PRESS RELEASES

Press Release: New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association Endorses Corzine-Weinberg ‘09
October 1, 2009


For Immediate Release                                                                                                  
October 1, 2009                                                                                                              
 
Contact:
Elisabeth Smith (609) 695-7190
   
TRENTON—Citing his commitment to keeping New Jersey’s law enforcement community safe, and strong leadership in these economic times, the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association (NJPBA) today endorsed the Corzine-Weinberg ticket for re-election.
 
“These brave men and women work selflessly to keep New Jerseyans safe. There is a not a more dangerous or important job than that of a police officer. These are heroes who put their lives on the line each and every day. I am committed to honoring this sacrifice by making sure the pension and health benefits that they deserve will be there when the time comes. I am humbled and honored by the endorsement of the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association.”
 
During his first term, the Governor contributed more than $3.2 billion into the public pension system- more in three and a half years than the previous 15 years combined- and been committed to ensuring that pensions are available in the future. Over the past few months, the Governor has worked to secure American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars that will go directly to the men and women who keep our communities safe. 
 
“Governor Corzine understands that law enforcement is the first priority of government,” NJPBA President Anthony Wieners. “We are endorsing his re-election because he has recognized that officers deserve protections that reflect the sacrifices they may be asked to make. His commitment to fund our pensions has exceeded in billions of dollars and general interest those of the four Governors who preceded him. We stand with this Governor because we know he will continue to stand with the men and women in blue.”
 
The NJPBA represents 33,000 men and women across New Jersey.
 
The Corzine-Weinberg ticket has secured the support of every major law enforcement and firefighter union in New Jersey.
   
*Please see NJPBA endorsement letter below:
 
The Honorable Jon S. Corzine
Governor
State of New Jersey
State House
Trenton, NJ 08625
 
Dear Governor Corzine:
 
On behalf of the 33,000 members of the New Jersey State PBA, I am proud to offer you our endorsement for your re-election as Governor of the State of New Jersey. I think that it is important to begin by stating that I respect the relationship that we have developed over the last few years. You have constantly maintained an open door to me, and by extension our members, and even when we have disagreed on issues you promoted open communication and fostered an environment of honesty. I know from our many talks that you are committed to the men and women of law enforcement and I truly believe you understand the difficulties of our duties.
 
Law enforcement officers are not the average public employee. Our members perform a high stress job every day of the year. There is danger in even the most routine law enforcement activity and we need only look at the death of officers in Belleville, Perth Amboy, Jersey City and numerous serious injuries recently to know that this is true. It is therefore critical, especially in this difficult economic period, to protect law enforcement from cuts that will damage public safety and put our officers at risk.
 
Your performance as Governor has shown that you truly understand that law enforcement is the first priority of government. This includes ensuring that officers are provided with protections that reflect the sacrifices they may be asked to make. For example, it is obvious that you care about the health of our pension system. Your commitment to fund our pensions has exceeded in billions of dollars and general interest those of the four Governors who preceded you. Your actions prove that pension reform does not mean playing politics with the lives of our law enforcement officers. A stable, well-funded pension system is good for employers and employees alike and I believe you have put our pension system back on track.
 
You have also joined us in the fight to ensure that officers are treated fairly on the job. The enactment of the "180 Day Bill" means that the disciplinary process will no longer become part of the discipline and you have helped eliminate bureaucracy that was wasting taxpayer dollars. We are also grateful for your opposition to privatizing prisons and turning over correctional facilities to businesses that care only about the bottom line and not about the public safety. You know firsthand that prisons can be dangerous places and your efforts to stop the flow of cell phones and drugs into prisons will surely protect our corrections officers.
 
I recognize that your support for us goes far beyond economic issues. When I approached you with a concern that suicides amongst law enforcement had reached epidemic proportions you immediately took an interest. The establishment of the Police Suicide Task Force, Co-Chaired by Attorney General Milgram and Human Services Commissioner Velez, put together recommendations and policies that have certainly prevented suicides since its inception. I have also witnessed your compassion behind the scenes and far away from the press when you sit with the survivors of officers killed in the line of duty. Many politicians would jump at the chance to advertise these visits but you chose compassion, respect and honor over political points.
 
The enactment of the "Kelley Bill" was also an important demonstration of your commitment to those who serve. The bill, which provided survivor benefits to officers killed while serving in the military, was a major PBA priority. Roughly 10% of the men and women in the National Guard or Reserves are police officers. Now the family of any officer killed while serving our nation will be protected as if they were killed here in New Jersey. I think you know from your own service in the Marines to your many visits with our members in the military how great you make them feel when you encourage and remain committed to them and their families.
 
I am sure that this is a difficult time to be Governor. However, I know that you care very deeply about the people of New Jersey and that you try to do what is right even when it's not popular. Even more so, I know that you sincerely respect the men and women of law enforcement and that you are dedicated to providing them protection, on the job and off, in a manner that reflects the very special duties they perform for all the people of New Jersey.
 
I am pleased to offer you our endorsement and I wish you the best of luck with the campaign.