Middletown Assemblywoman Bashes Murphy's Use Of Executive Orders

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — State Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso, who represents Middletown in Trenton, bashed Gov. Murphy's new rules released Monday, which cancel all indoor youth sports until January, and limit outdoor gatherings to 25 people.

DiMaso, a Republican, said her main critique is that Murphy continues to govern New Jersey almost single-handedly by executive order, without seeking consultation of the state Legislature.

Many of Murphy's shutdown orders during COVID, from closing all state parks last spring to keeping restaurants at 25 seating capacity, have been issued via executive order — which he does not need the state Legislature to approve.

“There is no good-government reason to oppose legislative input on executive orders,” said DiMaso. “Even if the legislature had the power to review and extend executive orders, Democrats would approve Governor Murphy’s decisions. They are just comfortable abdicating the responsibility they swore to uphold after being elected.”

A fellow Morris County Republican Assemblyman agreed:

"Having checks and balances in government is incredibly important. That is the reason to fight for American democracy," said Assemblyman Brian Bergen. “One person should not have ultimate power, even if you agree with the policies that person enacts. That is something progressive liberals and conservatives can agree to lock arms and defend. Unfortunately, the establishment Democrats that run New Jersey are missing the point.”

DiMaso represents the 13th District in northern Monmouth; towns she represents include Aberdeen, Holmdel, Hazlet, Middletown, Marlboro, Little Silver, Fair Haven and Rumson, among others.

She got her start in politics by first being elected to the Holmdel Township Committee, from there to the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders and then state Assembly. She lives in Holmdel and is a volunteer EMT in that town.