By VIN GOPAL, Senator, 11th District

During my tenure in the Senate, I have worked hard to make life more affordable for New Jersey by any means possible. Whether it’s providing aid for local small businesses, making life more affordable for seniors, or making healthcare cheaper and more accessible, I’ve seen firsthand just how hard it is to cut through the red tape in Trenton and get stuff done. This November we need to elect leaders that provide real solutions and who will take on anyone to deliver for our state. That’s what it will take to drive down these sky-high costs and protect New Jerseyans from the unaffordable and chaotic policies coming from Washington Republicans.

That’s why I am so excited to be supporting Mikie Sherrill for governor this November.

It’s clear that the cost of living is the number one issue this election and New Jerseyans are clamoring for bold, aggressive action to drive down costs. In response, Jack Ciattarelli has offered platitudes, while Mikie has offered actual plans. She has rolled out a comprehensive policy agenda that strikes at the core of why New Jersey has gotten so expensive.

The contrast couldn’t be clearer than when you compare how each candidate will drive down utility costs. Jack has rolled out an 83 word “plan” that calls for him to “draft … a new energy master plan.” He has pointed to no real steps he would take over than opposing windmills that haven’t been built yet. In short, Jack’s plan amounts to little more than a farce he’s hoping will hold up until November.

Meanwhile, Mikie Sherrill has told us exactly what she will do. First, she will declare a State of Emergency on utility costs to end the rate hikes to provide relief for our state in the short term. Second, she will build out cheap, clean energy and modernize our existing infrastructure to increase power generation and drive down our bills in the long term. Finally, she will take PJM to court to ensure New Jerseyans aren’t paying for their mismanagement any longer and are connected to the new and readily available energy sources we’ve already invested in.

While Jack may be quiet about his plans, he has been outspoken about one thing — that singular job is to be loyal to Donald Trump. In his attempt to become the “Trump of Trenton,” Jack has said Trump is “right about everything.” We need a Governor that will put New Jersey first — not any President. That is the type of Governor Mikie Sherill will be for New Jersey.

This election is about making sure we put New Jersey residents first - not the interests of Washington DC. That is what Mikie Sherill has done her entire career - in the military, as a prosecutor and as a mom to 4 kids. I will be voting for Mikie this election — and I hope you will join me. The future of our children and grandchildren depend on it.