New Jersey League of Conservation Voters Pronounces Historic Variety of Endorsements for County and Native Candidates – InsiderNJ

TRENTON — New Jersey League of Conservation Voters has introduced endorsements of greater than 80 candidates for county and native workplace throughout the state — a historic quantity and indicative of the significance of environmental coverage in races at each degree of presidency.

New Jersey LCV’s endorsements embody slates for county commissioners in Middlesex, Morris, and Hunterdon Counties, in addition to a slate of county commissioners and county government in Bergen County.

However past these high-profile county races, New Jersey LCV has additionally endorsed 87 candidates in municipal races throughout New Jersey, starting from Atlantic Highlands to Wantage.

New Jersey LCV introduced these endorsements after receiving questionnaires from greater than 100 candidates — one other file.

“New Jersey LCV is proud to announce a robust slate of candidates for county and native places of work throughout our state,” stated Allison McLeod, New Jersey LCV Coverage Director. “Native and county governments are on the entrance strains of tackling points like flooding, water high quality, and preserving open area. We have to elect environmental champions who will battle local weather change and shield residents’ rights to wash air and protected ingesting water.”

Whereas the federal and state governments have been within the headlines in current months selling clear vitality investments and pioneering offshore wind growth, county and native governments play a vital function in environmental safety.

Native elected officers weigh in on land-use points that impression sprawl. They’re additionally answerable for mitigating flooding and bettering water high quality by way of the institution of stormwater utilities. Municipal and county governments additionally play key roles in offering leisure alternatives to residents, investing in electrical municipal autos and preserving open area.

New Jersey LCV introduced these endorsements after a rigorous course of that included questionnaires and interviews with candidates.

“New Jersey LCV takes our endorsement course of significantly, and we don’t endorse candidates we don’t consider in. We ask particular questions to make sure they’re dedicated to our agenda of defending the surroundings,” stated Julia Somers, New Jersey LCV Board Chair. “It’s a multi-step analysis course of the place we overview candidates’ environmental credentials and imaginative and prescient for the state.”

Since starting its native endorsement course of in 2020 with 27 endorsements, New Jersey LCV has seen the variety of candidates shifting by way of the method develop exponentially. This demonstrates how vital environmental safety is to native residents. New Jersey LCV has invested in each native candidate who acquired an endorsement, a complete funding of over $20,000 in native races alone.

“Each resident in our state is impacted by points like clear air and water high quality, open area preservation and properly thought out land use choices,” Somers added. “We’re proud to see our academic work repay as increasingly candidates proudly run on platforms of environmental safety on the native degree. We’re dedicated to rising our native endorsement program in order that voters in municipalities throughout New Jersey know the place candidates stand on very important points that impression high quality of life and public well being.”

This yr’s slate of candidates additionally represents extraordinary variety — out of 87 candidates, 54% are ladies and 25% are candidates of colour.

“Whereas we’re excited in regards to the variety of various environmental champions we endorsed this cycle, we proceed to encourage candidates from each side of the aisle to have interaction in our course of,” McLeod added. “Defending households’ rights to wash air, protected ingesting water, and entry to open area will not be a partisan situation. These considerations are very important for the long-term well being of our state and revel in sturdy bipartisan assist. We look ahead to working with our environmental champions as they hit the marketing campaign path.”

A full listing of the endorsements might be discovered right here.

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Quotes from endorsed candidates are under, organized alphabetically by county and city:

BERGEN COUNTY

Bergen County – County Government Jim Tedesco, Commissioners Mary Amoroso, Germaine Ortiz, and Thomas Sullivan
“We’re honored to obtain New Jersey LCV’s endorsement and proud to earn this essential recognition of our efforts to safeguard Bergen County’s surroundings and invaluable pure sources,” stated Bergen County Government Jim Tedesco, and Commissioners Mary Amoroso, Germaine Ortiz, and Thomas Sullivan. “For the previous eight years, it’s been a prime precedence of ours to guard clear air and clear water, protect open area, and put money into our parks. From making conservation and sustainability key parts of the county’s first ever Parks Grasp Plan, to drastically bolstering our Open House Belief Fund, to investing in renewable vitality and transitioning to electrical and various gas autos, we’re pleased with our progress taking good care of the surroundings and constructing a wholesome, protected and extra sustainable future for Bergen County households.”

