Voting in New Jersey

This week I attended the NJ District 11 State Candidate Debate hosted by the League of Women Voters at Monmouth University. While I came into the auditorium with an open mind, the evening made it clear that I cannot support candidate Jennifer Beck for State Senate.

At a time when women in New Jersey continue to earn less than men in comparable jobs, we need legislation to close the gender wage gap and bring fairness to the workplace. I was dismayed to hear Jen Beck continue to defend her vote against a bill that would have addressed this issue. Jen Beck sided with Chris Christie last year and voted “No.” Her excuses were inadequate and she proposed no alternative action. Throughout the debate, Ms. Beck tried to present herself as a moderate, referencing instances when she ignored the Christie party line. I checked the record—she voted with the governor “only” 95% of the time. That is damage enough.

Vin Gopal, on the other hand, impressed me with his commitment to addressing the issue of workplace discrimination. He understands that when an economy pays a woman only 80 cents for every dollar a man makes, both businesses and families are hurt. Moreover, I believe that his background in running a local business will make him effective in creating legislation to promote economic growth in Monmouth County.

I will be voting for Vin Gopal on November 7th. It is time for NJ government to address the needs of NJ families like mine.

— Rosemary Wright, Ocean Grove