DEMOCRATS SELECT VITALE, WISNIEWSKI AND VAS FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE 19TH

           DEMOCRATS SELECT VITALE, WISNIEWSKI AND VAS FOR RE-ELECTION IN THE 19TH  WOODBRIDGE -- At The Forge in Woodbridge, Democratic committee members from across the 19th district gathered Wednesday night and selected State Senator Joseph Vitale, Assemblyman John Wisniewski and Assemblyman Joe Vas for re-election.  The district includes Carteret Borough, Perth Amboy City, South Amboy City, Sayreville Borough and Woodbridge Township. 

Joseph Vitale, who was unchallenged in the convention, has been serving in the New Jersey State Senate since 1998 and has sponsored over one hundred pieces of legislation that have become law including, the NJ Family Health Care Coverage act which expands eligibility for Medicaid to parents and adults without dependent children and the Patient Safety Act. 

 

After the unexpected passing of Mayor Pelzman of Woodbridge, Vitale was selected by the Woodbridge Democratic Organization to be the interim-Mayor of Woodbridge for four months until a special election was held in November.  As Chairman of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee he has been the leading voice in Trenton for Universal Healthcare Coverage, a cause that he is expected to introduce legislation for in the coming months. 

 

Joe Vas, Mayor and Assemblyman from Perth Amboy, was challenged in his bid for the Democratic nomination by Woodbridge Veterinarian Barry Adler.  Vas, who was first elected to the Assembly in 2004, won the nomination with 200 votes to Adler’s 65 votes.   Vas is presently the Vice-Chair of the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

 

Sayreville Assemblyman John Wisniewski, was the leading vote getter among the three Assembly candidates.  He received 251 votes of the 256 present Committee members. Wisniewski was first elected to the Assembly in 1995 and is currently the Chairman of the Transportation and Public Works Committee.  He has taken a leading role in Trenton sponsoring numerous bills that have become law such as, strengthening Meghan’s Law to keep sexual predators away from areas children play and increasing the property tax reduction for Veterans and seniors. 

 

Carteret Mayor Dan Reiman said, “Tonight was a great example of the Middlesex democratic process.  The Middlesex County Democratic Organization allows the rank-and-file members of the committee to choose their candidates - not the party bosses.�  He added, “The committee selected John and Joe to once again represent our district, and I hope that decision is honored.�

 

Helen Gottlieb, Vice-Chair of the Middlesex County Democratic Organization said, “The best candidates won to represent our district with energy and integrity. I am really excited about our slate this year. They are truly dedicated public servants that have the people and people’s needs in the forefront of their minds.� 

 

The Primary Election for the 19th Legislative District is June 5th.

  

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