A few thoughts on the New Jersey governor candidates:
Hopefully, we are heading into an era where we are not so attached to parties,that we can actually look at the qualities, talents and policy ideas of the individuals running for office.
Mikie Sherrill, an energetic person raised in veterans affairs, achieved bachelor’s and master’s degrees and her helicopter pilot license during nine years of service in the U.S. Navy plus a law degree after leaving the military.
She worked as a litigator and prosecutor and as a wife and mother of four.
After moving to New Jersey, she entered politics, winning a congressional seat.
On her website, she lists what she wants to do for New Jersey. Some promises she makes: free school lunches for everyone, not just those in need; more counselors and psychologists in schools; lower prices; providing more affordable housing while at the same time vowing to stop flooding and protect farms and provide more mental health services to reduce crime and use of force.
Jack Ciatterelli, also energetic, was born in New Jersey, has a slightly older family of four children, got his bachelor’s in accounting and an MBA in finance from Seton Hall University. He was also a CPA.
After establishing two small businesses publishing medical journals for the likes of Johns Hopkins University, he started a third dedicated to educating and informing the public on helpful issues.
Along the way, he served at every level of local and state government, gaining knowledge of New Jersey’s internal workings and needs.
He proposes to pursue government accountability, eliminate waste, address high taxes, refocus education on getting all children up to speed on reading and math, regenerate cities through containing crime and stimulating business, and promote affordable housing without mandating it for municipalities without appropriate infrastructure.
Hopefully, we can elect the person who can actually solve some of our state’s problems since governor is definitely not an honorary position.
Luann Byrne
Stanhope