League of Humane Voters of New Jersey Election Info and Endorsements

2015

For endorsement purposes, LOHV-NJ makes no distinction between cruelty to companion or domestic animals, and cruelty to wildlife.

This inclusive policy can lead to apparent arbitrary endorsements. A legislator who actively sponsors or repeatedly votes for legislation promoting cruel trapping or killing of wildlife will not obtain an LOHV-NJ endorsement even if he or she sponsors, or votes for, an anti-cruelty bill for other animals. Too often. legislators working hand in glove with the shooting, trapping, or archery industries deliberately sponsor "anti-cruelty" bills to inoculate themselves from a humane backlash. The League chooses not to be divided, nor conquered.

In certain cases, LOHV-NJ has factored in previous, humane votes cast during the previous session against damaging wildlife bills, or assistance in halting negative legislation, to arrive at our endorsement.

If you need to locate your Legislative District, please click here.

General Election Day - November 3, 2015

LOHV-NJ ENDORSED ASSEMBLY CANDIDATES: (See local elections below)

ENDORSEMENT: District 7

Assemblyman Troy Singleton (D) - WINNER

Assemblyman Singleton is a primary sponsor of A2389, which prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; designated as "Moose's Law."

Assemblyman Singleton voted favorably for animal protective order legislation, dog fighting, pigs, cruel piercing/tattooing, additional requirements for pet shops, and the ivory ban.

Assemblyman Singleton wrote to Commissioner Bob Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt.

After the election, Assemblyman Singleton will introduce a companion bill to Senator Lesniak's SCR175, which stops the illegal regulation that allows for the use of leghold traps.

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 7

Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr. (D) - WINNER

Assemblyman Conaway is a primary sponsor of A2389, which prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; designated as "Moose's Law."

Assemblyman Conaway voted favorably for animal protective order legislation, dog fighting, pigs, cruel piercing/tattooing, additional requirements for pet shops, and the ivory ban.

 

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 13

Assemblywoman Amy H. Handlin (R) - WINNER

 

Assemblywoman Handlin voted favorably for animal protective order legislation, Moose's Law, dog fighting, pigs, cruel piercing/tattooing, additional requirements for pet shops, and the ivory ban.

 

Assemblywoman Handlin sent a letter to Commissioner Bob Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt.

 

 

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 14

Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson (D) - WINNER

Assemblyman Benson is a prime sponsor of A201 Requires court to issue animal protective orders against persons found guilty of abusing animals. 

Assemblyman Benson is a co-sponsor of A3306, which established additional requirements for pet shops and was signed into law on 2/5/2015.

Assemblyman Benson voted favorably for Moose's Law, pigs, ivory ban, cruel piercing/tattooing, and dog fighting.

Assemblyman Benson was only one of six legislators who voted NO on A548, which designates bison as agricultural livestock.

Assemblyman Benson sent a letter to Commissioner Bob Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt.

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 15

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D) - WINNER

Assemblyman Gusciora has a strong incumbent animal record. He was only one of six legislators who voted NO on A548, which designates bison as agricultural livestock.

Assemblyman Gusciora is a prime sponsor of A201 Requires court to issue animal protective orders against persons found guilty of abusing animals. 

Assemblyman Gusciora voted favorably for pigs, dog fighting, additional requirements for pet shops, cruel piercing/tattooing, and ivory ban. 

Assemblyman Gusciora sent a letter to Commissioner Bob Martin asking for him to call off the bear hunt.

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 16
Assemblyman Jack M. Ciattarelli (R) - WINNER

Assemblyman Ciattarelli has an impressive pro-animal record. 

In this legislative session, Assemblyman Ciattarelli voted favorably for protective order legislation, Moose's Law, dog fighting, pigs, additional requirements for pet shops, cruel piercing/tattooing, and ivory ban.

In the past, Assemblyman Ciattarelli also voted against logging our forests and against deer farming.

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 18
Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan, Jr. (D) - WINNER

Assemblyman Diegnan was a co-sponsor of A2500, which banned gestational crate for pigs. This legislation passed both houses and was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie on 12/1/2014.

Assemblyman Diegnan voted favorably for protective order legislation, Moose's Law, dog fighting, additional requirements for pet shops, cruel piercing/tattooing, and ivory ban.

Assemblyman Diegnan sent a letter to Commissioner Bob Martin asking for him to call off the bear hunt.  

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 19
Assemblyman Craig J. Coughlin (D) - WINNER

Assemblyman Coughlin is a co-sponsor of A2389, which prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; designated as "Moose's Law."

Assemblyman Coughlin was a co-sponsor of A2500, which banned gestational crate for pigs. This legislation passed both houses and was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie on 12/1/2014.

