER
Delaware's governor got Amazon.com to build a new warehouse, employing 850, for peanuts — $3.5 million from the strategic fund, $4 million grant for infrastructure and a 10-year property tax abatement. Here, lawmakers can't even agree to a 22-month sales tax holiday. No wonder Amazon hasn't committed yet.

State strategic plan – LOSER
In the first chance for residents to comment on it, an audience at Stockton College ripped the plan as being more bureaucracy that would take local control away from businesses and town planners. Looks like the administration needs to sell this one a little stronger.