Press Release 11/7/19

PERTH AMBOY – Each Election Day is an exercise in how democracy works. Voting is our voice, and it is always exciting to hear that expressed, even if the results are not what you hoped.

On Tuesday, a small number of Perth Amboy voters decided a big question for their neighbors. The public question regarding run-off elections if no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote was passed by only 1,400 out of 27,092 registered voters. That’s only 5.6 percent of all registered voters in Perth Amboy.

As I am sure you know, I have been fighting the presentation of this question as it appeared on the mail-in ballot. The instructions, written only in English, did not clearly explain the ramifications of a run-off election that costs between $80,000 to $100,000. That’s a huge sum coming out of the pockets of Perth Amboy tax payers, money that could be better spent on improving our schools, building parks, and developing community programs that benefit all of us. Not giving that information in an easy to find format and in the language that a majority of residents speak disenfranchises voters because it bars them from making an educated decision.

I took my argument to the superior court, and although it didn’t rule in my favor, I am committed to continuing the fight. I vow to pursue legislation that would mandate that important public questions be explained clearly and succinctly, so that every citizen can cast their vote with confidence. As I have said many times, my focus is the welfare of the residents of Perth Amboy. I will always work to improve the lives of those whom I am privileged to represent.