Governors should matter and make a difference
Governors matter.
Well, they should matter, especially currently in New Jersey where Gov. Phil Murphy enjoys Democratic dominance in both senate and assembly.
Ballotpedia, a nonprofit and nonpartisan online political encyclopedia written by a staff of researchers and writers, explains, “When one party controls the three vital centers of state political power— the office of the governor, the state House, and the state Senate —Ballotpedia considers that party to control a “trifecta” Trifectas make it easier for the dominant party to pursue its agenda, and more difficult for opposition parties to challenge it.”
With such an advantage, one might expect Democrat agendas to pass without much push back or hesitation.
For instance, Gov. Murphy supports legislation that extends access to state driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants.
Sounds like a no-brainer except Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-19th) fears significant political upheaval in his “party first, people second” decision.
Coughlin appears satisfied to wait until after a November election when all 80 seats in the Assembly will be on the ballot.
Coughlin controls the vote, a situation that suggests governmental impotency for Gov. Murphy.
Despite intense pressures from seemingly all corners of New Jersey, the Coughlin “Let ‘em wait” doctrine remains the law of the land.
Drivers license legislation supporters delivered 15,000 signed petitions to Coughlin’s Woodbridge office.
Next, supporters unleashed numerous statements about the benefits of bills S-3229 in the Senate and A-4743 in the Assembly.
“Access to licenses is critically important to Latino working families that need them to drive to go to work and pick up their kids up from school,” Christian Estevez, president of Latino Action Network, said in a statement.
“Our community has been waiting too long for this. We urge Assembly Speaker Coughlin to act quickly.
Governors serve as overseers with the power to pursue policies and programs using a variety of power options, including executive orders, executive budgets, and legislative proposals.
All 50 state governors have the power to veto. No matter how one perceives power — Murphy has more than enough influence in establishing his progressive policies.
In April 2018, Gov. Murphy signed off on legislation that allows residents automatic registration when they apply for a driver’s license or non-driver ID card at a Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office.
Governors enjoy a power to push, prod and promote ideas, policies and agendas. Voters will determine if Murphy’s laws identified with their issues and causes.
Regarding the Coughlin decision to delay, well, voters could side against Democrats who decided to put on hold more than a half million people.
Plus, Republicans will charge Democrats with chicanery, playing fast and loose with people drowned in constant struggle for upward mobility.
Murphy has tremendous power as cheerleader for all education objectives, especially pre-K learning.
“New Jersey’s children deserve access to the highest-quality education possible, regardless of location or socioeconomic status,” Gov. Murphy said.
That comment arrived during an announcement that notes New Jersey will receive $10.6 million in federal funding for a new initiative — The NJ Preschool Development Collaboration.
Ok, it’s not as sexy as drivers licenses or marijuana legalization but education remains key to urban revitalization, a decline in property taxes and removal of disproportionate burdens on middle class citizens.
Yes, we need governors, city council members, mayors and great citizens who understand their power.
Not sure we need freeholders. Not certain their position in the wheel of fortune government.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.