Understanding NJEA PAC’s endorsement process

submitted by the candidate and candidate. The committee may The screening if he or she is an incumbent, the recommend the endorsement process candidate’s voting record. of one candidate in a race, Each candidate screening ses- recommend no endorsement, Establishing a sion lasts up to an hour, allowing or recommend a “your choice” On Nov. 7, voters screening committee time for candidates to make a option, which indicates that both will head to the polls to elect PAC screening committees are presentation and answer screen- candidates are in agreement with a new governor and 120 state established for each legislative ing committee questions. Ques- NJEA’s goals and positions. legislators. State government district (LD). Each committee tions are based upon the issues The 125-member NJEA PAC has a profound impact on what includes members of the NJEA described above and concerns Operating Committee consists happens in New Jersey’s schools. PAC Operating Committee who within the county membership. of NJEA’s officers, the NJEA Ex- That’s why the NJEA Political represent their respective coun- When evaluating the can- ecutive Committee, the county Action Committee (PAC) care- ties and the New Jersey Retirees’ didates, screening committees association presidents, the NJEA fully screens all candidates for Education Association (NJREA) consider candidates’ positions Government Relations Commit- statewide public office. legislative county chairperson. on issues and electability. For tee, the Congressional Contact NJEA PAC prides itself on Screening committees also incumbents, committees also Committee, the president of New having a sound, fair, and demo- include NJEA Government consider legislative voting Jersey Preservice Education As- cratic process leading up to the Relations Committee and records, committee assignments, sociation, the NJREA legislative endorsement of a candidate. Congressional Contact Com- leadership positions, sponsorship chairperson, and two NJREA The purpose of the process is mittee members from counties of pro-public education legisla- regional legislative chairs. to identify the candidate most involved, the county president, tion, and accessibility to NJEA For the November general supportive of NJEA’s legislative and NJEA Executive Committee members. election, the committee usually program. Endorsing and elect- members from the counties meets in August. It reviews the ing candidates who support involved. recommendations of the screen- NJEA’s goals significantly Endorsing the ing committees and brings votes increases the association’s ability candidates Evaluating the to determine who will become to pass favorable legislation and The screening committee does NJEA PAC-endorsed candidates. stop negative legislation. candidates not make the final endorsement. For November elections, Rather, it recommends a position On the pages that follow are screening committees generally to be considered by the NJEA photos and statements from the invite candidates for an interview PAC Operating Committee. legislative candidates who upon in July. Prior to meeting the can- To make its recommendation, completion of the process were didate, the committee reviews the county screening committee endorsed by NJEA PAC. completed NJEA questionnaires discusses the merits of each

Note: There were no endorsements in Legislative Districts (LDs) 17, 26, and 29. Candidates are screened on their records and on their agreement with NJEA’s goals and positions.

Candidates marked with an asterisk indicate a “your choice” endorsement. In those districts you may find more candidates are listed than there are positions up for election. “Your choice” indicates that each of the candidates listed meet NJEA’s standards for endorsement.

