NEW JERSEY LCV ANNOUNCES ENDORSEMENTS FOR MAY MUNICIPAL NON-PARTISAN ELECTIONS

TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey residents in a handful of municipalities will elect town leadership by voting in nonpartisan municipal elections on May 9. New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (New Jersey LCV), the statewide political voice for the environment, is announcing its slate of endorsed candidates for these nonpartisan local elections. New Jersey LCV expanded from just legislative and statewide endorsements to local election endorsements in 2020, having supported more than 130 candidates at the local municipal and county level since the program began.

“We are excited to kick off this important election year with our first round of endorsements for local environmental champions. It’s essential that those who vote with the environment in mind get to the polls on May 9, since we generally see a lower turnout for these races,” said Allison McLeod, New Jersey LCV Policy Director. “When it comes to climate change action, safeguarding drinking water, reducing flooding, advancing environmental justice, and preserving open space and parks, local leaders have enormous power. We encourage all voters in these towns to voice their support for the environment by casting their ballot.”  

Red Bank Borough

Mayor Billy Portman

Councilwoman Kate Triggano

Kristina Bonatakis

David Cassidy

Ben Forest

Dr. Laura Jannone

Nancy Facey-Blackwood

“I am grateful to once again receive the endorsement of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. Reducing emissions and protecting the environment is our planet’s number one concern, and New Jersey LCV is leading the charge,” said Mayor Billy Portman.

“I am honored to once again receive the endorsement of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters,” said Councilwoman Kate Triggano. “It’s always the right time to do what’s right, and protecting our environment and implementing sustainable policy will always be one of my top priorities.“

“I couldn’t be prouder to secure the endorsement of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters – a non-profit doing the good work to secure clean air, clean water, and open space for generations to come,” said Red Bank Council Candidate Kristina Bonatakis.

“Good environmental policy is critical. A local community must think beyond its own borders as we are facing a crisis. Good policy begins with good leadership that lives the values they ask other residents to adopt. We believe in this simple philosophy and pledge to do what is in our power to take action,” said Red Bank Council Candidate David Cassidy.

“I am honored to have the support of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters in my bid for Red Bank Council,” said  Red Bank Council Candidate Ben Forest.

“Red Bank’s Ready is happy to be supported by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, a leading political voice for our environment,” said Red Bank Council Candidate. Dr. Laura Jannone.

“I am honored to be endorsed by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. I appreciate their advocacy for the environment,” said Red Bank Council Candidate Nancy Facey-Blackwood.

Township of Verona

Christine McGrath

“I am thrilled to accept this endorsement from the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters,” said Councilwoman Christine McGrath. “I am proud of my record of preserving 25 acres of open space in Verona from overdevelopment. If re-elected, I will focus on continuing to take steps to mitigate flooding risks in my community, removing contaminants from our drinking water, supporting waste reduction, and promoting safe walking and biking routes.”

Haddon Township

Ryan Linhart

“It is a true honor to be recognized and endorsed by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters for my 2023 re-election as Haddon Township Commissioner. Born and raised in the New Jersey Pinelands, I have seen the beauty and power of nature firsthand and recognize that it is our responsibility, as leaders and environmental stewards, to manage, protect, and coexist with our natural resources,” said Commissioner Ryan Linhart. “It is especially important for Haddon Township to maintain our water utility’s access to the Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer and to remedy stormwater runoff issues. As a Commissioner in Haddon Township, I will continue to work within my capacity to ensure that safeguarding our communities is achieved without jeopardizing the future of our environment, and to see that green technologies are implemented as they become more viable.”

“New Jersey LCV will continue our mission to elect – and hold accountable – environmentally-focused elected officials. Our legislative endorsement process is now open until May 5th to those running for the New Jersey Senate and Assembly, and local endorsements for the general election in November will open in the summer,” added McLeod. “With the impacts of climate change and our need to transition to a 21^st century clean energy economy, now more than ever it matters who represents us in government at every level.”

New Jersey LCV is a nonpartisan organization whose mission is to elect environmental champions. It is the only New Jersey-based environmental group with both a Political Action Committee (PAC) and Super PAC.