Letter: Casting a Vote for Tom Giaimo for Assembly

The following letter appears online at the Atlantic Highland Herald:


There are a select few that are obviously genuine in what they do, in their occupation as well as their lives. I have come to know Tom Giaimo over the past few months and can plainly see that this is one of those people that is truly genuine.

Tom grew up in Middletown and as a child he carried a reputation as an ace pitcher. His peers quaked when they had to try and hit the ball that was pitched to them by Tom. He has gained the respect of others from this time, as a child, to the current date.

As an attorney, representing homeowner associations, Tom Giaimo knows the struggles the average person goes through trying to forge out a life and living for their families. He knows that people need to be represented in all facets of life, whether it is in the courtroom or out on the street. Tom knows that when people stick together they become a force that is hard to reckon with.

People in New Jersey need representatives like Tom Giaimo. He will put the needs of the people ahead of all else. He will bring integrity, transparency and accountability back to state politics. I am casting my vote for Tom Giaimo for NJ State Assembly in the 13th Legislative District and I hope you are too.



Don Watson

New Monmouth, NJ

Letter: Why I Oppose JCP&L's Power Line Project

Editor,

Tom Giaimo

My name is Tom Giaimo and I have lived in Middletown all my life. While JCP&L’s proposed transmission line would not run next to my house, and would not affect me and my family directly, this project is one of the reasons I have decided to run for state office this November. Having long enjoyed the beauty of our parks, our historic districts and the overall quality of life of our communities, I am expressing my strong opposition to JCP&L’s Monmouth County Reliability Project (“MCRP”). JCP&L, with this proposed $111 million project, plans to install a 3rd 230 kV transmission line along NJ Transit’s railroad “right of way”, which runs from Aberdeen to Red Bank. This proposed transmission line is unnecessary, redundant, and will run through some of the most densely populated neighborhoods in our district. The proposed line would be placed over an active commuter rail line utilized by thousands every day. Moreover, it will run adjacent to schools, parks and homes, notwithstanding that studies have linked power line exposure to serious health risks such as cancer, childhood leukemia and Alzheimer’s. If installed, the project will negatively impact the health and safety of our citizens, including the most vulnerable, our youth and seniors. It will have a detrimental effect upon parks and schools adjacent to the rail line and will destroy the environmentally sensitive area known as the Navesink River Watershed. Without question, the homes next to or close to the proposed line will have their market value drastically reduced, in fact some properties will simply become unmarketable. Life in Middletown and in all the other impacted towns will be negatively changed to the detriment of its citizens and its taxpayers who would have to foot the bill for this project.

So with all these serious issues surrounding the proposed line, one wonders: why build it? And one should look no further than JCP&L’s parent company, First Energy’s earnings report, which states that “we continue to view the transmission business as our primary growth platform for many years to come.” It is reprehensible that JCP&L would even propose this project out of its need to increase its bottom line, at the clear expense of Monmouth County residents, and amid the mounting health, environmental and economic concerns.

As a NJ Assemblyman I will always advocate for policies that are future forward, environmentally conscious and most importantly, put people over profits.



Sincerely,

Tom Giaimo
Middletown Resident
Assembly Candidate, District 13

Asbury Park Press Endorses GOP Incumbents in LD 13 But Suggests Democrat Friedman As "Excellent Alternative"

 Allison Friedman

For the past 10 days or so the Asbury Park Press has been issuing their endorsements of various candidates for this year's November 5th election and as usual, much of their reasoning has often been convoluted and contradictory.

Such is the case in the 13th Legislative District where the APP suggested that voters have an "excellent alternative" in Democrat Allison Friedman while trying very hard to justify their choice to endorse the GOP incumbents Joe Kyrillos, Amy Handlin and Declan O'Scanlon, all of whom at one time or another, have supported extreme right-wing and Tea Party agendas that have run against the middle class, minorities, women and blue collared workers.

The APP had this to say about Friedman in a somewhat back-handed endorsement of her candidacy. After all, she has some ideas, not just complaints:

"...For those unhappy with either of the two Assembly incumbents, Friedman provides an excellent alternative. She might well be the strongest Democratic challenger in any of the six Shore-area legislative races.

Friedman has clearly articulated ideas and suggestions that would benefit both the poor and middle class in New Jersey, including the need for bail reform to limit the cost to Monmouth County of incarcerating people accused of low-level crimes who cannot afford to post bail..."

Allison Friedman LD 13 NJ State Assembly Candidate on Business

Allison Friedman, Candidate for State Assembly, District 13, Monmouth County, gives solid ideas for growing business in her area as well as New Jersey.