24 NJEA REVIEW LD 1 *Vince Sera (R) Senate As a teacher for the past 11 years, I understand and appreciate the hard work and dedication Jeff Van Drew (D) of all our teachers and educational support I greatly appreciate NJEA’s endorsement. I will professionals. I am committed to making sure continue to support needed resources for our our pensions are fully funded and that we bring public schools to ensure that our children can an end to excessive high stakes testing. I am compete in a global economy. In recognizing honored to have NJEA’s endorsement and am the challenges facing our education profes- looking forward to being your voice in Trenton. sionals, I will continue to fight for fair working conditions for all public school employees. *Brenda Taube (R) I feel honored to be among candidates who are Assembly aligned with NJEA goals and positions. Our Robert Andrzejczak (D) teachers and educational support professional As a policymaker, my job is to ensure that our team provide a vital role in our society—educat- public schools have the resources they need, ing our future. while not standing in the way of our educators’ primary objective to teach. I appreciate the endorsement of the NJEA and will continue LD 3 to support the work of teachers and education Senate support professionals. Fran Grenier (R) I want to thank the NJEA for their endorsement R. Bruce Land (D) and the members in Gloucester, Salem and As a retired captain from the New Jersey De- Cumberland counties for everything they are partment of Corrections and a Vietnam veteran, doing to get me across the finish line on Nov. I know the value of public service. I understand 7. The education of our children is one of the the importance of having the resources you most important things we do as a society and need to fulfill your mission and the promise of supporting teachers and educational support a secure retirement at the end of your service. professionals is deeply important to me. Public education is vital to the future of this nation, and I will always fight for it. LD 4 Senate LD 2 Fred Madden (D) Senate I am deeply appreciative of the support and Chris Brown (R) confidence of teachers and educational support I believe in New Jersey’s public education professionals in the Fourth Legislative District system and have approached my legislative re- and beyond. I look forward to working in sponsibilities with improving the opportunities partnership with the education community to of our children through our public schools. On ensure that we are collectively providing the behalf of our working families, I put aside party children of this state with the best education affiliation to stand up to Gov. Christie and de- possible. fended the work of all public school employees. Assembly Assembly Paul D. Moriarty (D) I appreciate the contributions of NJEA members Vince Mazzeo (D) I’ve taken the time to visit schools to talk about to the education and development of our chil- the issues facing public education. We need to dren and the future of our state. I look forward focus on what’s happening in the classroom – to working with you to find fair solutions to our improving educational opportunities by putting most pressing issues: adequate school funding off costly testing that isn’t proven, focusing on and fulfilling pension obligations. Thanks for curriculum that we know works, and taking your endorsement and support. care of our teachers and education support professionals. (D) Educators and educational support staff are instrumental in molding the minds and trans- * (D) New Jersey has always been known as a leader forming the lives of young people. They serve in quality public education. As an assemblyman, as role models, motivators, and life coaches. I will fight every day to ensure that teachers and They continuously encourage students to support staff have access to the tools they need achieve their highest potential. Their passion for to succeed, full funding for our schools, and a education and their commitment to a student's curriculum that’s proven and works. future is inspiring. I am honored to receive this endorsement.

OCTOBER 2017 25 LD 5 LD 7 Senate Senate Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D) (D) I remain committed to working in partnership As a union member, I am honored to be with our teachers, educational support profes- endorsed by NJEA. Investing in our children's sionals, and NJEA to craft sound policies that education, in our educators, and in our protect them, preserve the high quality of public schools is critical for a brighter future. Our education this state has to offer, and ensure the children deserve a high-quality education no thorough and efficient education our students matter where they grow up. As an assembly- deserve regardless of where they live. man, I have worked hard to support those dedicating their lives our children, and I will Assembly continue that work as your Senator. (D) I am proud to receive the support of teachers Assembly and support staff. The work you do is priceless, (D) and I look forward to working each and every As the son of a history teacher, I know the day to ensure that your hard work and sacrifice hard work and dedication our teachers bring are not in vain. Thank you so much for your to the classroom every day. Our educators endorsement. and public schools are the backbone of our state. I have fought every day to ensure all Arthur Barclay (D) our schools are fully funded and pensions are I am honored to be endorsed by the hard work- protected. I look forward to continuing this ing men and women who teach and support work so we can ensure our children have the our students. I have dedicated much of my incredible education they deserve. professional life to supporting and mentoring youth and know how important, and at times Carol Murphy (D) difficult, it can be. I was taught to give back to the community, which spurred my involvement volunteering LD 6 to improve our parks and work to build and modernize public schools. I'm proud to lead Senate the efforts to fully fund James Beach (D) As a former educator and member of the Senate Education Committee, I am honored to receive LD 8 your endorsement. I have tirelessly advocated Senate for the state to meet its fiscal obligations to the George Youngkin (D) children of New Jersey, improve safety and These are difficult times for unions, labor, security in our schools and ensure that every educators, and their support teams have been district’s transportation needs are addressed. We under attack. Good public educators are im- owe it to children, parents and educators alike to perative for our future, and need the support make these issues a top priority. of State Legislators. We cannot continue to have rights eroded away. I will fight to ensure Assembly public and school funding are fair again. (D) Strong public education is the backbone of our LD 9 society. I have proudly supported increased Senate school funding, placing a moratorium on the Christopher Connors (R) implementation of PARCC testing, and fully Consistently, I’ve remained a strong supporter funding our pension obligation. We must honor of New Jersey’s public education system and the promises made to all educators that we will education professionals in representing the invest in them and their students. interests of my constituents. These constitu- ents include not only parents who want their Pamela R. Lampitt (D) children to receive the best education pos- Our children deserve the highest quality educa- sible, but also dedicated teachers committed tion, and I will continue to be a strong advocate to excellence in our public school system. for our public schools and educators by sup- porting measures to provide necessary funding Assembly for public schools, reduce the emphasis placed Jill Dobrowansky (D) on standardized testing in teacher evaluations, I am a public school administrator who and fully funding the pension system. I am spent years as an elementary school teacher. proud to stand with the NJEA to fight for our I have dedicated my career to protecting public schools and educators. public education, special education, LGBTQ rights, female rights, and the environment. I