Glen Rock Council- Councilwoman Teresa Gilbreath and Paula Gilligan
“We’re thrilled to obtain New Jersey LCV’s endorsement. Our dedication to defending our surroundings extends all through our private and political lives, and it’s an honor to have the assist of this unimaginable group as we implement and additional environmental initiatives on the native degree,” stated Councilwoman Teresa Gilbreath and Councilwoman Paula Gilligan.

Park Ridge Council- Council members Kelly Epstein and Robert Metzdorf
“Park Ridge is on the best path and with the assist of colleagues like New Jersey LCV we are able to proceed partnering with county and state officers to make our neighborhood even greener,” stated Councilwoman Kelly Epstein and Councilman Robert Metzdorf.

Hasbrouck Heights – Candidates Gabby Mendoza and Jason Hodrinsky.
“Because the mom of two younger kids and an educator there isn’t any larger problem for our future generations than to offer a protected and wholesome city for them to dwell in. I do know that working with advocacy teams like New Jersey LCV we are able to discover options to our issues and construct a greener neighborhood for us all,” stated Borough Council Candidate Gabby Mendoza.

“New Jersey LCV is advocating for adjustments to state and native legal guidelines which can profit each resident of Hasbrouck Heights. I’m excited to have their endorsement and can work with them to protect inexperienced areas together with parks and cut back suburban sprawl. Preserving these areas reduces harmful flooding and promotes out of doors leisure actions and public well being advantages,” stated Borough Council Candidate Jason Hodrinsky.

Northvale Mayor- Councilman John Hogan
“I’m so grateful for New Jersey LCV for endorsing and supporting my marketing campaign! Sustainability is integral to our planet’s future, and I look ahead to coordinating with New Jersey LCV sooner or later,” stated Councilman John Hogan.

Norwood Borough Council- Candidates Angie Alberti and Rahul Vaghasia
“We’re excited to have New Jersey LCV’s endorsement, demonstrating to voters that we’re the candidates for Norwood’s environmental future. Collectively, we’ll assist be sure that all of us proceed to get pleasure from Norwood’s pure magnificence and go away it in a greater place for the following technology,” stated Candidates Angie Alberti and Rahul Vaghasia. “Having a strategic method to safeguarding our pure sources, increasing electrical automobile charging and using electrical autos for municipal functions, and bringing revolutionary packages that inform our residents of environmental points are priorities for us.”

Woodcliff Lake Borough Council- Candidates Nikki Marsh and Ben Pollak
“Woodcliff Lake’s pure surroundings is what makes it one of the crucial fascinating suburbs to dwell in. We’re proud to have New Jersey LCV’s endorsement as an emblem of our dedication to the native surroundings,” stated Council Candidates Nikki Marsh and Ben Pollak.

BURLINGTON COUNTY

Evesham Township Council- Mayor Veasy, Deputy Mayor Cooper, and Councilwoman Hansen
“We’re honored to be endorsed by New Jersey LCV. We now have been extremely lucky to have the ability to serve Evesham Township for the previous 4 years as Mayor and Councilmembers, and have returned the belief the voters positioned in us by investing our time and vitality into strengthening our township’s environmental infrastructure, implementing environmental insurance policies, working in the direction of conserving the final remaining parts of our city’s open area, and empowering our neighborhood’s environmental volunteers and advocates,” stated Mayor Veasy, Deputy Mayor Cooper, and Councilwoman Hansen. “We drastically recognize the League’s recognition of our work and look ahead to with the ability to transfer our city’s environmental agenda ahead to profit present and future residents.”

Hainesport Township Committee- Candidates Debra Harris and Anna Evans
“The Evans & Harris Marketing campaign is delighted to have been endorsed by New Jersey LCV. It’s time for change in Hainesport that strikes the City in the direction of a cleaner, greener future,” stated Candidates Debra Harris and Anna Evans.

Moorestown Mayor and Council- Mayor Nicole Gillespie and Councilman Quinton Regulation
“I’m deeply honored and grateful to be endorsed by New Jersey LCV,” stated Mayor Nicole Gillespie. “Defending the surroundings has been a precedence in my first time period on Moorestown Council, and I’m dedicated to creating even larger strides towards a greener future if I’m reelected this yr.”