Assemblyman Coughlin is a prime sponsor of A3588, which clarifies that piercing or tattooing animals constitutes needless mutilation and animal cruelty. 

Assemblyman Coughlin voted favorably for protective order legislation, ivory ban, dog fighting, and additional requirements for pet shops.

Assemblyman Coughlin sent a letter to Commissioner Bob Martin asking for him to call off the bear hunt.  

CHALLENGER ENDORSEMENT: District 26 - DEFEATED

Avery Hart (D)

 

Avery Hart is opposed to the bear hunt and also received the Sierra Club endorsement.

 

A grassroots environmentalist in her off-hours, Hart founded Kinnelon Conserves in 2006. This initiative focuses on local eco-conservation. KC has sponsored 8 Earth Day Fairs and scores of community programs. The group is well-respected as an environmental 'watchdog' that advocates to local government on behalf of the environmentally-minded residents of Kinnelon. 

   

CHALLENGER ENDORSEMENT: District 26 - DEFEATED

Wayne Marek (D)

Wayne Marek assures us if elected he will do everything in his power to help us live in harmony with our wildlife.

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 27

Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D) - WINNER

Assemblywoman Jasey was the prime sponsor A3128, which prohibits import, sale, purchase, barter, or possession of ivory or rhinoceros horn. This legislation became law on August 1, 2014.

Assemblywoman Jasey was a co-sponsor of A2500, which banned gestational crate for pigs. This legislation passed both houses and was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie on 12/1/2014.

Assemblywoman Jasey also voted favorable for animal protective orders, Moose's Law, dog fighting, cruel piercing/tattooing, and additional requirements for pet shops.

Assemblywoman Jasey sent a letter to Commissioner Bob Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt.

 

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 32

Assemblywoman Angelica M. Jimenez (D) - WINNER

 

Assemblywoman Jimenez was a primary sponsor of A2500, which banned gestational crate for pigs. This legislation passed both houses and was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie on 12/1/2014.

Assemblywoman Jimenez is a co-sponsor of A2389, which prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; designated as "Moose's Law."

 

Assemblywoman Jimenez was a prime sponsor of A3596/S736, which established crimes of dog fighting and amends the RICO statute and was enacted on August 10, 2015. 

Assemblywoman Jiminez voted favorably for animal protective orders, ivory ban, additional requirements for pet shops, and cruel piercing/tattooing.

 

Assemblywoman Jimenez sent a letter to Commissioner Bob Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt.  

 

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 33

Assemblyman Raj Mukherji (D) - WINNER

Assemblyman Mukherji is a prime sponsor of A2500, which banned gestational crate for pigs. This legislation passed both houses and was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie on 12/1/2014.

Assemblyman Mukherji was a prime sponsor of A3596/S736, which established crimes of dog fighting and amends the RICO statute and was enacted on August 10, 2015.

Assemblyman Mukherji was the prime sponsor A3128, which prohibits import, sale, purchase, barter, or possession of ivory or rhinoceros horn. This legislation became law on August 1, 2014.

Assemblyman Mukherji is a prime sponsor of A3588, which clarifies that piercing or tattooing animals constitutes needless mutilation and animal cruelty. 

Assemblyman Mukherji was a prime sponsor of A3306, which established additional requirements for pet shops and was signed into law on 2/5/2015.

Assemblyman Mukherji voted against the bison bill, which designates bison as agricultural livestock.

Assemblyman Mukherji voted favorably for animal protective orders and Moose's Law.

Assemblyman Mukherji sent a letter to Commissioner Bob Martin asking him to cancel bear hunt. 

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 34
Assemblyman Thomas P. Giblin (D) - WINNER

Assemblyman Giblin is pro-animal, pro-environment and has a strong incumbent voting record for animals.Assemblyman Giblin is pro-animal, pro-environment and has a strong incumbent voting record for animals.

Assemblyman Goblin was a prime sponsor of A2500, which banned gestational crate for pigs. This legislation passed both houses and was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie on 12/1/2014.

Assemblyman Giblin was a was a prime sponsor of A3306, which established additional requirements for pet shops and was signed into law on 2/5/2015.

Assemblyman Giblin voted favorably for animal protective orders, ivory ban, and dog fighting.

Assemblyman Giblin was one of six legislators who voted NO on A548, which designates bison as agricultural livestock.

Assemblyman Giblin sent a letter to Commissioner Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt.

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 37
Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D) - WINNER

Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle co-sponsored A2500, which banned gestational crate for pigs. This legislation passed both houses and was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie on 12/1/2014.

Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle co-sponsored A2389, which prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; designated as "Moose's Law."

Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle voted favorably for animal protective orders, dog fighting, ivory ban, additional requirements for pet shops, and cruel piercing/tattooing.

Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle sent a letter to Commissioner Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt.

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 38
Assemblyman Timothy J. Eustace (D) - WINNER

Assemblyman Eustace is pro-animal and pro-environment and has a strong incumbent voting record.

Assemblyman Eustace was a co-sponsor of A3306, which established additional requirements for pet shops and was signed into law on 2/5/2015.

Assemblyman Eustace is a prime sponsor of A4017, Bear Smart legislation, which requires use of bear-resistant containers, dumpsters, or food boxes in certain areas located in black bear habitat. 

Assemblyman Eustace voted favorably for animal protective orders, ivory ban, cruel piercing/tattooing, dog fighting, and pigs.

As soon as the Assembly holds a session, after the election, Assemblyman Eustace will introduce a companion bill to Senator Lesniak's SCR175, which stops the illegal regulation that allows for the use of leghold traps.

Assemblyman Eustace sent a letter to Commissioner Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt. 

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: District 38
Assemblyman Joseph A. Lagana (D) - WINNER

Assemblyman Lagana is the primary sponsor of A3596 Establishes crimes of dog fighting and leader of a dog fighting network; amends RICO to add leader of a dog fighting network. 

Assemblyman Lagana voted favorably for animal protective orders, pigs, ivory ban, pet shop requirements, cruel piercing/tattooing, and Moose's Law.

Assemblyman Lagana sent a letter to Commissioner Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt.

 

 

CHALLENGER ENDORSEMENT: District 40 - DEFEATED

Christine Ordway & Paul Vagianos

Animal protection, spay/neuter, New Jersey State Council Member of the Humane Society of the United States, Christine Ordway is a compassionate choice in District 40.



Paul Vagianos shares these compassionate values.

 

 

 

Honorable Mentions in the state Assembly

Assembly members not listed above who sent letters to Commissioner Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt.

Assemblywoman Elizabeth Muoio (D-15) - WINNER

Assemblywoman Nancy J. Pinkin (D-18) - WINNER

Assemblyman Jamel C. Holley (D-20) - WINNER

Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-20) - WINNER

Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer (D-29) - WINNER

New Jersey State Legislation mentioned above in the endorsements:

A2389 Prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses from owning domestic companion animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; designated as "Moose's Law."* 

A2500 Directs State Board of Agriculture and Dept. of Agriculture to adopt regulations concerning confinement of pregnant sows during gestation. 

A3128 Prohibits import, sale, purchase, barter, or possession of ivory or rhinoceros horn and items containing ivory or rhinoceros horn, with limited exceptions. 

A3306 Establishes additional requirements, and penalties for failure to comply, concerning information to be provided to persons purchasing cats or dogs from pet shops. *

A3588 Clarifies that piercing or tattooing animals constitutes needless mutilation and animal cruelty. 

A3596/S736 Establishes crimes of dog fighting and leader of a dog fighting network; amends RICO to add leader of a dog fighting network. 

A4017 Requires use of bear-resistant containers, dumpsters, or food boxes in certain areas located in black bear habitat under certain circumstances, including garbage collection, and prohibits certain actions that would result in feeding of black bears. 

SCR175 Determines that Fish and Game Council's proposal to allow use of enclosed foothold traps is inconsistent with plain language and legislative intent of 1984 law banning animal traps of steel-jaw leghold type. 

 

Local Elections

The following three freeholders (currently in office & running for re-election have pledged to ban wild animal acts from the Bergen County park lands.

 

 

ENDORSEMENT:ENDORSEMENT: Bergen County Freeholder - WINNER

Thomas J. Sullivan (D)

 

 

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: Bergen County Freeholder - WINNER

Tracy Silna Zur (D)

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: Bergen County Freeholder - WINNER

Steven A. Tanelli (D)

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: Ward 6 Council Seat - Hoboken - DEFEATED

Carmelo G. Garcia (D)

 

As an assemblyman Garcia was a prime sponsor of A2500, which banned gestational crate for pigs. This legislation passed both houses and was vetoed by Governor Chris Christie on 12/1/2014.

 

Assemblyman Garcia was a prime sponsor of A3596/S736, which established crimes of dog fighting and amends the RICO statute and was enacted on August 10, 2015.

 

Assemblyman Garcia was a co-sponsor of A3306, which established additional requirements for pet shops and was signed into law on 2/5/2015.

Assemblyman Garcia is a prime sponsor of A3588, which clarifies that piercing or tattooing animals constitutes needless mutilation and animal cruelty. 

Assemblyman Garcia voted favorably for protective orders for animals, Moose's Law, and ivory ban.

