Greenstein and Benson for State Assembly

GREENSTEIN, BENSON WIN BACKING FROM STATE'S LEADING GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY GROUP
New Jersey Citizen Action says Dems Have Shown Commitment
To Social Security, Health Care, Clean Elections, and Consumers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 7, 2005

CONTACT:
Derek Roseman
609-689-9940

HAMILTON -- New Jersey Citizen Action -- the state’s largest citizen watchdog coalition -- has endorsed Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein and Hamilton Councilman Dan Benson, Democratic candidates for State Assembly in the 14th District.

Phyllis Salowe-Kaye, executive director of New Jersey Citizen Action, joined Greenstein and Benson at a press conference in Hamilton to give the Democrats the group's endorsement.

Salowe-Kaye praised Greenstein for her actions to preserve Social Security, expand health care to more people, and create an innovative pilot project for clean elections in New Jersey.

Greenstein was a prime sponsor of the Fair and Clean Elections legislation (A-1), and worked alongside Citizen Action to get the bill passed into law. She also was a prime sponsor of a resolution (AR-245) that asked Congress to halt plans to privatize Social Security earlier this year, and co-sponsored a new law expanding access to New Jersey's FamilyCare health program.

"Citizen Action has earned their reputation as a leader in ensuring the needs of all New Jerseyans are met, regardless of who they are or where they live," said Greenstein (D-Plainsboro). "Citizen Action has been an invaluable resource to me in understanding how policy will effect the lives of the people I represent. I look forward to continuing our partnership to move New Jersey ever forward."

Salowe-Kaye cited Benson's expertise in energy policy as a key reason for his endorsement. She said that his background and opposition to the planned buyout of PSE&G by Exelon exemplifies the pro-consumer policies the group advocates.

Benson also was singled-out for his record on Hamilton Township Council to hold developers responsible for their plans, as well as enhancing community notification of pesticide spraying in public spaces.

"The work of New Jersey Citizen Action to create a more responsive and responsible state government is changing the way Trenton operates," said Benson (D-Hamilton). "Our residents need a strong voice taking their case directly to their representatives in the State House, and Citizen Action is that voice. I am deeply honored to have gained their support. The pro-consumer, pro-New Jersey values shared by all members of Citizen Action will be a guide for me when I join Linda in the Assembly."

The 14th Legislative District includes Hamilton and West Windsor in Mercer County, and the Middlesex County towns of Cranbury, Jamesburg, Monroe, Plainsboro, and South Brunswick.

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