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 4 | 2 0 2 1 16 new jersey auto retailer to actually become law. But you have to be persistent and keep your coalitions of support together. Regarding what I would change in Trenton, I would definitely encourage greater social interaction among legislators from different political parties. I believe this would foster more organic relationships and create a stronger sense of empathy for the common needs of all constituents. What are the legislative priorities, issues or areas of concern on which you would like to focus your attention? Right now, I am primarily focused on reforming the Motor Vehicle Commission, continuing improvements to NJ Transit, fighting for equity and environmental stewardship in public transportation, increasing access to healthcare, and transitioning New Jersey to cleaner sources of energy, especially in the transportation sector. 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? I think the four most important lessons we have learned throughout this pandemic are: 1) that our communities are far more interconnected than perhaps we realized, so we have to place a greater emphasis on ensuring that no one is isolated; 2) we need to improve the f lexibility with which we deliver government services, especially in terms of expanding the online delivery of services without isolating those who are experiencing technical challenges; 3) we must ensure that everyone has reliable access to the internet, training for computer competency; and 4) that telehealth and telemedicine, proven invaluable through this pandemic, have proven their value outside the context of the pandemic, and should be codified as permanent aspects of healthcare delivery. What was the make and model of the vehicle in which you learned to drive? Also, what was the first (new or used) vehicle you owned? The car in which I learned how to drive was a 1977 Chevy Station Wagon, which would stall if you had to stop too quickly. The first car I bought was a sky blue 1977 Chevy Malibu classic, with a white soft top, two doors, and a V8 engine. The first car I newly owned was a 1998 Dodge Neon. Assemblyman Benson’s Bio: Assemblyman Daniel Benson has represented New Jersey’s 14th Legislative District (Cranbury, East Windsor, Hamilton (Mercer), Hightstown, Jamesburg, Monroe (Middlesex), Plainsboro, Robbinsville and Spotswood) since 2011. He has been the Assembly Deputy Conference Leader since 2020 and is currently the Chair of the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee and a member of the Assembly Health Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee. Before serving in the Assembly, he served in the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 2008-2011 and the Hamilton Township Council from 2002 to 2005. A business consultant, Assemblyman Benson is a graduate of Georgetown University and Rutgers University, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. 5 QUESTIONS continued from page 15
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