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In an almost unprecedented move, the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association, in conjunction with the the Monmouth County Conference of PBA’s, came out early in the campaign cycle to endorse Democratic Senate candidate Vin Gopal and Assembly incumbents Joann Downey and Eric Houghtaling [D-11] on the Asbury Park Boardwalk.

“We are out early in this race in the 11th district,” said State PBA President Patrick Colligan. “We are going to be there, we are going to be walking with you, we are going to be working the phones with you, we are going to be behind you 100 percent.”

Colligan said while the State PBA remained quiet for many years, it was his predecessor that decided to get the organization involved in the political process.

“[He required] all of members get registered to vote because we were a paper tiger,” Colligan said. “Over the past several years, between the registering to vote and get out to vote effort, what you see is the result and about a hundred of our members involved in the political process here.”

Colligan said Houghtaling and Downey have proven to be great advocates for law enforcement, as well as Gopal.

“Vin Gopal has always been a strong supporter of law enforcement in Monmouth County,” he said in a written statement. “He has made it clear that, if elected to the New Jersey State Senate, he intends to continue working closely with PBA leadership and our members.

“What we will see in these three candidates in the next race is not only responsible law enforcement advocates but advocates for those in Monmouth County who want strong schools and a solid tax base, and more importantly on the law enforcement end, someone in the Senate who is not going to be attacking our pension and our benefits.”

Gopal said police officers deserve not only dignity from the residents but from the politicians in Trenton and their collectively bargained pensions and benefits unlike what Chapter 78 did.

“In the past 7½ years what you have seen is a governor who has disparaged their profession and way of living,” Gopal said of Christie. “Our police officers go each and every day, with one of the most dangerous jobs into some of the most dangerous areas. I’m honored with humility as I look at each and everyone of these men and women for what they do each and every day.”

Also in attendance were Mayor John Moor, Deputy Chief David Kelso, and Ocean Township Councilman John Napolitani.

“This is unique in that the local police officers have publicly supported Vin,” said Joe Grillo, Chair of the local Democratic Committee . “It’s one thing for the PBA as an organization to support him but it’s extremely unique to have individual local officer publicly supporting him.”

Downey, whose father was a member of the State Police force, said she knows first hand what being in a police family is like.

“We know it has a real impact on families,” she said. “We know that you give up a lot to do the job that you do. Not only do you protect us out there but help to bring communities together and we saw that on National Night Out. People need to know there has to be that respect between the community and law enforcement.”

Houghtaling, who began his career on the Neptune Township Committee and served as its Mayor, said he knew it was a leap of faith for many who supported their run two years ago.

“We have done the things that we have promised we were going to do and we are going to be there to support those that need support,” Houghtaling said.

“As an organization, the PBA does an amazing job of protecting the men and women who protect us every day,” he said in a written statement. “As Assemblyman, I am honored to work with these members and will do everything I can support them.”

The endorsement marks a political cornerstone that has taken hold in the city, with continual support from Congressman Frank Pallone, many visits from gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy and Sen. Cory Booker, and tomorrow’s second visit by Murphy’s running mate, Lt. Governor candidate Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver [D-34].

Oliver will be the featured guest during the Annual Bier-B-Q event, being held from 6 to 8 p.m at Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten, located at 527 Lake Avenue.

“We are honored to have Assemblywoman Oliver in Asbury Park for our 2nd annual fundraiser to help us get out the vote this November and help get Democrats elected, from the Murphy-Oliver ticket all the way down the ballot including Von Gopal for Senate, Houghtaling and Downey for Assembly and Wilton and Donlon for Monmouth Freeholder,” Grillo said. “The only way Democrats win in Coastal Monmouth is when Asbury Park’s voters turn out. We have to make sure residents, new and old, are registered, informed and mobilized in the run-up to Election Day.”

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