26 NJEA REVIEW will work to fund our pensions and bring back our educators, and our children if elected. New the respect that everyone who works with our Jersey children deserve the best education children deserves. possible and as State Senator I will fight to make that a reality. Brian Rumpf (R) An effective public education system is even Assembly more vital in the increasing competitive global (D) economy. Accordingly, I remain a steadfast As a mother of two daughters, the sister of a supporter of prioritizing public education as special education teacher, and the wife of a a means of providing our teachers and educa- history teacher, I know what incredible work tional professionals with the resources necessary our educators do. As Assemblywoman, I have to ensure our children receive a world class fought for our educators, our schools, and our education. children. I am honored to receive this endorse- ment and look forward to continue to fight for LD 10 these values. Senate *Emma L. Mamano (D) (D) I can think of no more vital role than caring for I am honored to receive the NJEA endorsement. the intellectual, social, and emotional needs of My mother worked for over 30 years in the children. Our education policies must reflect Neptune School system and today, I am proud a deep respect for school personnel. Our state to be able to stand up and fight for our public budget must make educating children, and school employees. I will continue to work fairly compensating those who do so, a top tirelessly to improve our schools and ensure our priority. Our communities will thrive when children have the great education they deserve. education is fully supported. LD 12 *Jim Holzapfel (R) Senate I am a product of the public schools of Ocean David H. Lande (D) County. I oppose vouchers and have success- As a person who was educated in New Jersey’s fully fought to regain funding for Ocean County public schools, I have intimate knowledge of the schools after the implementation of the Demo- outstanding work of New Jersey’s educators and cratic school funding plan. My son, daughter educational support professionals whom I fully and daughter-in-law are teachers. For over 20 support. In the Senate, I intend to work with years, the 10th Legislative District has awarded NJEA to ensure that all children have access to "Teacher of the Year”—Teachers Affect Eternity. the same high quality education.

Assembly Assembly Gregory P. McGuckin (R) Ronald S. Dancer (R) Education of our students is one of our most I have a consistent voting record as an advocate important issues. My wife is a teacher and I for the collective bargaining process. My voting know firsthand how hard teachers and school record has earned NJEA PAC support in past staff work to educate our youth. The problems years by voting in favor of quarterly pension they face today are much different than when payments, the School Funding Reform Act of we were young. If I am re-elected, I will con- 2008, and ending PARCC. I support protections tinue to work with NJEA on issues affecting our for jobs of support staff (ESP) and helped defeat students and teachers. a charter school application in Old Bridge that residents and NJEA opposed. David Wolfe (R) As a past chairman and current member of the *Gene Davis (D) Assembly Education Committee, I have always As a proud union member, I stand by all made education, teachers, and school staff my members of the NJEA in the fight for fair pay top priority. If re-elected, I will continue to work and working conditions. I am a product of New with NJEA to ensure New Jersey’s teachers and Jersey public schools and I will fight side by side students are given the resources they rightfully with the NJEA as the next Assemblyman from deserve. the 12th Legislative District.

