Dear Editor:
When I first became Mayor of Edison, I knew that I had a lot of colleagues whom I could count on. On one hand I had then-Assemblyman Patrick Diegnan, who was renowned throughout the state for his work on college affordability and ensuring that all of our children were well protected while attending school. I also had Rob Karabinchak. When I was a councilman, I helped Rob win a seat on the council in 2009 and you could see back then that he was going to fight for the residents of Edison. Once he was officially sworn in, he became one of Middlesex County's leading experts on affordable housing and top advocate for protecting the interests of our residents. Patrick is now a Senator who is bringing his passion for education and economic creation to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. Rob is now an Assemblyman who currently represents our interests on the Assembly Environment and the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committees. It is an incredible feeling to know that the colleagues who I could lean on in 2013 have moved on to bigger roles but are still pushing for the best interests of Edison. That is why I am gladly endorsing Patrick and Rob for the state legislature and on November 8th, we need to ensure that they are able to continue their fight for us in Trenton. Sincerely, Thomas Lankey Mayor, Edison
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EDISON, NJ - The New Jersey Police Benevolent Association (PBA), the State Troopers Association of New Jersey, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the New Jersey AFL-CIO, Operating Engineers Local 825 and the Health Professional and Allied Workers of NJ have all come out in support of the election of Senator Patrick Diegnan and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak in New Jersey's only contested race for the State Legislature this year.
These groups have collectively praised the legislators for their accomplishments and protecting our public schools, supporting law enforcement and lowering taxes for seniors, veterans, small business owners and low-income workers. Senator Diegnan commented "I know Rob shares my appreciation for the support of these outstanding associations. It is because of the work of our teachers and police officers, that New Jersey is one of the safest and most well educated states in the country. It is an honor to represent them and I promise that I will continue to work to see that they receive the respect and support that they deserve." Assemblyman Karabinchak echoed his running-mate's comments saying "As someone who has spent years in professional construction and contracting, I know that our infrastructure is the life blood of New Jersey's economy and the beacon from which our middle class grows. To see the breadth of support that Patrick and I have received over past few months from these groups is truly humbling." Senator Diegnan and Assemblyman Karabinchak are candidates for re-election to the State Legislature this November. For more information about Senator Diegnan, Assemblyman Karabinchak and other policy issues, please visit http://ld18democraticteam.weebly.com or Diegnan & Karabinchak 2016 on Facebook. Dear Editor
As a resident of Edison, I was appreciative of the leadership that Robert Karabinchak showed through the course of his time on the town council. It is that leadership and new energy that I was excited to see when he was elected by his peers to move to the NJ State Assembly this past year. Rob has raised a family in Edison and has been a part of our community as a youth soccer and baseball coach. His 30 years as a small business owner creating local jobs and spurring economic development are real life experiences I want to see in Trenton. Let's send Edison's advocate back to the Assembly this November 8th. William Araujo When you meet Patrick Diegnan and Robert Karabinchak, you’ll realize right away: These guys are the real deal. They got into public life for the right reasons, and that’s why they’ve been able to accomplish so much for our communities. And they’re old school about helping constituents and being responsive to the community.
You’ll never have to wonder where they stand: fighting for middle-class taxpayers to grow our economy, maintain our commitment to public education and keeping New Jersey affordable. Support Patrick Diegnan for State Senate and Robert Karabinchak for State Assembly this Election Day. EDISON, NJ - With three weeks until election day State Senator Patrick Diegnan and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak affirmed their committment to address the crisis of ever ballooning college debt.The legislators support a package of bills to reform the state’s student loan program, and to help borrowers who are facing financial hardships as a result of the agency’s policies and collection methods.
"This needed and timely legislation will help establish guidelines for families, but also boundaries so that Higher Education Student Assistance Authority is not issuing loans that are in excess of what a student and their struggling families can manage over the long-term," said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). "Moreover, we want state policy to address the need for reasonable repayment agreements so that students and families are not destined for bankruptcy or a lifetime of insurmountable debt; we need our young men and women out in the workforce earning and contributing to our economy. A particular outrage is the attempts by HESAA to collect payment from the families of deceased or disabled students." The legislators, who are candidates for re-election this November have made college affordability a major theme of their joint campaign. Senator Diegnan and Assemblyman Karabinchak are also supporting a comprehensive legislative package aimed at helping New Jersey residents better navigate the college process before, during and after their time on campus "Far too many students today are simply not prepared to enter college which leads them to accrue crushing student loan debt. We need to provide a path to a debt-free future by allowing high school students access and exposure to college curricula in high school," said Karabinchak (D-Middlesex). "The goal is to make sure students in New Jersey fully understand the academic preparations for, and furthermore for them and their parents the financial implications of their college choices. We need to increase their ability to successfully complete a college education without crippling them financially for a lifetime." For more information on college affordability and other policy issues, please visit http://ld18democraticteam.weebly.com or Diegnan & Karabinchak 2016 on Facebook. As Medical Director at the N.J. Veteran’s Memorial Home in Menlo Park, I would like to personally thank Senator Patrick Diegnan for his continued support of our veterans.
