The captain of the Ridgewood Fire Department is running in the 40th. Thanks for weighing in, Cap. Good to hear what's on your mind. - promoted from diaries by Rosi
A few weeks ago my running mate, John Agostinelli, posted his reasons about why he was running for the Assembly in the 40th District. Now I would like to take some time to introduce myself to the Blue Jersey community and ask for your help to get us elected to represent you in Trenton this November.
I grew up in Ridgewood and except for living in Ringwood for 10 years, have spent my life in Ridgewood. I feel that I have a desirable and unique skill set that is not represented in Trenton- one whose foundation is in the usage of common sense as a basis for all decisions. I think you will agree with me that there is a lack of productive and sometime rational representation in our district, state and country. John and I strongly believe important characteristics for representatives to have are a good work ethic, be a good listener, and possess good moral character. We have spent our lives building just that type of reputation.
I have been a career firefighter for 25 years, rising to the rank of Captain in the Ridgewood Fire Department. I love firefighting as a career. I have learned much about the importance of teamwork and how precious and fragile life can be. On September 13, 2001 as I stood on the remains of the World Trade Center, I took a few seconds from work of the day to look around. Overwhelming emotions welled up inside of me as I came to the realization that I was experiencing a paradox of the absolute worst of humanity and the best of humanity. The impact of that moment is indelibly etched in my mind and lives with me in almost everything I do. |
| I have been serving my community in different ways for many years. As the President of the Ridgewood Board of Education I fought to provide the best possible educational services to our children, while maintaining accountability and transparency. On the Board I fought to improve our school system, make it more efficient, and most importantly make sure our children were receiving all of the resources and tools they needed to be successful. I stressed the use of data to drive decisions. If I am elected to the Assembly, I will work to enact legislation that cuts through the red tape to make our public schools more effective, efficient and accountable to each student and every taxpayer.
My community service is not limited to my service on the Board of Education. In 1999 I was the New Jersey Volunteer of the Year in Education for creating a program called Recycling Old Computers for Kids (R.O.C.K), which refurbished used and discarded computers so they could be distributed to needy children and families. I will bring my real world experience to Trenton to enact laws that will benefit the families and residents of the 40th District and the state. I will seek to remove from the legislative rolls those laws that lack practicality, common sense, and unfunded state mandates.
In the past, I have marveled at how legislation has been passed with an apparent lack of understanding of how things work in the real world outside of Trenton and witnessed how laws can negatively impact those who have a responsibility to make them work, namely you and I. Having spent many years being on the receiving end of this process, I can tell you it is a frustrating and sometimes hopeless feeling. I will be your voice to not only communicate this, but will work tirelessly to bring about a change to this pattern of ignorant governance. Our government?s two most important priorities are education and protecting citizens from harm and danger. In the Assembly, I will champion these causes.
John and I are not career politicians. We are not looking to further our political interests and accrue political power. We feel that the 40th District can be better served by our representation in Trenton. Issues and voices are not being heard and problems are not being solved, that will change if you help John and I get elected to the Assembly. Above all else we will be good listeners, legislate fully understanding the impact and unintended consequences bad legislation can have on all of us, be accountable to our constituents and we will do this with ethical and moral fortitude.
In the Presidential election of 2008, we heard many politicians use the word ?change.? During Robert Kennedy?s Presidential campaign of 1968, he may have said the word, but I prefer these eloquent words instead ?The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike, timid and fearful in the face of new ideas and bold projects. Rather it will belong to those who can blend vision, reason and courage in a personal commitment to the ideals and great enterprises of American Society.?
These are ideals we need again today. If you believe, as we do that the day has come to return to these ideals, then please contact us and ask how you can help elect us to the General Assembly.
In closing, I once again cite Robert Kennedy. These inspiring words have been a model of life that I have tried hard to live by. ?Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not."
Please help me restore vision, courage, reason and personal commitment to Trenton, I promise to honor these ideals. |
