LD39 Democrats Break Commitment to Local Students,

Renege On Town Hall

Bergen and Passaic Counties deserve strong leaders willing to show up for them.

Holly Schepisi & Bob Auth do; John and Gerry obviously don’t.

WESTWOOD – Just one day after attempting to exploit the youth vaping epidemic as a campaign issue, the LD39 Democratic ticket of John Birkner and Gerald Falotico backed out of a long-scheduled town hall at Westwood Regional High School – the very community where Birkner serves as Mayor.  Assembly members Schepisi and Auth kept their commitment to the nearly 300 students and faculty in attendance, and issued the following statement following their hour-long discussion with Westwood’s students:

“It’s simply inexcusable that our opponents reneged on their commitment to attend today’s Town Hall, especially just one day after claiming they will be strong advocates for young people,” said Assemblyman Bob Auth. “I guess it is too difficult for them to defend their extreme agenda that is driving so many people – especially our young people – out of state to find good-jobs and a more affordable life.”

The Democrat challengers accepted the invitation to attend the Town Hall alongside the Republican incumbents, then backed out less than 24 hours before the event was set to begin – right around the same time they were sending empty political press releases concerning protecting New Jersey’s youth.

Assembly members Schepisi and Auth interacted with students about an array of issues, ranging from property taxes and school funding to student loan debt and gun control.

“We believe actions speak louder than words, and the actions of Birkner and Falotico in backing out of their commitment to our local children speaks volumes about exactly what kind of Assembly people they would be,” stated Assemblywoman Schepisi. “Bergen and Passaic Counties deserve strong leaders willing to show up for them. Bob Auth and I do just that; John and Gerry obviously don’t.”