“It’s really an honor to have this endorsement. As native leaders it’s on us to deal with the local weather disaster with the utmost urgency. We should assume creatively and supply revolutionary options to construct a clear and protected surroundings for our communities.” stated Councilman Quinton Regulation.

Pemberton Borough Council- Candidate Steven Fenster
“As a long-time environmental advocate, I’m very happy and honored to simply accept New Jersey LCV’s endorsement of my marketing campaign for Pemberton Borough Council,” stated Steven Fenster, Borough Council Candidate.

Westampton Township Committee- Committeeman Odise Carr
“I’m proud to be endorsed by New Jersey LCV. Their dedication to environmental justice has helped push New Jersey ahead. Clear air, protected ingesting water, and open area are essential environmental concerns that everybody can assist,” stated Committeeman Odise Carr.

HUNTERDON COUNTY
Hunterdon Board of Commissioners- Candidates Hope Cohen and Don Becker
“We’re immensely grateful for New Jersey LCV’s endorsement of our marketing campaign. We admire their work to make sure clear air and water for all New Jerseyans in addition to advocating sensible insurance policies to mitigate and put together for local weather change. We’re honored that New Jersey LCV acknowledges that our values and priorities align with theirs. We look ahead to addressing problems with local weather impression and environmental justice in Hunterdon County,” stated Commissioner Candidates Hope Cohen and Don Becker.

Excessive Bridge Borough Council- Councilman Christopher Graham
“I’m honored and humbled to obtain the endorsement of New Jersey LCV, and can do all I can to be worthy of such an honor,” stated Councilman Christopher Graham.

Raritan Township Committee – Candidates John Mackay and Khushwant Pall
“I welcome the endorsement from a company whose major goal is to construct a greater, extra environmentally pleasant New Jersey for all the residents to get pleasure from,” stated John Mackay, Candidate for Raritan Township Committee.

“I’m honored to have acquired an endorsement from New Jersey LCV. To me the title doesn’t imply something, it’s what I do with it for others that issues,” stated his operating mate, Khushwant Pall.

Stockton Borough Council – Candidate Thomas Hunt
“I’m delighted to have earned the endorsement of New Jersey LCV. This endorsement displays my dedication to working collaboratively with the Council, residents, and different State and native officers to try for measures that assist the surroundings and promote social justice, inside our Borough’s restricted capacities,” stated Candidate Thomas Hunt.

MERCER COUNTY

Mercer County Commissioner – Cathleen Lewis, Lawrence Township Councilmember and Candidate for Mercer County Commissioner
“Making a extra sustainable future is crucial for future generations. I’m proud to work on these points in Mercer County and proud that my work has earned the assist of New Jersey LCV.” stated Councilwoman Cathleen Lewis, Candidate for Mercer County Commissioner

Hopewell Township – Committeeman David Chait and Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning
“New Jersey LCV is our state’s champion for the surroundings, and I’m proud to have their endorsement. As a member of the Hopewell Township Committee, I’ve been a proud supporter of insurance policies that protect open area and safeguard our surroundings. I look ahead to persevering with this work sooner or later and dealing in partnership with New Jersey LCV,” stated Committeeman David Chait.

“The New Jersey League of Conservation Voters serves because the voice for the surroundings in New Jersey politics, and I’m proud to have acquired their endorsement,” stated Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning. “I’ve been an environmentalist my total life, and I’ve labored onerous on many fronts to protect and shield our shared surroundings and open area. I’m excited for the chance to proceed this work in partnership with New Jersey LCV.”

