my reaction to a disappointment, reflect on the things I can change for a better outcome the next time, and refocus my efforts on the next challenge or initiative I am working on. What are the legislative priorities, issues or areas of concern on which you would like to focus your attention? I have the privilege of viewing some of the state’s most pressing issues with a fresh set of eyes and producing common sense and pragmatic solutions to address these concerns. As a representative, I consider myself to be pro-business and protaxpayer. From a pro-business perspective, my goal is to help make New Jersey a state where businesses of all sizes can succeed. The state should be doing more to incentivize and attract new business into the state and helping to provide business relief by cutting burdensome regulations so companies can afford to stay. Additionally, I am concerned about the growing staffing crisis that seems to be impacting almost every industry. There are different ways to address staffing shortages, but I do not believe in just throwing money at the issues, and there is no one-size-fitsall solution. We must be willing to focus on the root causes of staffing shortages and consider each approach on a case-by-case and industry-by-industry basis. From a pro-taxpayer mindset, we must also address the affordability crisis of the state. In the current climate, we see too often that older residents can no longer afford to stay in the state; that our young people cannot afford to start their lives here and are eager to move while taking their industry talents with them; and that property taxes are becoming increasingly burdensome. I am looking forward to taking on these issues, among many others, while in Trenton. Coming out of the pandemic, what are the lessons you’ve learned and how do you think those lessons should guide public policy makers going forward? When I think of post-pandemic life, two things come to mind: the impacts on New Jersey business, and the impacts to our school-aged children. I believe in both regards, we are just beginning to see how broad shutdowns and missed classroom time have impacted residents of our state. I have seen colleagues learn firsthand that there is a fine balance between saving lives and saving livelihoods, and the two do not have to be mutually exclusive. We must make decisions that are good for the publics’ health, but that also do not impact residents’ sources of income, businesses, or mental and emotional stability. Policymakers must always consider the unintended consequences of their decisions. The silver lining of the past two years has been that our state has seen what worked and what did not work in response to the situation we faced – and we are better prepared for our future challenges better than before. 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? My father loved American cars – so much so that there was a time that our family was only allowed to have a car if it was a Buick. He believed the American automotive appeal and performance were unlike any other. When I reached driving age, the family car was a maroon Buick Skylark. I vividly remember driving around the streets of Bayonne thinking I would be the talk of the town. When I was old enough for a car of my own, I stayed in the Buick family and drove the one that my grandfather did. Assemblywoman Matsikoudis’ Bio: Republican representing Legislative District 21 Counties: Union Municipalities: Berkeley Heights, Bernards, Chatham Borough, Cranford, Far Hills, Garwood, Kenilworth, Long Hill, Mountainside, New Providence, Roselle Park, Springfield (Union), Summit, Warren, Watchung, Westfield Education: • B.A. Rosemont College (Political Science/Business) Occupation: • Director of Business Development, Keller Williams – Sue Adler Team Public or Party Service: • Borough of New Providence Council 2019-21 Legislative Service: • General Assembly 2022-present Committees: • Community Development and Affairs • Education • Aging and Senior Services • Joint Committee on the Public Schools Assemblywoman Carol Murphy 7th Legislative District What inspired you to run for office and become a legislator? My father was a U.S. Army Bronze Star Master Sergeant who dedicated his life to public service. He instilled in me that same dedication to public service in various ways. I set many small goals that led me to accomplish bigger goals. Unfortunately, I did not know what that ultimate goal was until I served as a staffer for a legislator many years later. After working in law for 18 years and government for 17 years, going back to school, along with a few part-time jobs, all of that led me to run for office. I am now serving in a career I did not know I wanted until I won in 2017 and it felt right. The words of George Burns apply to me “If you are in love with your job, you never work a day in your life.” What is your greatest achievement and greatest disappointment as a legislator? If you could change one thing in Trenton, what would it be? My greatest achievement as a legislator is when a constituent or colleague or friend says thank you for helping me. I thrived on knowing that people depend on me, knowing they can call me on the phone and say, “I need your help” and know I will do my best to make a difference. A simple THANK YOU is the biggest accomplishment. 5 QUESTIONS WITH... continued from page 21 I S S U E 2 | 2 0 2 2 22 new jersey auto retailer
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