| FREEHOLD, NJ — Today, the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey announced their unanimous endorsement of Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey in their 2019 bid for New Jersey’s 11th Legislative District.
The PFANJ, which represents more than 4,000 active and retired firefighters and emergency medical professionals in New Jersey, said the incumbents are proven leaders who will fight for the men and women whose sacrifices keep our communities safe.
Dominick Marino, President of the PFANJ said, “It is critical that our elected officials are working to ensure that firefighters and emergency medical professionals have the proper equipment and the safe working conditions they need to do their jobs. We are confident that Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey will stand up for first responders in New Jersey and help us keep residents safe.”
During their tenure in office, Houghtaling and Downey have advocated for legislation that improves working conditions, secures pensions and benefits, and addresses workplace-related health issues for firefighters and EMS professionals.
Houghtaling, who served as Mayor of Neptune Township following Superstorm Sandy, said he is honored to receive the endorsement.
“Firefighters and emergency medical personnel risk their lives every day to save others. That’s why we fight so hard to ensure safer workplaces for first responders and secure pensions for retirees. I am humbled to receive this endorsement and we will never stop working to make sure that the voices of our brave first responders are heard at every level of government,” said Houghtaling.
Downey, whose father served as a New Jersey State Trooper for 25 years, said she is proud to stand with New Jersey’s Firefighters.
“As the daughter of a State Trooper, I am so thankful for the first responders who do so much to keep us safe. Firefighters in New Jersey face unique challenges and go above and beyond to protect residents. It is an honor to be their ally in our State House and at home by fighting for the workplace protections and benefits they deserve,” said Downey.
Houghtaling and Downey are also endorsed by New Jersey’s League of Conservation Voters, the New Jersey Education Association, the Sierra Club, the Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 400.
The 11th Legislative District covers eighteen communities, including Tinton Falls, Eatontown, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Shrewsbury Township, Shrewsbury Borough, Colt’s Neck, Freehold Township, Freehold Borough, Long Branch, West Long Branch, Asbury Park, Neptune Township, Neptune City, Interlaken, Loch Arbor, Deal, and Allenhurst. |