LD 11 *Robert D. Clifton (R) Senate Since joining the Legislature in 2012, I have (D) proudly stood with New Jersey’s teachers. We Investing in our children’s education means in- have one of the best public school systems in vesting in a brighter future for New Jersey. I am the nation and much of that is owed to the men proud to receive the endorsement of the NJEA and women who work tirelessly to ensure every and vow to fight for our strong public schools, child receive a world class education.

OCTOBER 2017 27 LD 13 Assembly Senate Reed Gusciora (D) Sean Byrnes (D) Fundamentally, I believe that the quality of your I am honored to receive the NJEA’s endorse- education, and your well-being, shouldn’t be ment. My experience in a diverse public determined by your ZIP code. Since I joined the education environment shaped my beliefs and General Assembly, I have worked to ensure that provided me with an educational foundation all schools provide a healthy, safe environment that anchors me as an attorney and business for students to learn, and for our dedicated owner. More than ever, we need to support and educational professionals to work. protect our incredible public education system and all the teachers and professionals who Elizabeth Maher Muoio (D) educate our children. While some schools in New Jersey are state-of- the-art institutions, others lack the resources Assembly necessary to prepare students with the skills they need for college or employment. I am com- Tom Giaimo (D) As the son of public school teachers, I am mitted to providing our teachers with the equip- proud of this endorsment. As an assemblyman, ment and support staff they need to effectively I pledge to advocate and protect the rigths of teach vital skills to children of all abilities. teachers and ESP to collectively bargain. My mission is to work with educators and parents LD 16 to develop a curriculum focused on providing Assembly children with the skills necessary to deal with (D) the challenges they face in their everyday lives. Everything I’ve accomplished is due to my own New Jersey public school education. As a Serena DiMaso (R) scientist, I bring an evidence-based approach to Maintaining the high quality of education in policy-making. As a father married to a public New Jersey is of paramount importance to our school educator, I strive to ensure that our residents. Supporting our schools, educators children have the tools they need to succeed. I and children will be my highest priority as support full payment of pensions, proper fund- a member of the Legislature. Our residents ing of schools, and minimizing the impact of deserve nothing less. standardized testing.

LD 14 (D) Senate The unwavering commitment of NJEA mem- bers helps New Jersey schools earn top rankings Linda Greenstein (D) I am proud of NJEA’s endorsement and will year after year. I am honored to be associated continue to fight for additional school funding. with you and will proudly advocate on your Through my service on the Senate Budget and behalf as you continue to provide quality educa- Appropriations Committee I will continue to be tion to our children. a voice for public education. LD 18 Assembly Senate Daniel Benson (D) Patrick Diegnan (D) This is an important time to stand up for public I stand with the professional women and men education and the staff that have delivered edu- standing tall in front of classrooms in all corners cational excellence for our children. I’m proud of our state to entrust our daughters and sons to have the support of NJEA, its members, and with the ever expanding skills needed to com- will always be ready to fight for them and for a pete in a global economy and to inspire them strong public education system for our children. to dream big and bold. I value your service and appreciate all that you do for our children and LD 15 your local communities. Senate Assembly Shirley K. Turner (D) Our family of educators has the awesome Nancy J. Pinkin (D) responsibility of cultivating our future and they I thank you for your support. By representing deserve the support and security necessary to be educators, NJEA stands for great schools, which effective in helping our children to reach their make New Jersey a leader in the nation for full potential. I remain committed to our public education and a great place to raise a family. I schools, educators, and staff and will continue stand with you to improve the pension system to do all that I can to ensure that they have the and to make changes to standardized testing. tools they need for success. Class time should be spent teaching, not admin- istering tests.