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

Middlesex County Board of Commissioners- Commissioners Charles Kenny, Clary Azcona-Barber, and Chanelle Scott McCullum
“We’re extremely proud to have acquired the endorsement of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. New Jersey LCV has proved themselves to be efficient and passionate advocates for the surroundings. We’ll proceed to work diligently as County Commissioners to protect our open area, shield our surroundings from air pollution, cut back fossil gas consumption, and put money into sustainable infrastructure and public transportation. Underneath our watch, Middlesex County will proceed to be a pioneer in conservation and environmental points,” stated Commissioners Charles Kenny, Clary Azcona-Barber, and Chanelle Scott McCullum

Highland Park – Borough Councilmen Matthew Hale and Philip George
“New Jersey LCV began combating for our surroundings when doing that wasn’t widespread. We’re honored to be endorsed by a company as trusted and revered as New Jersey LCV. It’s a recognition of the onerous work we now have finished, like constructing downtown rain gardens, main the state on banning plastic luggage, bringing extra electrical automobile charging stations to Highland Park, and ensuring our city stays walkable and bike pleasant. We’ll proceed to do all we are able to to make Highland Park, New Jersey and our planet much more sustainable,” stated Borough Councilmen Matthew Hale and Philip George.

Sayreville Borough Council – Candidate Damon Enriquez
“I’m proud to be endorsed by New Jersey LCV, and I look ahead to working with them to make sure Sayreville is an environmentally pleasant city,” stated Borough Council Candidate Damon Enriquez.

MONMOUTH COUNTY

Atlantic Highlands Borough Council – Candidate Vito Colasurdo
“I’m honored to obtain the endorsement of New Jersey LCV,” stated Borough Council Candidate Vito Colasurdo. “I look ahead to working with them to make Atlantic Highlands a extra sustainable neighborhood for future generations of residents.”

Keyport Borough Mayor and Council – Councilwoman Victoria Pacheco, Mayoral Candidate; Delia Sosa McDermott, Councilwoman; and Danielle Mastropiero, Council Candidate
“We’re grateful for the endorsement of New Jersey LCV. We’re lucky to dwell in a state that represents variety in nature, cultures, and coverage. We advocate for public packages and initiatives that assist sensible growth, neighborhood, and infrastructure progress. We perceive and are engaged with all members of our neighborhood, and with the assist of New Jersey LCV, we all know Keyport will proceed to succeed,” stated Mayoral Candidate Councilwoman Victoria Pacheco, Councilwoman Delia Sosa McDermott, and Council Candidate Danielle Mastropiero.

Purple Financial institution Borough Mayor – Candidate Billy Portman
“I’m very grateful for the endorsement of New Jersey LCV, and I’m optimistic that we are able to implement some adjustments, proper now, to make our borough extra vitality environment friendly and environmentally pleasant,” stated Mayoral Candidate Billy Portman.

MORRIS COUNTY

Morris County Board of Commissioners – Candidates T.C McCourt, Judy Hernandez, and Alica Sharma.
“The three of us are ecstatic to have the assist of the New Jersey LCV. Their elevation of the surroundings as a prime political situation, and their assist of candidates, doesn’t simply increase consciousness – it makes a distinction,” stated Commissioner Candidates T.C. McCourt, Judy Hernandez, and Alica Sharma. “We consider anybody that seeks to carry elected workplace must be main with the surroundings and making a sustainable future, as a result of environmental points intersect with all of our most urgent considerations. Our planet is on the poll this November, and this election will set the tone on how our county handles the local weather disaster for many years to return. We look ahead to working with New Jersey LCV on shifting Morris County and the remainder of the state towards a extra sustainable future.”

Boonton City Council- Councilwoman Marie DeVenezia, and Council Candidates Benjamin Weisman, Lauren Mills, and Anne Mizera
Because the “gem of the mountains” within the lovely Highlands forest, Boonton’s pure sources make it an interesting place to work, dwell and play. In these pivotal instances, we’d like a neighborhood authorities that prioritizes defending nature whereas additionally encouraging sensible, accountable growth. Thanks to New Jersey LCV for recognizing that our crew is keen to steadiness each. We look ahead to working collectively towards a brilliant, sustainable future,” stated Councilwoman Marie DeVenezia, and Council Candidates Benjamin Weisman, Lauren Mills, and Anne Mizera.

City of Dover Board of Alderman
“We’re honored to obtain the endorsement of the New Jersey LCV and are dedicated to supporting laws and initiatives that prioritize environmental points and sustainability in our neighborhood,” stated Alderwoman Sandra Wittner and Candidates Karol Ruiz and Marcos Tapia Aguilar Sr.

