NJ Cops Nov18 | Page 7

Marc Kovar Executive Vice President Election Day recap Making NJSPBA political endorsements matter Looking back on Election Day 2017…and looking ahead: The NJSPBA support of Governor-elect Phil Murphy and, just as important, our support of PBA-endorsed candidates helped secure existing political relationships and create new ones throughout the state. Our efforts have helped put elected officials who support law enforcement in the room when party caucuses discuss our liveli- hoods, healthcare and future pension payments. NJSPBA-coordinated campaign activities throughout the state, with a strategic focus on competitive swing districts, had unprece- dented impact in NJ Legislative Districts 2, 3, 11 and 38. The efforts of our members made a difference in these very competitive races. Together we have come a long way in how we approach cam- paigns across the state. From Senator-elect Chris Brown, who was standing with us during the toughest times in Atlantic City, to Sen- ator-elect Vin Gopal in Monmouth County, the NJSPBA is building upon existing relationships and forging new ones that will give us that much-anticipated seat at the table. Thank you to all our members who stepped up and put time and effort into helping support NJSPBA-endorsed candidates. You made phone calls, you participated in door-to-door canvassing and you helped get out the vote in races that will have long-term impact on the direction of our state. Your work is appreciated! I want to specifically highlight the efforts of the following mem- bers: Mainland Local 77 State Delegate Michael Palmentieri and President Ray Theriault in Cape May and Atlantic counties; Bradley Beach Local 50 State Delegate Michael Tardio in Monmouth Coun- ty; Saddle River Local 348 State Delegate Charlie Schwartz and Port Authority Local 116 President Paul Nunziato in Bergen County; and from State Corrections Local 105, President Brian Renshaw and State Delegate Raymond Heck. In helping to elect a new congressman in Josh Gottheimer and multiple state and local elected officials the past few years, our po- litical action has increased and intensified. But we know we can do even better and we must continue to do better. Too many of our brothers and sisters are sitting on the sidelines, and we continue to have some members take their questions and criticisms about our endorsements to social media instead of simply reaching out to us so we can work together in the best interest of all our members. We need everyone’s buy-in to continue to expand our reach. These political relationships matter, especially when issues that impact our lives and our families are debated in the NJ State Leg- islature. As difficult issues come up in Trenton, the NJSPBA needs to foster relationships so that our endorsements become import- ant to candidates in future elections. But it will take our collective commitment and hard work. Just as it did on Election Day. d www.njcopsmagazine.com ■ NOVEMBER 2017 7