Issue Position: Independent & Principled Leadership

Issue Position

As elected officials in a representative democracy, we should seek and find common ground on issues where possible, so that good policies can improve the lives of our citizens. To that end, throughout my career I consistently have brought together people on a bipartisan basis to get things done for my constituents and taxpayers.

I also know, though, that leadership sometimes means standing up and setting a different course, even when that requires opposing large majorities of my colleagues or resisting strong partisan pressures. That's why it's not unusual to find me as one of a handful of "no" votes on any given bill. I firmly believe that New Jersey needs better laws, not necessarily more laws, and so when seemingly popular but ultimately counterproductive legislation moves through the Assembly, I cast a "no" vote.

As a former Chairman of the New Jersey Republican Party who led the NJGOP to its first statewide election victory in 12 years, I know firsthand that Party building can produce positive change in the lives of New Jerseyans. I also know, however, that knee-jerk partisanship is not helpful, and contrary to the wishes of New Jersey's citizens.

My principled independence has been described by one newspaper as "a sight seen only rarely in Trenton." My beliefs and principles, guided by the best interests of the citizens of New Jersey and my District, are the ultimate touchstones for my decision making and actions, not a "go-along-to-get-along" mentality. Even when other members of my own Party have pressed, I have stood strong for taxpayers and against things like government borrowing without voter approval, corporate welfare, and government overspending.

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