Madison Borough Council- Councilwoman Rachel Ehrlich and Councilman Tom Haralampoudis.
“We’re dedicated to searching for a conservation sale of the Drew Forest, a uncommon, 53-acre protect in Madison. The forest is positioned on the Drew College campus and offers the general public with strolling trails, entry to uncommon understory and cover ecologies, and among the oldest bushes in Morris County,” stated Councilwoman Rachel Ehrlich and Councilman Tom Haralampoudis. “It’s important for aquifer recharge and habitat preservation. We assist a conservation sale to completely shield the Drew Forest whereas offering Drew College with monetary assist.”

Mendham Borough Council- Mayoral Candidate Melissa Rawley-Payne, Council Candidates Melissa Wojcik and Melissa Younger.
“We’re extraordinarily honored to obtain an endorsement from New Jersey LCV. We look ahead to being champions of environmental insurance policies on the native degree that shield and restore our valuable pure sources,” stated Mayoral Candidate Melissa Rawley-Payne and Council Candidates Melissa Wojcik and Melissa Younger.

Mendham Township Committee – Candidates Martin Slayne and Lauren Spirig
“We’re thrilled to be acknowledged by New Jersey LCV because the candidates most authentically dedicated to the safety of Mendham Township’s lovely, thriving surroundings,” stated Candidates Martin Slayne and Lauren Spirig. “We oppose the continuing makes an attempt to develop a whole bunch of recent houses within the township due to the pressure it’ll placed on our native companies, our restricted pure sources, and our wildlife. We’ll proceed to battle to guard and protect open areas in Mendham Township.”

Morris Plains Borough Council- Councilwomen Nancy Verga and Joan Goddard
“We’re honored to obtain an endorsement from New Jersey LCV and look ahead to partnering with them to advance environmental stewardship within the Borough of Morris Plains! As elected officers on the council, we now have inspired the Borough to use for grants to increase open area, add strolling trails, and buy electrical autos and charging stations. We’re actively advocating for a proper sustainability committee to investigate, plan, and implement initiatives that may cut back carbon emissions, migrate to wash vitality, and shield the native surroundings for future generations,” stated Councilwomen Nancy Verga and Joan Goddard.

Morris Township Committee- Candidate Jeff Grayzel
“I’m dedicated to engaged on insurance policies and initiatives to enhance water high quality and air high quality in our communities. I’m proud to face with New Jersey LCV to advocate for a wholesome surroundings in New Jersey which, in flip, will profit the well being of all of our residents,” stated Candidate Jeff Grayzel.

Netcong- Councilman Robert Hathaway
“All of us share the accountability to guard our surroundings for future generations to get pleasure from,” stated Councilman Robert Hathaway.

OCEAN COUNTY

Barnegat Township Committee- Candidate Charles Cunliffe
“I’m proud that New Jersey LCV has endorsed my marketing campaign for Barnegat Township Committee, the work of New Jersey LCV is important to the safety of our native surroundings,” stated Candidate Charles Cunliffe.

Lacey Township Committee- Candidate Edward Kownacki
“I’m excited to obtain New Jersey LCV’s endorsement, and I look ahead to working collectively to attain the aim of a cleaner surroundings,” stated Candidate Edward Kownacki.

PASSAIC COUNTY

Haledon Mayor Race- Candidate Michael Johnson
“With good folks elected, we can have good authorities!” stated Candidate Michael Johnson.

Ringwood Borough Council- Candidate Eric Gillman
“I’m excited to be endorsed by New Jersey LCV. Conservation of our pure sources is a serious precedence for me and their endorsement exemplifies that mission,” stated Candidate Eric Gillman.

Wanaque Mayor- Mayoral Candidate Sandy Lawson
“I’m honored to obtain the endorsement of New Jersey LCV. Being the host city to the Wanaque Reservoir, I look ahead to working to make Wanaque Borough an environmentally accountable place to dwell,” stated Mayoral Candidate Sandy Lawson.

West Milford City Council- Candidates Melissa Brown Blaeuer and Karen Phelan
“We’re proud to have the endorsement of New Jersey LCV behind our marketing campaign as a result of we, too, are sturdy advocates for utilizing clear vitality sources, defending our surroundings, and fostering a wholesome, vibrant economic system the place all folks can thrive. Working collectively, we are able to create the long run all of us need and deserve,” stated Candidates Melissa Brown Blaeuer and Karen Phelan.