His belief that we have a moral obligation to take care of Our Veterans has been a top priority in his political career. Currently, a policy at state run Veterans Memorial Homes charges residents for transportation to certain health care providers. This is causing major financial and medical hardships for the veterans. Under the policy, many veterans are responsible for transportation to and from the facility. They must pay out of pocket costs which is creating a financial burden on already restricted personal funds. Senator Diegnan has recently supported legislation in Trenton to ensure that veterans residing in the state run nursing homes have their transportation needs met when they need to visit doctor’s offices or go for necessary medical testing and procedures. Senator Diegnan, along with his colleagues in the state legislature are working together to provide state funding to reinstate free transportation for all 3 Veterans Homes in N.J., including Menlo Park. In conclusion, I want to personally congratulate him on all his hard work and effort. On behalf of all the veterans and their families, we want to say “Thank You Senator Patrick Diegnan.” We are proud of your Service to those “Who have Served Our Country.” Mary Jo Paradiso, M.D. Medical Director at NJ Veterans Memorial - Menlo Park Karabinchak & Diegnan Propose Law to Prevent Convicted Criminals from Campaigning for School Boards10/26/2016 TRENTON – Two 18th District lawmakers have introduced identical Senate and Assembly bills that would require all Board of Education candidates to certify under oath they have never been convicted of crimes that would disqualify them from campaigning for school boards.
If enacted, the law that Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, D-Middlesex, proposes (A4206), would require school board candidates to file a formal certification – along with their nominating petition – affirming they were never convicted of any disqualifying crimes. Lying or falsifying that oath would be a fourth-degree criminal offense. Sen. Patrick Diegnan, D-Middlesex, introduced an identical Senate measure (S2676). “Pat (Diegnan) and I recognize how crucial it is to preserve the sanctity of our school boards. Men and women who seek election to these seats may become responsible for the education, safety, health and welfare of our children,” Karabinchak said. “Protecting our children is our top priority.” “Candidates who win election to school boards in most New Jersey communities end up being responsible for multi-million dollar taxpayer-funded budgets. It is imperative that these candidates are reputable people deserving of the public's trust,” Diegnan said. Under current state law, school board members and charter school trustees must, within 30 days of their election or appointment, undergo criminal backgrounds check to ensure their eligibility. Currently, state law requires school board members – after they are elected – to take an oath affirming they have no prior criminal convictions. Anyone who lies on that oath may be found guilty of a fourth-degree crime. (Edison) - With Election Day a little over a month away, State Senator Patrick Diegnan and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak renewed their commitment to protecting our environment as a top priority. From restoring ecosystems in our local waterways to protecting treasured open spaces like the Dismal Swamp that matter most to Middlesex County residents, Senator Diegnan and Assemblyman Karabinchak are making bipartisan environmental legislation a hallmark of their recent term.
"When I learned of the dangers posed by synthetic plastic microbeads commonly used as exfoliants in personal care products, I passed a landmark New Jersey law that was modeled by Congress and signed by President Obama," said Diegnan (D-Middlesex). "We sent a clear message to big business by banning these products on the state level that we want to protect integral marine life in New Jersey while preserving our local fishing industry that is important to the state economy." The legislators, who are candidates for re-election this November have made the environment a major theme of their joint campaign. Their recent support of bipartisan open space legislation sets guidelines for implementing the constitutional amendment, which created a permanent funding source to ensure the preservation of New Jersey’s recreation spaces, productive farmland and historic sites. “Securing a sensible and sustainable means of providing long-term funding for preserving open space and flood-prone properties in Middlesex County is the key to achieving a safer, cleaner and greener future for generations to come," said Assemblyman Karabinchak (D-Middlesex). “My recent support solidifies my commitment to Middlesex County voters to preserve and leave to our children our state’s beautiful open spaces, farmland, historical landmarks, and natural resources." Additionally, Senator Diegnan and Assemblyman Karabinchak have recently supported legislation that would establish a joint legislative task force to study and make recommendations concerning issues related to drinking water infrastructure as a result of legislative investigations into lead levels in our schools. For more information on the environment and other policy issues, please visit www.http://ld18democraticteam.weebly.com or Diegnan & Karabinchak 2016 on Facebook. Senator Diegnan and Assemblyman Karabinchak Encourage all Residents to Consider “Vote By Mail”10/1/2016 Election Day is less than eight weeks away. As Americans we should never take for granted our right to vote. However in our modern world it is sometimes difficult to get to the polls. That is why Vote By Mail is an important option for many of our residents.
Senator Patrick Diegnan complemented Middlesex County for putting in place the most efficient vote by mail process in New Jersey. “Last week all registered voters received the application for vote by mail. All you have to do is fill it out and return it in the envelope provided. It doesn’t even require postage. You will then receive the ballot in the mail which must be returned to the county clerk by Election day, November 8th. In today’s world where everyone is busy, it makes sense to consider this convenient option. I was talking with someone the other day who works in Manhattan. He told me his train was delayed and he didn’t get to the polls on time last election day.” Assemblyman Karabinchak agreed, saying “Parents and grandparents are juggling work and watching the kids. There are a hundred things that can come up on Election day. What if one of the kids get sick or they have band practice or maybe you get stuck at work. There is enough pressure on the family. Taking advantage of vote by mail is something you should at least look into.” Both candidates agree that Democracy only works if our citizens vote. If you have any questions you can go on the board of elections website or you can call the Diegnan/Karabinchak headquarters at (848)205-0147 |
Patrick and Rob are running to represent your interests in TrentonLearn more about them here! |