NJ Cops | Page 25

Local 600 accentuates the ‘Action’ in PAC In September, I was able to attend the PBA’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas representing Local 600 and all retired members of the NJ State PBA. Much of the time at the Convention is spent networking among other State Delegates from across the state, making connections and spreading the word as to Local 600’s role, benefits and future goals as we continue to grow and become a key cog in the successes of the State organization. My role, as I see it, is to continue to market Local 600 to the active Locals, and JIM to bring back as much information as I can to disperse to our members. TOMA On the first matter, I’m always surprised to learn how little is understood “The first “Action” is to get throughout the State PBA about Local 600, about our mission and role within the organization. Yes, we are a involved. We have the most fraternal organization that provides support, powerful voice available to friendship and social activities for our membership, us and that is to vote. but more importantly, we are a Political Action Committee. Do your homework; That’s a popular term these days with the institution look into the candidates’ of the State PBA PAC, but I look at ours more literally, with the emphasis on “Action.” Specifically, I’m talking messages and their past about the actions that we can provide to help ourselves records; and do not be and our future members – those out there right now patrolling, investigating and guarding. robotic in your voting How can we do this? pattern (Republican or The first “Action” is to get involved. We have the most powerful voice available to us and that is to vote. Do Democrat). Now is the time your homework; look into the candidates’ messages and their past records; and do not be robotic in your to understand who we can voting pattern (Republican or Democrat). Now is the trust and count on. “ time to understand who we can trust and count on. The second “Action” involves getting the message out about who deserves to serve in our state government. The State PBA has endorsed candidates that we believe in and who can be counted on for their support in our goals. There are several closely contested districts (1st, 2nd and 38th) that we need to focus on, but all are important. The State PBA is setting up phone banks on Election Day to help get our message out to the general public. We desperately need the manpower from our Local 600 members to work the phones for a couple of hours each on Election Day. The location will be at the Forge Inn, located at 1002 Route 9 in Woodbridge; very close to the State Office. Please call the Local 600 office in the next couple of wee