SOMERSET COUNTY
Somerset County Board of Commissioners – Commissioner Melonie Marano
“I’m honored to obtain the endorsement of New Jersey LCV and thank them for his or her perseverance in preserving and defending our earth,” stated Commissioner Melonie Marano. “By researching which elected officers are able to work on these beliefs, the general public could make knowledgeable selections on the poll field.”

Bernards Township Committee – Candidate Jessica Simpson-Prepare dinner
“I’m so honored and proud to be endorsed by New Jersey LCV. I’m dedicated to motion inside my neighborhood if elected, and that features being proactive in regards to the environmental wants and considerations of our city and our residents,” stated Committee Candidate Jessica Simpson-Prepare dinner.

Bernardsville Borough Council – Candidate Kerry Haselton
“I’m thrilled to obtain the endorsement of New Jersey LCV. I’m pleased with the work I’ve finished in assist of New Jersey’s surroundings, and to be acknowledged on this approach makes my coronary heart sing,” stated Borough Council Candidate Kerry Haselton.

Inexperienced Brook Township Committee – Committeeman Arthur Goodman and Candidate Jen Dawson
“We’re grateful to New Jersey LCV for his or her endorsement of our candidacy. We encourage you to assist their environmental work in any approach attainable, together with in Inexperienced Brook Township. We solely have one Earth!” stated Committeeman Arthur Goodman and Candidate Jen Dawson.

Raritan Borough Council – Candidates Joe Kempe and Adam Armahizer
“We now have lengthy been advocates for sustainable and equitable open areas, parks, and transportation,” stated Council Candidates Joe Kempe and Adam Armahizer. “New Jersey LCV’s endorsement of our candidacy helps our platform for Raritan Borough as a city with a clear, protected, and accessible future that gives a greater surroundings for all.”

Watchung Borough Council – Councilmember Wendy Robinson
“I’m honored and humbled by the endorsement of New Jersey LCV. Their efforts to advertise sturdy environmental insurance policies and assist like-minded candidates are essential as we face unprecedented challenges from the local weather disaster,” stated Councilmember Wendy Robinson. “Having labored tirelessly for a few years to guard towards the hazards posed by fossil gas extraction, being a liaison to the Environmental Fee and Inexperienced Crew over the whole thing of my service on the Borough Council, and selling quite a few packages to foster sustainability in Watchung makes this endorsement particularly rewarding.”

UNION COUNTY

Berkeley Heights Township – Mayor Angie Devanney, Council Candidate Susan Lee Poage, Council Candidate Diomedes Tsitouras
“I’m humbled and honored to have the endorsement of New Jersey LVC. My work in authorities has centered round defending and saving open areas whereas enhancing park land for future generations. I’m desirous to proceed this work with the help and assist of New Jersey LCV,” stated Mayor Angie Devanney.

“As Margaret Mead stated, ‘We received’t have a society if we destroy the surroundings.’ I’m honored to have the endorsement of New Jersey LCV. They, like me, are dedicated to creating certain we shield our surroundings—our land, our air, and our water—for all folks. Human rights and the surroundings are interconnected and integral to the survival of our society,” stated Council Candidate Susan Lee Poage.
“I’m happy to have the endorsement of New Jersey LCV for my candidacy for Berkeley Heights City Council,” stated Council Candidate Diomedes Tsitouras. “I’m able to advocate for measures that fight the local weather change disaster, in addition to to guard and increase our current inexperienced areas.”

Plainfield Metropolis Council – Richard Wyatt, Metropolis Council Candidate
“It’s an honor and privilege to obtain the endorsement of New Jersey LCV. I look ahead to working with them to fight local weather change and promote a clear, wholesome surroundings for my constituents and the long run,” stated Metropolis Council Candidate Richard Wyatt.

WARREN COUNTY

Washington Borough Council- Councilwoman Josephine Noone
“I’m proud to obtain the endorsement of New Jersey LCV and I’m dedicated to environmental justice and sustainable growth,” stated Councilwoman Josephine Noone.

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