28 NJEA REVIEW Jamel C. Holley (D) (D) I am honored to serve the constituents of As a product of public schools, I know firsthand Elizabeth, Union, Hillside and Roselle. As a the importance of public education. We need product of a New Jersey public education, I feel to make public education a state priority and compelled to advocate for enhanced working improve it so that our teachers and support conditions, job security and pensions for our staff can prepare our children for the jobs of the teachers. I have been a strong advocate of the future. state fulfilling its obligation to schools, along with being emphatic on a fair, established and LD 19 constitutionally sound school funding formula. Senate Joseph Vitale (D) LD 21 If granted another term as District 19's sena- Assembly tor, I will continue the work we have started Lacey Rzeszowski (D) in fighting the opioid crisis, move reform of As a community leader and coalition-builder, out-of-network, surprise medical bills across the I will bring people together to find solutions to finish line, and work with my caucus to create put New Jersey on sound economic footing so sustainable solutions for school funding and our that our children can follow their dreams here pension obligations. at home.

Assembly LD 22 Craig J. Coughlin (D) Senate As a product of public schools, I am a staunch Nicholas P. Scutari (D) believer that public education is the “great I am a former member of the Linden School equalizer.” Our system provides an efficient, free Board and have a master’s degree in education and thorough education to all students regard- from Rutgers. I have a great appreciation for our less of any demographic and our society has the public schools and the work NJEA members do. moral obligation to provide and protect this aim I look forward to continuing my strong relation- at all costs. ship with the NJEA over the next four years in the Senate. (D) Thank you for your endorsement. I am ready Assembly and willing to advocate for increased school Gerald Green (D) aid and resources for our teachers, educational After several years in the Assembly, I continue support professionals, and most importantly, my commitment to support our state constitu- students. Education is the cornerstone of tion that all children are entitled to a thorough advancement and our teachers are the masons. and efficient education. Our school employees It is imperative to make sure they have the tools are the backbone of this great state, who take on necessary to build. the responsibility of shaping our young people for the future. LD 20 Senate James J. Kennedy (D) Joseph P. Cryan (D) As a longtime supporter of the NJEA and I've always had the interests of working men spouse to a former Rahway public school and women in the forefront during every deci- kindergarten teacher, I hope to make sure New sion. In my last speech on the Assembly floor Jersey remains one of the top states for educa- in 2013, I urged my colleagues to remember tion. I will be an advocate in the Legislature for that educators make a difference, and that they school funding, pension and health benefits, should consider them throughout the process. and ensuring we provide the proper support for I will bring that same mindset to the Senate if I teachers and students at all public schools. am lucky enough to return to the Legislature. LD 23 Assembly Senate (D) Christine Lui Chen (D) I am a steadfast supporter of public education Government is broken and we need everyday and am well-known for my support of educa- people to fight for much-needed reform. I’m not tors, including educational support profession- a politician. Born and raised in New Jersey, I’m als. I am a proud product of the public school a mom, neuroscientist and healthcare executive system and believe that education is the key that committed to fight for our educational support opens the doors to success for everybody. professionals and quality NJ public schools.

OCTOBER 2017 29 Christie's raw deal. Let's build a brighter future Assembly for our public schools. Laura Shaw (D) I am a retired engineering executive and entrepreneur who knows how to solve complex Assembly problems like stimulating New Jersey’s economy Thomas Moran (D) and eliminating waste. I’m proud that my four Few factors are as crucial as quality public highly accomplished daughters are products education in driving New Jersey's future. In of our public schools. I support fully funding Trenton, I will fight to ensure educators and stu- public schools and pensions while restricting dents have the resources they need to succeed. unproven standardized tests. NJEA's endorsement gets us one step closer.

