A word with the governor
Murphy speaks at PBA meeting to confirm support for law enforcement
n BY MITCHELL KRUGEL
n PHOTOS BY ED CARATTINI JR.
Governor Murphy came to the NJ State PBA meeting on April
9 presumably to confirm to members that he wants to be a man
of his word. He had planned to speak at the PBA Mini Conven-
tion on March 7, but he explained why he needed a rain check
on that one.
“This is actually a snow check,” the governor submitted. “I
was getting ready to see you all in Atlantic City a month ago,
but we declared a state of emergency that day. We had several of
those this year, including Easter Sunday.”
Murphy filmed a video that was played at the Mini Conven-
tion, but he started his remarks at this meeting with the words
he had prepared for that address. Apparently, he had been wait-
ing to deliver a thank-you note to members.
“The most important thing I wanted to say today is that I
wouldn’t have got elected without the fierce support you threw
our way,” the governor declared. “Not just dollars and cents, but
passion and shoe leather, and I want you to know I’m not going
to be a fair-weather friend. I know you are there when I need
you, and I will be there when you need me. It’s a two-way street.”
The governor reiterated that his administration will not al-
ways agree with the PBA, but it’s how the differences are han-
dled that will perpetuate this relationship. He confirmed the
door is no longer closed, as it had been with the previous ad-
ministration. He assured everyone that the PBA does have a seat
at the table when it comes to discussing all legislative matters
affecting New Jersey law enforcement. And he vowed he will al-
ways treat PBA leaders with respect.
Murphy attributed much of the value he places in his rela-
tionship with the PBA to the union’s leaders.
“There are no fiercer advocates than Pat and Marc,” the gov-
ernor said in praise of PBA President Pat Colligan and Executive
Vice President Marc Kovar. “They lay it out on the line like no
other union leaders I have ever come across. They are in there
standing firm, and they have your interests in their hearts.”
Murphy shared his feeling that a lot of legislative fruit has
bloomed during his first 80 days, including promoting commu-
nity-police relations and gun measures. He reported that he has
many big-ticket items in the new state budget, including fully
funding public education and a record investment in improving
New Jersey Transit.
Of course, the biggest-ticket item members wanted to hear
about is the legislation to make PFRS independently run. Bills
to do so overwhelmingly passed the New Jersey General Assem-
bly and Senate on Ma