PRESS RELEASE

In an age where respect and civil discourse across the political aisle seem scarce and deeply missed, it is unfortunate yet unsurprising to see Assemblyman Jay Webber not only spread a false statement about policies and candidates, but to go a step further and edit and doctor a photo of a candidate signing a pledge to protect our environment, which should be a nonpartisan promise. In the era of “fake news”, it is sad and ironic to see a sitting assemblyman and strong supporter of President Trump blazon such disingenuous attacks, knowing full well he is doing so with malice and a sense of falsehood. Therefore, we are calling on Assemblyman Webber to acknowledge, remove, and apologize for his manipulated photo. Additionally, we are asking his running mate Assemblywoman DeCroce denounce this attack as well.

We at Our Revolution Essex County are proud to have 2 candidates, Christine Clarke and Laura Fortgang, who are ready to shake up the status quo in Trenton. The altered image being spread by Jay Webber is not what Christine Clarke said nor is that the text of the pledge in the photo. Hundreds of candidates across the country have signed the no fossil fuel money pledge. We are glad to have a candidate who is willing to fight for climate justice instead of fold his hands while victims of SuperStorm Sandy are still suffering and while many could not use the lakes this summer due to toxic algal blooms. Here is the photo evidence of what Mrs. Clarke said.

“I pledge not to take contributions over $200 from oil, gas, and coal industry executives, lobbyists, or PACs and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits.”

We are proud that Christine Clarke received a national endorsement from Our Revolution. We are also grateful to have support from Our Revolution NJ and Our Revolution Union County in condemning this type of vitriolic campaigning. She has run a campaign based on good governance, civility, and decency, always staying positive and getting her message out there. We can disagree on policy – on being conservative, moderate, liberal, or progressive – but we must all agree on genuine discourse, for that is the bedrock of our democracy.

But at times the record must be addressed and the narrative being falsely spun by Mr. Webber must be corrected. It is unfortunate that an exchange of ideas and respectful discourse could not take place on his Facebook post, but many of his constituents and residents of NJ have been blocked by his account on which he refuses to have dialogue.

As we go into the final stretch of the campaign, we are proud that Christine Clarke will continue to talk to voters about healthcare, the environment, and tax reform, not alter photos to indoctrinate and lie to the electorate. We wish we could say the same for Asm. Webber.  This November 5th, you can vote for civil discourse and a return to respect in our politics, or you can vote for the same officials who have allowed your taxes to skyrocket and who have turned to running smear campaigns, because they can’t run on their records. We at Our Revolution Essex County will always remain civil and respectful – even when we disagree – because every voter deserves respect, honesty, dignity, and to be heard, not blocked.