Big Law Enforcement Endorsement For New Jersey Governor

The New Jersey Retired Police and Firemen's Association has voted to formally endorse a candidate for Governor of New Jersey.

The Winner Is

Jack Ciattarelli

Ciattarelli is the Republican Nominee for Governor of New Jersey. This is a powerful endorsement in light of the significant number of police and fire retirees.

Ron DiGiovanni - President Says

We caught-up with Ron DiGiovanni, President of the New Jersey Retired Police and Firemen’s Association, who said:

New Jersey Retired Police and Firemen's Association voted to endorse Jack Ciattarelli for Governor of New Jersey. We weighed the positions of both candidates and it was clear to us that Jack was the best candidate for our retirees and the best candidate for the people of New Jersey, said DiGiovanni.

Justification For Ciattarelli Endorsement

This endorsement is driven by several critical member concerns:

• The retired members have not received a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) since 2011.
• During this same time, the New Jersey Legislature granted themselves a 67% pay increase, despite acknowledging the rising cost of living in the state.
• Social Security has consistently awarded COLA increases, averaging 2.2% annually since 2011. Inflation has been real and persistent over the years. New Jersey has failed to keep their word previously given to retired members.
• In the past eight years, Democrats have held complete control of the Assembly, Senate, and Governor's Office. The state budget ballooned from $37.4 billion to $58.7 billion, yet not a single dollar was directed toward reinstating COLA for retired police officers and firefighters.

In their endorsement, the organization objectively stated that:

This failure spans both political parties-initiated under a Republican governor and neglected for the last eight years under Democratic leadership.

Governor Controls The Pension Board

The Governor appoints the 5 members who serve on the Pension Board.

Let's be clear: the Pension Board is controlled by the Governor, who appoints five of its members.

Ciattarelli has pledged to address this inequity and intends to reinstate a COLA for retired members.

Closing Argument For Ciattarelli

It is with great pride that the New Jersey Retired Police and Firemen's Association endorses Jack Ciattarelli for Governor of New Jersey. After reviewing the positions and records of both candidates, it is clear that Jack Ciattarelli is the best choice for our retirees, our families, and the future of New Jersey, said DiGiovanni.

SOURCE: New Jersey Retired Police and Firemen's Association.