As New Jersey gets ready to vote for a new governor in the upcoming General Election, Jewish Community Relations Council, in partnership with the four other Jewish Federations of NJ (JFNJ) has interviewed the candidates, shared with them the issues of top concern for the statewide Jewish community and will be spending the next three weeks ensuring that our community is informed on the candidates’ positions and most importantly, votes!
During back-to-back, taped interviews with Jack Ciattarelli (R) and Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D) we asked questions that dealt with public safety issues, the surge of antisemitism in our towns, schools and college campuses, the importance of the NJ-Israel economic relationship and the Jewish imperative to care for the community’s most vulnerable.
Watch the full interview here.
(Despite attempts to get the candidates together on a live back-to-back Zoom, the campaign teams were unable to find a date that worked for both.)
While some people asked us to focus on Ciattarelli’s support for President Trump and whether Mikie Sherrill did (or did not) endorse Zohran Mamdani in the NYC mayoral race, we stood firmly on our promise to ask both candidates the same questions, maintaining neutrality and impartiality. (Sherrill addressed the Mamdani issue in her closing remarks.)
For equally as important as educating our constituents on where the candidates stand on the issues, is building a strong relationship of trust with the person who will become our state’s next chief executive.
This year, in addition to electing a new governor (one of only two states in the country) we will also be choosing members of our State Assembly and electing people to municipal and local government, town councils and school boards. With tensions still running high in many of our towns post October 7, 2023, it’s essential that you explore candidates’ records and statements. Make sure you vote for those who demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity and stand against bigotry, hate and antisemitism.
The foundational principle of American liberty is a strong, thriving democracy and engaged citizenry. By participating in the electoral process, we help create – and benefit from – a society that values justice, fairness and liberty for all. Please vote on Tuesday, November 4.