Charles Boddy (D) Richard Corcoran (D) It is a moral obligation to ensure that all of our "Thank you to the NJEA for your endorsement children have access to a high quality education. of my candidacy. Let's work together to end My three daughters are products of New Jersey’s PARCC testing as well as the systematic un- public education system and its universities. The derfunding of the teachers' pension fund. Our high quality education they received has led to public schools are too important to let these opportunities which have enriched their lives problems get worse." and livelihoods. I am and will always remain a strong advocate for New Jersey’s public schools. LD 27 Senate LD 24 (D) Senate The NJEA members are the bedrock of our state Jennifer Hamilton (D) as they are the ones who teach, nurture and Fair funding for all the schools in the 24th dis- support our children to help them succeed in trict is a priority of my campaign. It's imperative life. As the husband of a recently retired teacher, that our schools receive the quality resources I know the passion and effort put into preparing they need so that our students and teachers can lesson plans, teaching and being there for the flourish. We must also fix and fund the state's children far beyond the hours of the school day. pension system so that all of education profes- I am proud to support teachers and educational sionals can retire knowing that their future is support professionals. secure. Assembly Assembly (D) Kate Mateson (D) Teachers and support professionals deserve re- It is more important than ever that we have spect and resources as they guide our children, representatives who will support relief from the state’s most valuable asset, into engaged and Chapter 78, provide a strong voice for handling productive citizenship. I continue to be commit- the pension crisis, and make sure our students ted to preschool expansion, adequate funding, receive the best New Jersey education they can reduced high stakes testing, pathways to career get. I also pledge to maintain and strengthen and affordable college access. education infrastructure that attracts people to live and raise their families in Northwestern John F. McKeon (D) New Jersey. No school district can succeed absent outstand- ing teachers and support staff professionals. Gina Trish (D) Teachers are integral to every community. We As a legislator and a teacher, I will fight for the have an obligation to support them, empower highest rate education that incorporates the them, and to protect their hard-earned salaries best technology in the classroom, and puts an and benefits. end to the underfunding. I will advocate for updated infrastructure to improve quality of life LD 28 and stimulate local economies and job growth Senate to encourage families to come and stay in our Ron Rice (D) district. I thank NJEA for the organization’s endorse- ment of my candidacy for the state Senate. I am LD 25 honored to have received this endorsement and Senate support from NJEA’s leadership, teachers, and Lisa Bhimani (D) educational support professionals who work so I am honored to have the endorsement of the hard, under very difficult circumstances to pro- NJEA. I come from a family full of educators, vide a quality, thorough and efficient education and the ones in Morris and Somerset counties to the children in New Jersey’s public schools. deserve better than these last eight years of

