Sierra Club Endorses Gopal, Houghtaling & Downey
Tittel: We are here because elections have consequences
The New Jersey Sierra Club announced its endorsement of 11th District candidates Vin Gopal for State Senate, and State Assembly incumbents Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey at Sunset Park Wednesday. The volunteer organization is the nation’s oldest and largest environmental group with over 2.5 million supporters nationwide, and 85,000 across the state.
“We consider the environment as being a broad spectrum issue,” said Director Jeff Tittel. “Unless you deal with other issues related to the environment you can never actually protect the planet.”
Tittel said the group’s mission includes everything from clean water and air, to ensuring people have a good place to live and a living wage.
“We are here because elections have consequences,” Tittel said. “New Jersey is at a crossroads. We need to make sure that we have a governor and a legislature that will not only stand up Donald Trump and all that he wants to do in dismantling environmental protections, but will also work tirelessly to heal and fix New Jersey from the devastation of eight years of Gov. [Chris] Christie.”
Tittel said he knows the candidates will be champions for the environment.
“We believe in one of the most competitive races that we are going to see, that it is critical that we pick the candidates that will stand up for the environment,” he said. “The environment is critical in this district. Everyone knows that this area depends on coastal tourism.”
The three candidates were on hand to thank Tittel and the state chapter for the official endorsement.
Gopal, in response, said the governor and his opponent Republican incumbent Jennifer Beck have not been acting in the best interest of the people of Monmouth County. He pledged to work toward ensuring clean air and water, to fight for public beach access, and to help rebuild failing infrastructure.
“The cancellation of the ARC tunnel by Gov. Christie and Sen. Beck still hurts people to this day commuting in and out of New Jersey and New York,” Gopal said. “For me it’s not about party. No matter what political party that person is from, ff they try to hurt our environment, we are going to what is in the best interest of the people behind us and that live and breathe the water and air here in Monmouth County. The environment should not be a political issue.”
In a news statement from Tittel’s office, he credited Downing for supporting multiple bills supported by the nonprofit organization, including one that addresses the Department of Health regulations regarding elevated blood lead levels in children be consistent with the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] recommendations; a bill to ensure equal pay for women; and to require the Department of Environmental Protection [DEP] update its 35-year-old Shore Protection Master Plan.
“I am honored to receive the endorsement from the Sierra Club,”Downey said. “In the Assembly, I have worked to make sure Monmouth County is a place my two daughters can be proud to call home, and part of that is preserving our shore and our environment. Together with the Sierra Club, I will continue to stand up against policies that are dangerous to our families’ health and our environment.”
Both Houghtaling and Downey have supported clean energy – voting for the State’s full participation in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative [RGGI], which will help expand renewable energy, create jobs, reduce greenhouse gases, fight climate change and help middle class families save money on their electric bills, the news statement said.
“Thank you to the Sierra Club for their support,” Houghtaling said. “Climate change and environmentally harmful practices are some of the gravest challenges facing New Jersey. The Sierra Club has been one of the strongest voices raising awareness and taking stands against dangerous policies. I have worked to defend Monmouth County’s families and environment during my time in the Assembly and I look forward to continuing to stand with the Sierra Club.”
The endorsement comes within weeks of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, and Monmouth County Conference of PBA endorsement of the Democratic candidates.
The 11th Legislative District includes Monmouth County municipalities of Allenhurst, Asbury Park, Colts Neck, Deal, Eatontown, Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Interlaken, Loch Arbour, Long Branch, Neptune City, Neptune Township, Ocean Township, Red Bank, Shrewsbury Borough, Shrewsbury Township, Tinton Falls and West Long Branch.
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