Verona Democrat Running For D-26 Assembly Seat: Laura Fortgang

VERONA, NJ — A Verona business owner and community leader is cruising along in her quest for an Assembly seat in New Jersey’s 26th Legislative District, according to her campaign director.

Laura Fortgang, who announced she’s running in February, has lived in the district for 24 years and serves as Verona Democratic Chair.

Currently, the 26th District is represented in the Assembly by Republicans Betty Lou DeCroce and Jay Webber. The state’s 26th District includes the towns of Butler, Fairfield (Essex), Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Morris Plains, North Caldwell, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Rockaway Township, Verona, West Caldwell and West Milford.

Fortgang said that she’s seen some “worrying changes” in the place she’s raised her family for more than two decades.

“We’ve watched our taxes go up and the return on that investment diminish,” Fortgang said. “New Jersey has the finest public schools in the country; we have developed life-saving medicines; our smart and tough workforce is part of the largest economic engine in the country, but thanks to a broken and entrenched system in Trenton, families like mine keep losing ground.”

Fortgang said that she’ll bring the experience she gained from her career working with individuals and “C-suite executives” in fortune 100 companies to the Assembly if elected.

“My whole career I’ve worked with individuals and C-suite executives in Fortune 100 companies, looking at the obstacles, seeing a problem from all sides, and working together to find the best path forward,” Fortgang said. “I’ll bring these skills to the Assembly to make sure New Jersey continues to be a wonderful place to raise a family, and where people of all ages can afford to stay and thrive.”

On Monday, Fortgang’s campaign director Elizabeth Juviler said the effort is going really well.

So far, there’s been “lots of energy” and support for Fortgang’s message of strengthening the economy, public schools, higher education and making sure everyone in New Jersey has access to robust and affordable healthcare, Juviler said.

“Laura is an incredibly hard working and determined advocate and people all over the district are inspired to have a candidate at last with her energy and skill,” Juviler said.

So far, Fortgang has gained the support of Leroy Jones, chairman of the Essex County Democratic Committee, Chip Robinson, chairman of the Morris County Democratic Committee, and Mayor Michael Soriano of Parsippany-Troy Hills.

“Laura Fortgang is not only a determined and effective community leader, but she’s a wonderful person,” Robinson said.

“I’m incredibly excited to support Laura Fortgang for State Assembly in 2019. Laura’s professional background and tireless energy will be a great contribution to our Democratic Majority Caucus,” Soriano said.

“I’m a big fan of Laura’s,” Jones said. “I love her spirit, her commitment to community service. She will be a wonderful legislator and advocate for the people in this district.”

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