 

Assemblyman Garcia was one of six legislators who voted NO on A548, which designates bison as agricultural livestock.

 

Assemblyman Garcia sent a letter to Commissioner Martin asking him to call off the bear hunt.

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: Freehold Township Town Council - DEFEATED

Doris Lin (D)

Doris Lin is an attorney and Director of Legal Affairs for Animal Protection League of New Jersey, and is running for Township Committee in Freehold. As an attorney, Ms. Lin has handled cases against deer and bear hunts, and has defended activists' free speech rights.

With her running mate, Haven Franklin, Doris is committed to working for lower property taxes, better government transparency, and cost-saving environmental initiatives. Learn more at www.LinandFranklin.com.

 

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: West Milford Mayoral Race

Mayor Bettina Bieri Running for Re-election (D) - WINNER

I have served as the Mayor of West Milford, Passaic County, NJ, for the past 8 years and am seeking re-election to a third term on Tuesday, Nov. 3rd. 

I have been a volunteer board member and leader at the 100% volunteer-operated animal shelter in our community for the past 22 years, currently serving as the Health Officer. In 1993, I led the charge to convert this facility from a municipally-operated pound to a state-of-the-art no-kill animal shelter recognized as a "must-see animal shelter" by the ASPCA. We provide quality of life and dignity and love to those in our care until they find a forever home.

As Mayor, I lobbied for a TNR (trap-neuter-return) ordinance, which has been in effect in our community for several years and has already had significant positive impacts on the animal kingdom. On a daily basis, I promote humane treatment of all animals and care for the abandoned, injured or orphaned animals - both domestic and wildlife - in our community.

Although unsuccessful, I was outspoken against the bear hunt, an extended bear hunt, and against baiting and other unfair practices affecting these magnificent creatures. 

 

 

ENDORSEMENT: West Milford Town Council - DEFEATED
Melissa Brown Blaeuer (D)

Creative | Compassionate | Can do!

"I want to lend my enthusiasm, skills, and experience to help West Milford be a thriving and sustainable community with a promising future."

 My Vision for Good Governance

I'm motivated by a desire to raise politics to a calling for a greater good and a commitment to people. It should be about trust, problem solving, care with public funds, respect for boundaries, and compassion.

My Vision for West Milford

Help me make our town known for its community spirit, ecotourism and sustainability. I am a people person first and foremost. My passion is building teams with great synergy, momentum and creativity. I champion camaraderie and fun, while working hard and committing to dear and worthy causes. 

With the Highlands Act, we have a double-edged sword of environmental stewardship without fair compensation. Righting this is a huge priority. 

I will hold the line on taxes, and help put us on the map. In our town, every vote matters. Let me be your voice. Learn more about me on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Me

I'm an experienced manager, interaction designer, user experience strategist, and creative director for print and digital communications and promotions. I serve on West Milford's Beautification and Recycling and Recreation Advisory Committees. I'm a Highlander Band Parent, lending my expertise for web, t-shirt and program design, and setting up with the equipment crew. 

I helped start the BEAR Group and was a very active member from 1995 to 2000, helping to generate awareness, understanding, and practical ways to live peacefully and sustainably with black bears and other wildlife. Ecology is about balance, and is important to a healthy ecosystem. People need to appreciate the importance of wildlife in balance with public safety and perceived danger. I lead monthly meetings, produced the web site early on, and produced and presented a public education slideshow to many school and other community groups. 

I am a strong voice for balance in human and business activity and health of the environment, championing solutions that are sustainable and that promote peaceful coexistence and appreciation. I defend wildlife against unfair characterization and misunderstanding, and seek reasonable accommodation and solutions.

I am also a strong voice for nonviolence -- violence and violent attitudes are disrespectful of the rights of others and reflect a lack of self control, compassion and enlightenment. Such behavior takes society in the wrong direction and pains interrelationships with animals and wildlife as well as fellow human beings. Violence betrays our societal aspirations to respect and foster the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness of our fellow citizens. I am a champion for mutual respect, compassion, manners and boundaries in interactions with others.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The New Jersey Angling & Hunting Conservation Caucus supports all hunting and a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to hunt. The below is the Assembly Members of this Caucus.

  • Assemblyman John Burzichelli (Co Chair) (D-3)

  • Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini (R-11) - DEFEATED

  • Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (R-11) - DEFEATED

  • Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon (R-13)

  • Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo (D-14)

  • Assemblyman Anthony Bucco (R-25)

  • Assemblyman Sean Kean (R-30)

  • Assemblyman Dave Rible (R-30)

  • Assemblyman Scott Rumana (R-40)  

 

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