30 NJEA REVIEW Assembly Cleopatra G. Tucker (D) LD 32 I support NJEA. I very much appreciate Senate teachers for their hard work in educating our Nicholas J. Sacco (D) children. With parents, they play a valuable role As a former teacher and school administrator in children’s lives. I have always supported the and NJEA member for over 40 years, I'm proud right to collective bargaining. I support a fully to be an advocate for public education, fair funded pension and am hopeful that we will school funding and keeping promises made find a solution to pension funding in the near to public employees. I have strongly opposed future. many Christie administration policies that hurt teachers and slashed school aid. I will continue Ralph R. Caputo (D) to be a voice for public schools and against I have been a supporter of public education for vouchers, for-profit schools and all attempts to my entire professional life. My record shows my gut tenure. support for fully funding SFRA and pensions, collective bargaining, and opposition to the Assembly over-the-top PARCC testing current mandated. Vincent Prieto (D) I oppose using student standardized test scores I am one of the state’s strongest supporters in teacher evaluation. I am committed to of fully funding the pension system. I know promoting educational initiatives that result in that we must keep the promises we made to the improvement of public education. hard-working teachers and educational support professionals. I am a product of a great public LD 30 education and will continue to work to dedicate Assembly more funding to vocational and career-focused education. Sean T. Kean (R) I would like to thank NJEA for your endorse- ment. It is an honor to know that I have the Angelica Jimenez (D) backing of teachers and educational support I am very thankful for the endorsement from professionals. Please know that I plan to NJEA and its members. I will continue to fight continue my efforts to make New Jersey a more for the pension to be funded. I will also contin- affordable place to live and work, help to main- ue the fight against PARCC to ensure its reform tain the high-quality education that New Jersey is beneficial to both students and teachers. offers, and ensure that teachers are treated fairly. LD 33 Eliot Arlo Colon (D) Assembly During my seven-year tenure with my local (D) board of education, and now president, I have I am humbled to receive the NJEA endorse- viewed firsthand how state rules involving the ment. I stand in solidarity with our public 2 percent cap, Chapter 78, reduced pension educators and New Jersey school children and funding, standardized testing and expansion will continue, as I have for four years, to fight of charter schools wreak havoc on school com- for a budget that adequately supports our urban munities in our district. I promise to fight for families, socioeconomically disadvantaged fairness, respect and investment for our educa- districts, and public schools that enable our kids tors and support staff. to realize their full potential.

LD 31 Annette Chaparro (D) Senate As a legislator, supporting New Jersey teachers Sandra B. Cunningham (D) and educational support professionals is one of I look forward to continuing a productive the most important and personal jobs I have. relationship with the NJEA. As chairperson of You work tirelessly to educate our students and the Senate Higher Education Committee, I am shape our children's futures. Their hard work aware of the need to support our teachers and needs to be recognized and supported, and I our educational support professionals. We all am proud to stand with the NJEA to continue need to work together to provide a solid educa- fighting for New Jersey’s public schools. tion for our New Jersey students. LD 34 Assembly Senate Nicholas Chiaravalloti (D) Nia H. Gill (D) I am proud to be endorsed by the NJEA. As an Public schools are the cornerstone of our com- assemblyman, I have fought for fully funding munities. I believe that the best way to provide our schools. We need long-term solutions that a quality education to all of our children is improve our public education system. High- through supporting our local public schools quality free public education is the foundation and giving children the opportunity to succeed. for any future progress. OCTOBER 2017 31 I look forward to continuing to work with the LD 36 NJEA and its members to make sure we provide our children with excellent public education. Senate (D) Assembly I oppose outsourcing our educational support professionals (ESPs) and would support legisla- Shelia Oliver (D) tion prohibiting school districts from subcon- I became civically involved and an activist as tracting services during an existing contract. a high school student, recognizing the social, Outsourcing provides only minimal cost savings educational, and economic injustices that to our taxpayers, the real answer is providing existed within the political system. I understood the required state funding under the school the political system could influence the quality funding formula. ESPs provide an invaluable of life for people. An ardent education advocate service by building bonds with our children. continuing to stand up for our public school They should have good and safe working condi- systems, as well as advocating for access to tions, quality healthcare and fair wages. higher education, I believe that education changes lives. Assembly (D) Thomas P. Giblin (D) It is our fundamental responsibility to ensure As a first generation American born, I and that our children have access to unequaled edu- my family have been the beneficiaries of all cational opportunities, a top-notch curriculum this great country and state have to offer. New and a secure learning environment where they Jersey’s education system has always provided can gain the skills and knowledge needed to superior opportunities. I have always been and succeed in the 21st century workforce. I have will continue to be a supporter of New Jersey’s continually supported fully funding public teachers and NJEA. Teachers and education school education as well as efforts to fully fund support professionals are all too often unher- our pension obligations in order to attract and alded and not shown the appreciation that they retain high-quality teachers. deserve.

