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 14 new jersey auto retailer backgrounds and represents New Jersey’s diverse culture. I want my two little girls and those all over the state to have role models to look up to when they think of our state government. What are the legislative priorities, issues or areas of concern on which you would like to focus your attention? As chair of the Assembly Human Services Committee, I work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of the disabled community are heard, and their needs are met. I am also a working mother with two young children, so ensuring the state can remain affordable for not just them but all future generations remains a constant priority for me. 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? A major lesson I have learned working through this pandemic is using the technology we have to enhance our way of life. When we could not do things in person, we were forced to go into this virtual world, and through that change, we found innovators who made amazing creative choices to keep this world turning. Now that we can start meeting with people again, we should keep the innovation in place and work to keep our virtual options intact when necessary. Our policymakers should continue to find innovative ways to make people’s lives easier in New Jersey, and using technology is one way to do that. 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 learned how to drive in the year 1983 in a 1978 Chevy station wagon. My first car was a Chevy Chevette. Assemblywoman Downey’s Bio: Assemblywoman Joann Downey has represented New Jersey’s 11th Legislative District since 2016. An attorney in private practice, Assemblywoman Downey has served as Assembly Parliamentarian since 2018 and is also a member of the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee and is the Chair of the Human Services Committee. 5 QUESTIONS continued from page 13 Senator Patrick Diegnan, Jr. What inspired you to run for office and become a legislator? As the son of immigrants, my parents always stressed the importance of public service. Name your greatest achievement and greatest disappointment as a legislator. If you could change one thing in Trenton, what would it be? I am proud of all of the bills that, as primary sponsor, have been signed into law. If I could change one thing, it would be a conscious effort to do what is necessary to reduce partisanship. Senator Vin Gopal What inspired you to run for office and become a legislator? I was lucky enough to be born and raised here in Monmouth County and even luckier to be able to start a career and build my life here. I truly believe that Monmouth County is a special place in New Jersey. The diversity of our families, our landscape, and our opportunities makes this a place where so many different people can build a future for themselves. The future I saw was one where I could give back to my community. It was this goal that encouraged me to start a small business here in Monmouth County so I could be part of the efforts to strengthen our economy and so I could hire and work alongside my neighbors. But I know that for too many families, this dream is drifting further out of reach. I was inspired to run for office so I could fight in Trenton to make sure more families can stay and thrive in our communities; so that all of our children have access to a great education and can fulfill a dream of college, and so that businesses will stay and grow in our communities. I know Monmouth County families deserve a senator in Trenton that puts their interests first 100% of the time, not just when it’s politically convenient. I have held on to that belief since I first took the oath of office, and I will continue to stand by that for as long as I have the pleasure to serve as Monmouth County’s State Senator. What are the legislative priorities, issues or areas of concern on which you would like to focus your attention? As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, my focus is on making our transit system environmentally state-of-the-art. 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? Don’t presume you have all the answers. Listen, collect reliable data. Don’t hesitate to adjust as circumstances change. 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 learned how to drive in my brother’s 1960 Ford. My first car was a 1966 Chevy Nova. Senator Diegnan’s Bio: Senator Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr., has represented New Jersey’s 18th Legislative District since 2002 when he represented the district as a member of the General Assembly. He joined the Senate in 2016 and currently serves as the Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee and is a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committee and Select Committee on New Jersey Transit.