State Police Union Endorses Rep. Gottheimer For Re-Election

PARAMUS, NJ — The union representing more than 33,000 New Jersey State Police officers announced Monday its endorsement of Democrat Josh Gottheimer to continue to represent the state's 5th Congressional District.

Patrick Colligan, president of the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association, spoke about Gottheimer’s commitment to law enforcement and first responders, along with his bipartisan efforts to protect communities and keep families safe. A first-term congressman, Gottheimer received the union's endorsement two years ago during his inaugural campaign.

“In just a short amount of time, [Gottheimer] has really proven to be a fierce, loyal advocate for law enforcement, firefighters and all first responders,” said Colligan. “Most recently, something that touches this community very dearly is the school bus legislation for the [three-point] harnesses."

Colligan referenced the bipartisan Secure Every Child Under the Right Equipment Standards Act (SECURES) of 2018. The legislation would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation to update the nationwide standard so large school buses in all 50 states have three-point seat belts. New Jersey only requires lap belts. Gottheimer announced the legislation several days after a bus crash in Mount Olive that killed a Paramus student and her teacher.

"How have we gone this long without three-point harnesses for the children that transit this state every day?" Colligna asked. "Josh’s advocacy for first responders does not just touch this district, he touches officers throughout this country."

Gottheimer said he was "honored" to receive the PBA's endorsement for re-election.

“I am honored to have [the support of the New Jersey State PBA] today just as I was honored to have your support two years ago," said Gottheimer. "I’ve been so proud to fight for law enforcement and for all our first responders in Congress."

Gottheimer, a father of two from Wyckoff, has also made it a priority to work with towns and local police and fire departments to secure the equipment, training and resources terror and keep their communities safe, while also helping towns reduce their property tax bills.

Paramus received a $1.8 million grant last year to hire and train five new police officers, as part of the Community Oriented Policing Services Program. The borough plans to fill all five positions with post-9/11 veterans.

Gottheimer is a former Microsoft executive and speechwriter for President Bill Clinton. He defeated then longtime incumbent Scott Garrett in 2016 in a long and often contentious election that saw both candidates lob personal attacks at one another.

Gottheimer has long advocated for Republicans and Democrats to work together to find solutions to both long- and short-term issues. He is a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.

Gottheimer is running against John McCann, a lawyer from Oakland, in this year's election.

The 5th Congressional District includes parts of Bergen, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties. Most of the district's 647,000 residents, 75 percent, live in Bergen County.

Related:

• Teacher, Student Confirmed Dead In Paramus Field Trip Bus Crash
• NJ Congressman, Senator Want Full Seat Belts On All School Buses
  
• McCann Declared Winner Of District 5 Republican Primary

Email daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) speaking at a rally where he received the endorsement of the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association. (Courtesy of Rep. Gottheimer's office)