Pub. 20 2021-2022 Issue 3

N E W J E R S E Y C O A L I T I O N O F A U T O M O T I V E R E T A I L E R S I S S U E 3 | 2 0 2 1 12 new jersey auto retailer Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin What inspired you to run for office and become a legislator? On election night in 1968, I remember asking my mother why we supported Democratic candidate Hubert Humphrey, and she said, “Because he supported people like us.” As a lifelong resident of Middlesex County, instilled with my mother’s passion for public service, I wanted to do everything I could to help my community. I wanted to improve the lives of all New Jerseyans, particularly our seniors and the most vulnerable. I knew that having a seat in the General Assembly would allow me to positively impact and be a voice in the room as important policy was being debated. Today, I continue the work of standing up for my constituents and the more than nine million people who call New Jersey home. Name your greatest achievement and greatest disappointment as a legislator. If you could change one thing in Trenton, what would it be? As a legislator, getting any bill you sponsor across the finish line and signed into law is a great achievement. Sometimes it takes time to build support and to get people behind a particular policy approach or solution. Raising the minimum wage was that kind of policy accomplishment I was proud to champion. I’d also say that our agility, perseverance, and willingness to come together as a State and Legislature to help people throughout the Covid-19 pandemic has been another source of great pride. There will always be problems for us to solve, and as hard as we try, we can’t solve every problem all at once. That can be tough, but it’s also what keeps us going. I would encourage us to focus on negotiating across our differences and keep working together toward consensus. What are the legislative priorities, issues or areas of concern on which you would like to focus your attention? New Jersey is made up of hard-working communities. Economic growth, jobs, pay equity, access to affordable and quality education, health care and controlling taxes are critically important. In the Assembly, we are constantly working on issues to improve the quality of life for New Jerseyans. Looking ahead at infrastructure projects and investments that generate transformative change and high-paying jobs is where I would like to focus our work. Coming out of the pandemic, what are the lessons you’ve learned, and how do you think those lessons should guide public policymakers going forward? We learned a number of lessons. We learned how adaptable we could be. We learned that certain communities face serious inequalities. We learned that there’s an alarming mistrust of government and even science, and we realized that we are resilient in the face of significant challenges. Most importantly, though, we learned that we are stronger together. By carrying forward the spirit of unity that made us effective in our pandemic response, we can continue to ensure government works for the people. What that means for us as policymakers are coming to the table with a genuine interest to hear everyone and a willingness to bridge our divides to find meaningful solutions. What was the make and model of the vehicle in which you learned how to drive? Also, what was the first (new or used) vehicle you owned? I first learned to drive in a green 1972 Chevy Impala and later went on to own a used red Chevy Vega. Assembly Coughlin’s Bio: Assemblyman Coughlin has been in the General Assembly since 2010, representing District 19. He has served in the legislative leadership role of Assembly Speaker since 2018. before being elevated to Assembly Speaker, he was the Parliamentarian from 2016 to 2017 and the Deputy Parliamentarian from 2014 to 2016. A graduate of St. John’s University and St. John’s University School of Law in Queens, New York, he is a practicing attorney in private practice in New Jersey. Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling What inspired you to run for office and become a legislator? I was born and raised in Neptune, became Mayor, and have had the privilege of serving on the Neptune Township Committee for four years. I have also served as a representative to the Monmouth and Ocean Counties Central Labor Council. I am a career electrician and a proud, 40-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 400. I have always strived to give back to the community I raised my family in, so I decided to run for Assembly to continue helping people the best way I know how. Name your greatest achievement and greatest disappointment as a legislator. If you could change one thing in Trenton, what would it be? Greatest achievement: I am proud to help make our roads safer in New Jersey. Last legislative session, I strengthened the “Move-Over Law” in New Jersey, requiring drivers to slow down and move over a lane away from workers whenever