Teachers' union endorses candidates on both tickets
Influential NJEA backing goes to Greenstein, Baroni and Bushman in D-14
BY CHRIS GAETANO
Staff Writer

Bill Baroni

The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) has thrown its support behind both Democratic incumbent Linda Greenstein and Republican incumbent Bill Baroni, as well as Republican newcomer Adam Bushman.

Greenstein and Bushman are vying for the Assembly seats in the 14th District, along with Democrat Wayne DeAngelo and Republican Tom Goodwin. Meanwhile, Baroni is competing against former New Jersey Ratepayer Advocate Seema Singh for the Senate seat that will be left behind upon the retirement of Sen. Peter Inverso.

The NJEA, which represents teachers across the state, believed that as incumbents, both Baroni and Greenstein had established records in supporting teachers through their legislative careers. Steve Baker, a spokesperson with the NJEA, said that the union has endorsed both lawmakers in the past.

"They have demonstrated in their past service a strong understanding of educational issues and a desire to keep New Jersey's public schools very strong," Baker said.

"We're very comfortable with both Baroni and Greenstein. … We have endorsed them in the past and are pleased to endorse both again," Baker said.

Linda Greenstein

The NJEA's endorsement of nonincumbent candidates came from interviews designed to gauge their stance toward education issues in the state. Baker said that based on his interview, Bushman came out with the strongest positions.

"He was very strong on education issues and we believe he would be an exemplary assemblyman," said Baker.

Baroni, a college professor at Seton Hall Law School, said he was honored to once more receive the teachers' union endorsement.

"I'm humbled to have the support of an organization that represents so many of our hard-working teachers and education professionals," Baroni said. "During my years in the Assembly I have worked hard every day to improve public education and ensure that our schools are fully funded."

Bushman, meanwhile, expressed a strong desire to work on educational issues if elected.

Adam Bushman

"It is a true honor to gain the support of the NJEA in my campaign for state Assembly," stated Bushman. "I look forward to working hard in the state Assembly to promote a quality system of public education for our students and fighting to protect the interests of students, teachers and education professionals."

Greenstein was also proud to have the support from the union, noting that there was still much work to be done in New Jersey's schools that she looked forward to completing in the Legislature.

"I'm on the same page with many of the same issues. … There's still a lot of unfinished business, but I look forward to working with them because we see eye to eye on many issues," Greenstein said.

Baroni also recently received the endorsement of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Local No. 9.

"We are proud to support Bill Baroni in his campaign to become a state senator," said union business manager Bill Maloney. "Time and again Bill has demonstrated his commitment to New Jersey's working men and women, and we want to continue with his leadership at the State House."