| I'm so honored to stand alongside my good friends - Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman Gordon Johnson - as part of the Real Bergen Democrats Team. Each and every day, we're fighting to put your Democratic priorities, principles and values to work in Trenton. We're standing up for what we believe. And we're working providing real solutions to real problems.
We are working for what New Jersey needs... not what the political bosses want. We're Real Democrats. That's why we're fighting for you.
The message we're promoting here in the 37th District is loud and clear. Clean government, responsive government and progressive values are the ingredients of a vibrant democracy. Loretta Weinberg has championed an open, inclusive brand of democracy for more than 14 years in Trenton. She's been called "the conscience of the legislature." Gordon fought for these same Democratic values as a Bergen County Sheriff. He's gone on to maintain that calling card as my partner in the New Jersey legislature.
As for me, well, the past few weeks have been pretty exciting. Not just because of our campaign kick-off, but also because I was so thrilled that a bill I sponsored - which is a very important step towards making our government more transparent - passed the Assembly. I believe an open government is the best government. This legislation would make public - via the internet - the votes that your state legislators make, so everyone can see where we stand on the issues. This bill goes to the very heart of the open, inclusive form of government that Loretta, Gordon and I are fighting for.
Unfortunately, some people still selfishly pursue public service as a means to leverage power for an array of purposes and privilege. And that's just wrong. Our district, our state and our democracy deserves better.
Two years ago, I went down to Trenton pledging to be a voice for children, families, seniors and those in need of a safety net. I entered the Statehouse with the express purpose of standing up for Real Democratic values and with a desire to provide real solutions to real problems. And it wasn't long before I sponsored legislation establishing the new State Department of Children and Families to help fix DYFS.
I believe one should enter public service to achieve meaningful results for the greater public good. This is why I accepted an appointment to the original Highlands Task Force, developing the plan that led to the proposed protection of thousands of acres of environmentally-sensitive land to safeguard our state's drinking water. It's also the reason I sponsored the "Global Warming Response Act." And it's why I believe it's our moral obligation to defend basic civil rights - which led to my work on behalf of legislation supporting both marriage equality and civil unions. It's why I worked to help get dangerous trucks off the roads near our schools. And it's why I am proud to have helped develop a comprehensive, effective breast cancer screening program. It's also why I've fought so hard for fairness and equity for middle-class families, and why I've encouraged economic stimulation to help create new jobs.
To me, public service is about helping real people achieve real results. I don't believe that all the problems we face here in New Jersey can be solved by the 120 elected officials of the state legislature. However, I sincerely believe that the choices legislators make can leave a lasting imprint on the future of every New Jerseyan.
That's why I am so honored to stand alongside Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman Gordon Johnson as part of the Real Bergen Democratic Team. With your help over these next nine weeks, we will emerge victorious on June 5th.
Still, we're up against a well-funded political machine that will do or say anything to steal these seats from the Real Bergen Democratic Team here in the 37th. So we need your help. You can sign up to volunteer as well as contribute to our campaign online.
Blue Jersey has been there with us from Day One. You share the same Democratic values that Loretta, Gordon and I are fighting for down in Trenton. We truly treasure your friendship, counsel and support. Our commitment to a just, prosperous and progressive New Jersey remains unwavering.
This race is about what you stand for and who you stand with. Thank you for standing with us as we fight for you and Real Democrats in the 37th district and throughout the state. |
