In a significant development for the New Jersey gubernatorial race, Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli has secured the endorsement of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 825.
This influential union, representing over 7,000 members across the state, has thrown its support behind Ciattarelli, highlighting the pressing issues facing New Jersey and the need for pragmatic solutions.
Greg Lalevee, the business manager of IUOE 825, articulated the union's stance, emphasizing that New Jersey is "at a crossroads," grappling with "an affordability crisis" and a deficit of common sense, as reported by the New Jersey Globe. Lalevee underscored Ciattarelli's understanding of the state's challenges, stating, "New Jersey is at a crossroads. We face an energy crisis, an affordability crisis, and a crisis of common sense. The solutions are basic but may not be politically popular. We need a Governor who will tackle our challenges and not cave to the fringe political voices."
According to Breitbart, Lalevee further praised Ciattarelli's insight into what is necessary to "fix our great state."
IUOE 825, headquartered in Springfield, New Jersey, boasts a membership of 7,500 individuals skilled in operating heavy machinery such as cranes, forklifts, and bulldozers. The union's endorsement reflects a broader concern about the state's energy policies and economic direction.
Lalevee highlighted Ciattarelli's openness to job creation through natural gas projects, contrasting this with Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill's focus on solar energy initiatives. "The notion that we can do this without natural gas is insane," Lalevee remarked to the New Jersey Globe. "We cant get there just on solar. Thats impossible."
Sherrill, in her own words published in NJBiz, outlined a vision for New Jersey that prioritizes a "clean, resilient energy future that lowers costs." She proposed expanding solar projects on commercial spaces and transforming underutilized areas into power sources. However, the union's endorsement of Ciattarelli suggests a preference for a more balanced approach to energy policy, one that includes traditional energy sources alongside renewable options.
As the gubernatorial race intensifies, Ciattarelli's endorsement by IUOE 825 could prove pivotal, especially among voters concerned with economic pragmatism and energy policy. The union's backing underscores a broader debate on how best to address New Jersey's energy and economic challenges, with Ciattarelli positioned as a candidate willing to embrace a diverse energy strategy.
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