Gopal, Downey, Houghtaling Earn Backing of ATU

ATU NJ State Council Chair praises ticket as strong voice for commuters, mass transit

March 31th, 2017

Red Bank –  Yesterday, New Jersey’s largest transportation union formally endorsed the LD11 Democratic ticket of Vin Gopal for Senate, and Joann Downey and Eric Houghtaling for Assembly. The Amalgamated Transit Union’s early support reflects Gopal, Downey, and Houghtaling’s strong commitment to the mass transit so many residents of Monmouth County rely on.

Ray Greaves, Chairman of the ATU NJ State Council hailed the LD11 Assembly members, recognizing Assemblywoman Joann Downey and Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling’s commitment to improving and advancing mass transit across the state.

Greaves praised Vin Gopal as the right choice for State Senate who will be a true representative for Monmouth County families, stating, “With the broad constituency of commuters coming from this district, it is essential that its voters have a strong voice advocating for more services to residents. Vin Gopal has proven on many levels that he knows how to get things done and his energy and vision is needed in the Statehouse.”

The LD11 constituency in Monmouth County represents one of the largest commuter districts in the entire state of New Jersey. Across the district, residents depend on both rail and bus services operated by ATU members.

“We know how important the safe, reliable mass transit that ATU supports is to our district and our state, and so we are thrilled to have the backing of the ATU,” said Vin Gopal, candidate for LD11 State Senate. “I look forward to joining Assemblymembers Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey in to continuing to fight for the services our neighbors rely on.”

The endorsement was announced Thursday morning at a public event at the Red Bank Train Station. Vin Gopal, Assemblywoman Joann Downey, and Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling were joined by Chairman Ray Greaves and local ATU members.