Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, is actively engaging with New Jersey residents to discuss pressing state issues. During a recent meet-and-greet at Alstede Farms in Chester, Ciattarelli emphasized his dedication to addressing local concerns and improving the state’s economic landscape.
Engaging with Local Communities
At Alstede Farms, a beloved local attraction, Ciattarelli interacted with attendees, including Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who represents Legislative District 24 encompassing Sussex and western Morris counties. Fantasia commended Ciattarelli for his understanding of rural communities and their unique challenges. She highlighted the need for state leaders to respect and support farming communities, which often feel overlooked by urban-centric policies.
Ciattarelli’s campaign continues to focus on connecting with local leaders and residents, aiming to bring attention to the issues that matter most to New Jerseyans.
Addressing Property Taxes and School Funding
A cornerstone of Ciattarelli’s platform is reforming New Jersey’s property tax system. He proposes overhauling the state’s school funding formula, which he argues disproportionately benefits urban districts like Jersey City. Ciattarelli contends that this inequitable distribution leads to higher property taxes in suburban areas.
By advocating for a more equitable school funding model, Ciattarelli aims to alleviate the tax burden on homeowners and ensure fairer distribution of state resources across all districts.
Critique of State Bureaucracy
During his visit, local mayors and council members expressed frustrations with state mandates and the complexities of dealing with state bureaucracy. Ciattarelli acknowledged these concerns, drawing from his experience as a former local official. He emphasized the importance of listening to local leaders and working collaboratively to streamline processes and reduce unnecessary red tape.
Looking Ahead to the Primary
With the Republican primary scheduled for June 10, Ciattarelli remains focused on his campaign’s objectives. While not delving deeply into discussions about his primary opponents, he expressed confidence in his position, citing favorable polling data. Ciattarelli’s campaign continues to prioritize issues such as property tax reform, economic development, and enhancing local governance.
As the election approaches, Ciattarelli’s engagement with New Jersey communities underscores his commitment to addressing the state’s challenges through local collaboration and thoughtful policy reform.