Labor leader/ 5 term Mayor Raymond Heck has announced bid for 12^th Congressional District

As a union leader and 5 term Mayor, Raymond Heck has officially announced his plans for candidacy in the 12^th Congressional District. Heck, who resides in Millstone Borough, has a unique background that has served to help not only his local constituents but New Jersey as a whole.

Labor Leader

For over 30 years, Heck has been a labor leader in the public sector. In his current role he is often  seen traveling the nation as both a lecturer and ambassador for  worker’s rights.  In 2018, he was elected to serve as the police representative for the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System, the largest independent police and fire fund in the nation with over 36 billion dollars in assets. In 2023, Heck was chosen to serve as a Commissioner for the New Jersey Police Training Commission, the unit in charge of police licensing, standards and oversight.

Continuing with service to his community, Heck has been volunteering for over 20 years as a firefighter/ EMT for residents Franklin Township/ Somerset. His achievements in the fire service resulted in his appointment as a Commissioner on the New Jersey Fire Safety Commission.

Small Town Mayor, State & National Exposure.

While serving as Mayor for 19 years, Heck has acquired a vast networking throughout the state and in Washington. His knowledge and experience lead him to be elected as the 52^nd President of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. He was next elected to serve as the 107^th President of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, one of the largest governing associations in the nation. He was also bestowed the honors of being selected Mayor of the Year in 2016 as well as being inducted into the Mayor’s Hall of Fame in 2018. As a regular face with the United States Conference of Mayors, he continues to educate and create dialogue with fellow Mayors on issues related both to New Jersey and the nation.

Priorities

Equality should not be used just as a sound bite to get attention. Raymond has always been a proponent that black and brown communities need a greater say on how their areas can thrive. Not just hearing the stakeholders in the community, but truly listening to them. The LGBTQ community has some of the most brilliant and caring people in our neighborhoods. Diversity, equity and inclusion are the guiding forces that continue to play a key role in acceptance of all.

Education

Some of our school systems are struggling to attain academic achievements and higher graduation rates. This is unacceptable as New Jersey is historically known for its high standards. New Jersey has some of the best teachers in the nation working right here but struggle to get the needed resources to maximize their curriculum. Focus on what teacher’s need and providing them the tools to effectively do their jobs will cascade into better program outcomes for our children. Our education system needs greater support on the national level so that our children have the best opportunities in life.

Public safety

A safe community goes beyond just policing the streets. Focusing on stronger neighborhood based programs will allow for a more positive interaction and presence within the community. Community outreach is an effective tool that has proven to reduce crime and build neighborhood trust. The latest technology should be explored to mitigate potential crimes before it ever happens. A few years back, Heck worked with fellow Mayors and administrators to secure direct funding that went back to the communities to address opioid abuse. These funds were put to local use which provided real results in the reduction with the state’s Fentanyl crisis.

Emergency response is critical in saving lives and property.  Ensuring the fire departments are equipped to handle emergencies more efficient and safely is the primary goal. Heck notes he will work with the department leadership and union executives to see what is needed to accomplish this. Staffing, equipment and training will remain a high priority.

Not just talking about working for the middle class but bringing lasting and meaningful results to our working class.  Ensuring that good paying jobs are available, affordable healthcare is attainable and aggressively protecting our social security benefits will remain a priority. Striving for a living wage is not a goal but a merely a minimum standard. Hard working Americans deserve to reap the fruits of hard labor and enjoy life with their families, not just to survive pay check to pay check.

With almost two decades as a Mayor and over three decades as a nationally recognized labor leader, Heck states his success speaks for itself. Using these talents, Raymond Heck notes he will continue to build district 12’s strength by boosting it to be more competitive in the 21^st century.