By Andrew Macurdy

In addition to choosing a new governor this year, the New Jersey General Assembly is also on the ballot.  The State Assembly is akin to the U.S. House of Representatives for New Jersey.  Each district has two Assembly representatives.  The role of the state legislative body is three-fold: (1) write and pass laws for New Jersey (including the budget), (2) conduct oversight hearings of the governor’s office and executive agencies, and (3) respond to and address constituent concerns.  I am running for our State Assembly in District 21 because we deserve more effective representation in all three categories.

As a prosecutor, I have already developed policy that is having a positive, statewide impact.  At the Attorney General’s Office, I created and built up a program that paired law enforcement with mental health workers to respond as a unit to crisis 911 calls.  Termed “Arrive” Together, the initiative has been adopted by police departments across the State.  Both gubernatorial candidates this year have praised Arrive Together, with Jack Ciattarelli calling the initiative “thoughtful” policy.  In 2022, a unanimous Legislature, including our current representatives and my opponents in this race, voted to fund and expand Arrive Together.  In the Assembly, I would continue to build that sort of bi-partisan consensus made possible by focusing on problem solving.

In my time as a federal and state prosecutor, I also learned how to ask incisive questions that identify the heart of an issue.  We need legislators who have that ability and can hold the executive branch accountable.  For example, the State is in the process of selling property owned by New Jersey Transit to generate revenue for the agency.  But any plan to pursue one-time sales, as opposed to recurring revenue, should be carefully scrutinized.  Those are exactly the questions I would be asking as a legislator, both in formal hearings and otherwise.

Finally, I have gone door-to-door in towns across our district to hear directly from thousands of voters over the course of the past year.  Being available and present, and holding town halls, is how elected officials can understand what is important to their constituents.  Our current representatives cannot even be bothered to appear for a public debate in this election, despite multiple requests.

State government is more important than ever.  I believe it is time for fresh perspectives down in Trenton.  You can vote early in-person today through Sunday, November 2nd.  Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th.

Andrew Macurdy is a former federal and state prosecutor, and counsel to the Attorney General, and is a candidate for the State Assembly in Legislative District 21.