Despite the inclement weather, my fellow assembly members and I braved the roads to Trenton for the first voting session of the 214th Legislature. All of the bills passed with strong bipartisan support–an auspicious start.
View more pictures from this session on my FACEBOOK page
Had a great meeting today with Bridget Kelly, Governor Christie’s Liasion to the Assembly Republican Caucus. Bridget has been a good friend over the years, when she worked as Chief of Staff for Assemblyman David Russo. I feel very fortunate to have access to Bridget’s expertise in her new role as part the Legislative support team under the Christie administration, especially during my first year serving in the Assembly. It’s clear that our new governor is making good communication a top priority, and I look forward to working closely with Bridget and the entire Christie team in the years to come.
Despite clear opposition from citizens all across the state, outgoing Governor Corzine used his last day in office to pass a series of bills into law that will have a devastating impact on victims and their families. As your Assemblyman, I will do everything I can to amend these awful laws and stand up for victims’ rights in New Jersey.
Our petition received close to 400 signatures from constituents who opposed these bills, yet outgoing Governor Corzine chose to sign them anyway. What a disgraceful legacy!
I look forward to attending incoming Governor Chris Christie’s Inaugural events today, which will mark a new era of integrity in government–a refreshing change after Jon Corzine’s actions on his last day as governor.
To Rosemarie D’Alessandro, Tony & Alice Montelaro, and all of the families who will be negatively impacted by these new laws, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I pledge to do everything I can to put forth legislation that will keep dangerous murderers and pedophiles like the ones who killed your children behind bars where they belong.
On Monday, January 11, 2010, during its last “lame-duck” session under Governor Corzine, the NJ Legislature passed two bills that, if signed into law, will have a devastating impact on crime victims and their families.
Bills A4201 and A4202, if signed by Governor Corzine before he leaves office on January 19, 2010 will mandate that criminals who have been denied parole receive a new parole hearing EVERY THREE YEARS–regardless of the severity of their crimes. They also call for a “blue-ribbon panel” to review and possibly release prisoners who have served 20 years or more on their sentences.
Worst of all, it is the victims and their families that will suffer most if these laws are enacted. They will be forced to relive the horror of the crime, facing the parole boards every 36 months, pleading to keep their assailants behind bars.
We cannot let this happen. Click on the link below to sign the petition I created:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keepbergensafe/
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Please help me send Governor Corzine and the bills’ supporters a clear message that (1) you support victims’ rights, and (2) this type of last-minute legislative sleight-of-hand is morally and ethically wrong, and will not be tolerated by the people they have pledged to serve.
For more information or to sign up for Alerts & Updates regarding Victims’ Rights in New Jersey, visit www.KeepBergenSafe.com.
Thank You for your support!
It’s official–today, I was sworn in as Assemblyman representing District 39. The oath of office was administered by Minority Leader Alex DeCroce and Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver, who made history today as the first African-American woman ever to serve as Assembly Speaker in NJ. I was proud to share this extraordinary day with her.
On a personal note, thank you to all of my family and friends who came to Trenton today to show their support. It meant a lot to me to have you there.
Now, I’m on my way to the BCRO to support Kathe Donovan as she announces her candidacy for Bergen County Executive. Tomorrow, I’ll roll up my sleeves and get to work as your Assemblyman. 
At this evening’s meeting of the Twp. of Washington Mayor and Council, I was presented with a Proclamation by Mayor Janet Sobkowicz and my fellow Council members Fred Goetz, Rich Hrbek and Joe D’Urso, honoring my years of service to the town. I was very surprised at this unexpected recognition, and I thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the years. It has been an honor to serve the people of the Township, and I look forward to continuing my public service for many years to come as the new Assemblyman for District 39.
Tomorrow at noon, I’ll be taking the oath of office for the NJ State Assembly at the Trenton War Memorial, surrounded by my family and friends. Then, I’ll join my fellow legislators for the State of the State Address. We have a long road ahead in getting New Jersey back on the right path, but I’m ready to get to work.
Tomorrow night at 6pm at the BCRO office (339 Main Street, Hackensack NJ), County Clerk Kathleen Donovan will formally announce her candidacy for Bergen County Executive. Kathe has a proven track record of dedicated service to the people of Bergen County, and will do an excellent job as County Executive. I greatly admire Kathe for strong work ethic, integrity, experience, and impressive knowledge of the issues that face the residents of North Jersey. If you’d like to sign up for her newsletter and learn more about Kathleen Donovan, including how you can support her campaign, please visit her new website: www.KatheDonovan2010.com 
The Township of Washington Department of Public Works recently acquired a cutting-edge tool in the ongoing battle against the elements. A new salt brine truck arrived this week, just in time to combat an anticipated snowstorm. The truck uses a salt-and-water mix that is sprayed on the roads several hours prior to a predicted snowstorm. When the brine evaporates, it leaves behind a harmless residue that coats the roads and keeps the icy precipitation from freezing or adhering to the street surface. This latest acquisition is going to be a great time-saver and money-saver for the Township, because it reduces the need for traditional road salt and makes clearing the streets easier for our DPW. Pictured here with me, left to right, are DPW worker John Horn, Foreman Tom Clossey, and Superintendent Bob Hamilton.
Congratulations to Janet Sobkowicz, the first woman to be sworn in as Mayor of the Township of Washington! It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside Janet as a councilmember for the past 18 years, and I know she will do a terrific job as Mayor. She has the knowledge and experience to lead, and brings a fresh perspective that will move our town forward in a positive way. 
Congratulations also to the newest additions to the Council, Joe D’Urso and Fred Goetz. 
They are both hard-working, dedicated individuals who are committed to making a positive difference in the community, and I know that they will do a great job representing the citizens of the Township.
I look forward to serving with them, even though it will only be for a short time: I’ll be stepping down as Councilman in less than two weeks, in preparation for taking the oath of office for NJ General Assembly. Until then, I am proud to once again serve as Council President for the Township of Washington.
It’s official! My new legislative office will be located at 123 Broadway in Woodcliff Lake. During the campaign season, I heard from many of you in the northern and western parts of District 39 who requested that we put an office closer to your area, and we listened! As soon as we’re all moved in, I will post my new contact information so that you can reach me more easily with any questions or concerns you might have.