Smallscreen News

Jersey Shore's Seaside Heights business owners differ from Gov. Christie

By April MacIntyre Jul 26, 2010, 21:35 GMT

06/20/2010 - Snooki - © Robin Wong / PR Photos

Over the weekend, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie appeared on ABC's "This Week" and leveled some criticism at MTV's hit reality show, "Jersey Shore."

"Negative for New Jersey," the Republican politician declared. "It takes a bunch of New Yorkers, drops them at the Jersey Shore, and tries to make America feel like this is the Jersey Shore. I can tell people — they want to know what New Jersey really is — I welcome them to come to New Jersey anytime. The Jersey Shore is a beautiful place."

Not so fast say the small business owners in Seaside Heights - the scene of all things Snooki, JWOWW and The Situation.

They tell MTV News that the influx of the curious has "Poofed" their coffers.

"For Seaside Heights, the exposure has been good for us," Maria Maruca, executive director of the Seaside Heights Business Improvement District, told MTV News. "The governor is expressing his opinion, and he does represent the entire state. I represent Seaside Heights."

The beach town is reaping the benefits of the production that accompanies the kids who "GTL" (gym, tan, laundry) before they drink and dance the nights away.

Maruca shared with MTV that the show has brought people out and back in restaurants, shopping and visiting the seaside vendors, which is "fist pumping" news in her book.