LD 35 Marlene Caride (D) Our children are our future and their education Senate is critical. Teachers and staff invaluably serve (D) as their instructors, motivators, mentors, and Quality education for all students is only guides, to name a few of their many roles. I possible when schools are fully and properly hope to be afforded the opportunity to continue funded. Proper funding protects fair wages, to work closely with NJEA on issues that impact pension benefits for teachers and resource staff, education. and safe, clean and updated facilities. I will continue to hold Trenton responsible for its LD 37 statutory obligations to your benefits. Senate Assembly (D) I hope to continue initiatives that support Shavonda Sumter (D) working families: controlling property taxes I work diligently to promote the values of the by increasing state funding for public schools, Democratic Party that puts the poor, middle working toward full funding of the pension class, children and seniors first. I am opposed obligation, working for genuine pay equity and to any reduction in aid to school districts and a livable minimum wage, expanding access to any formula that would negatively impact at higher education and for increased Pre-K and risk, English language learners or special educa- after-school programs, and expanding access to tion students. It is our duty to ensure that our health care for families and women’s health. students are prepared to compete in the global job market. Assembly Gordon M. Johnson (D) Benjie Wimberly (D) I am asking for your support to continue I have been an educator in the Paterson Public my service in the Assembly. If elected, I will School District for 26 years. My wife is also a continue to fight for the middle class and ensure teacher in the district. I will continue the fight that all children have access to a quality public to fully fund public education and our pensions. education. The future shows great promise of I have always been an advocate for our youth. reversing the damage caused by the governor You can count on me to continue to fight for for the past eight years. them, and us, in the next legislative session.

32 NJEA REVIEW Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D) Annie Hausman (D) New Jersey has an excellent public school sys- People move to our district because of our fan- tem thanks to NJEA, teachers, and educational tastic schools. I'm running because investment support professionals. A strong public school in education is an investment in our future. system is the key to a vibrant, creative, and pro- ductive society. We must ensure that all schools have the resources to provide an environment that will nurture the students’ minds. When we invest in our students, we invest in the future of our state. LD 40 Senate LD 38 Kristin M. Corrado (R) Senate Teachers are the most vital public servants Bob Gordon (D) needed to ensure a bright future for New I am the product of public schools, and I was Jersey. Their dedication ensures our children blessed with superb teachers who shaped my are equipped with the knowledge and skills to life. I am proud to stand with NJEA in defense succeed. As the proud sister of teachers, I will of your pensions and benefits, and look forward work closely with the NJEA to lead our students to our continued collaboration in support of to boundless opportunities. proper funding of schools, appropriate use of standardized testing and equitable treatment of Assembly ESPs. Paul Vagianos (D) New Jersey teachers and educational support Assembly professionals are among the finest public Timothy Eustace (D) servants in the nation. As the father of two Thank you to the NJEA for endorsing my girls who went through Ridgewood’s public candidacy for re-election! During my last school system, I cannot thank public educators three terms I've been honored to represent the enough. We must ensure Trenton does all it can interest of students and educators in Trenton. I to care for teachers and support staff who work look forward to working with NJEA to right the tirelessly to prepare the future of New Jersey. wrongs of the Christie administration. Let's get to work. Christine Ordway (D) Our schools consistently rank among the top Joseph A. Lagana (D) in the nation because of NJEA’s members. I’m As a parent of public school students and as an ready to fight in Trenton for our educators who Assemblyman elected to represent thousands have made New Jersey the model to follow. of New Jersey families, I am very thankful that We must protect and strengthen our public New Jersey has NJEA members to help our education system with full funding, and carry children achieve their dreams. It is a privilege through on pension promises made to our to work with your organization to achieve our professional educators. shared goals.

LD 39 Senate Linda H. Schwager (D) The 200,000 teachers, educational support pro- fessionals and retired public employees of NJEA fight every day to improve the Garden State. I'm honored to have their endorsement.

Assembly Jannie Chung (D) Bergen and Passaic counties have some of the best schools in our state thanks to the men and women of NJEA. We'll fight for you each and every day in Trenton.

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