Josh Gottheimer thanks the NJ State PBA and its 33,000 members for the
endorsement of his campaign.
SUPPORT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33
already-allocated federal grants for regional counterterrorism taskforces, the COPS program, DHS training and resources to combat
lone wolf terrorists.
“I know it’s not easy to be in law enforcement right now,” acknowledged Gottheimer. “We need to invest in law enforcement to make
sure you always have the equipment and training to do your job. (The)
horrific attack in Orlando reminded us that in an idyllic place, no matter what it looks like, there’s always a looming threat.”
Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-9th District), Paramus Mayor Rich
LaBarbiera, Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino and Bergen
County Executive James Tedesco were also on hand with the PBA to
support the candidate.
Perhaps the most impactful pillar of support came from the Bergen
County Conference, which saw 150 members from various Locals
attend.
“When we first took over and started our Political Action
Committee we spent each and every month trying to get members
involved,” recalled NJ State PBA Executive Vice-President Marc Kovar.
“It’s easy on a nice, beautiful day not to show up, but we had hundreds
of off-duty officers here and almost every (State) Delegate from
Bergen County. So it’s really my dream coming to fruition to see our
guys believing in President Colligan and myself.”
Finding politicians to back and attending endorsement
ceremonies is just the first step to electing the right officials in November.
“Members have to get on the phones and start talking to all their
friends and tell them that Josh Gottheimer and whoever supports us
are the people we want in office,” stressed Kovar. “You have to spread
the message. Bergen County took the lead and now we have to get the
rest of the state behind Bergen County’s model.”
Bergen County Conference Chair Joseph Biamonte thanked his
members for showing up and urged them to continue to stay involved
in the political scene.
“When I took over last year I stood firm on forming the
relationships necessary to protect our families and Bergen County
gets it,” noted Biamonte. “We will continue to support the people who
support us and today is just the beginning for the next election. Let’s
stay focused, stay the course and continue to protect the people that
protect our families and us.”
Election season is right around the corner and the State PBA wants
all of its members to stay informed and log the man-hours to inform
family and friends.
“We’re going to have boots on the ground for Josh and candidates
throughout the state,” proclaimed Colligan. “We’re not asking for hundreds of hours; we’re asking that if they can give us a day or two or
three, we’ll take it.” d
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JULY 2016