Republicans, Democrats face off for two Assembly seats
Oct, 20-2009 5:03 pm
By SUZANNE MARINO
Staff Writer
NORTHFIELD – Four candidates are vying for the two 2nd District state Assembly seats up for election Nov. 3. Republican incumbents John Amodeo and Vince Polistina are facing a challenge from first-time Democratic candidates Reginald Floyd and Jimmy Martinez. Both seats are two two-year terms.
The candidates were asked to provide biographical information and answer four questions:
1. What is the most important piece of legislation you have proposed/sponsored, or what important issue will you address if elected?
2. Is a two-year term long enough to accomplish any goals in the Assembly?
3. Who is your role model, and why?
4. How important is it that your party wins the gubernatorial race?
John Amodeo, Republican
John Amodeo, 59, and his wife, Luann, are Margate residents who lived in Linwood for 20 years and raised their children, John and Amy, on the mainland.
Amodeo is a graduate of St. Augustine’s Prep and holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Mount St. Mary’s College. He is an engineer and has been a member of Operating Engineers Local 825 for 37 years. He was a tower crane operator on the Revel Casino project.
Amodeo is seeking his second term in the Assembly. He was a Linwood city councilman from 1998-2005 and served on the Planning Board and Board of School Estimates. He is a St. Augustine Prep Alumni Association trustee, Margate City Republican Club executive board member and trustee of the Margate City Beach Patrol Alumni Association.
Amodeo said the most important piece of legislation he sponsored is A-3598, which would extend Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program eligibility to areas in which casino gaming is authorized. The program is designed to foster the rehabilitation and construction of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income households. Eligibility is limited to neighborhoods eligible to receive aid under the Special Municipal Aid Act; this legislation would extend eligibility to Atlantic City and the region.
He said he and his running mate are focused on implementing a 10-point plan to revitalize the Atlantic City region.
“I think the two-year term has its benefits because it keeps you in touch with your constituents and on top of current issues that affect your district,” the assemblyman said.
Amodeo said his role model is Stephen J. LaRosa, a now-deceased headmaster and theology teacher at St. Augustine’s who was a strict disciplinarian who believed in responsibility and community service.
“Currently we have a Democrat majority in both the state Senate and the Assembly in addition to the governor. We desperately need a Republican governor to provide checks and balance to state government. Chris Christie will make an excellent governor, and I hope to work with him to bring positive change to New Jersey.”
Vince Polistina, Republican
Vince Polistina, 38, lives with his wife and three sons in Egg Harbor Township. He holds a bachelor of science in bioenvironmental engineering from Rutgers University and is self-employed. A certified professional engineer, planner and certified municipal engineer, he started Polistina and Associates in 2003. His first run for public office was his successful 2007 Assembly run.
Polistina said the most important piece of legislation is the package of bills he and his running mate sponsored to help Atlantic City deal with competition and continue developing into a destination resort. The package includes keeping the casinos open despite state budget problems, changing the CRDA funding formula so that a much greater percentage of the money is spent in Atlantic City and its surroundings, helping the redevelopment of Atlantic City through the neighborhood tax incentive program and changes to state regulations to encourage development and redevelopment.
He said two years is enough to accomplish some goals.
“But not all of our goals, which is why we hope that we are re-elected in November.”
He said his role models were and still is his parents.
“My parents were a great example for me growing up. They instilled strong morals and values along with teaching me the value of hard work at a very early age,” said Polistina.
“It is extremely important that we win the gubernatorial race. The last eight years of single-party control of Trenton has taken New Jersey from a flourishing state to one that has become uncompetitive, with an overall tax burden that places tremendous strain on our families and businesses. The current governor has not done the job to reverse the decline.”
Reginald Floyd, Democrat
Reginald Floyd, 45, lives in Northfield with his wife of 21 years and their four children. He earned a bachelor of arts degree from Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, a master’s from Harvard University, and his law degree from Rutgers University-Newark. He continued his studies at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary.
Floyd is an attorney with the law firm of James Carroll, III in Galloway Township, where he has worked for the past year. This is his first run for public office. He is a member of the New Jersey Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and has been on the board of directors of the South Jersey Medical Center for 12 years. He is a member of the Mainland Chapter of the NAACP.
“The issue that I feel is very important for Atlantic County is how to reinvent Atlantic City, and Sen. Jim Whelan has proposed changing the law to allow smaller casinos. I would support this plan. We need to market this city to induce people to drive and fly here – not to Philadelphia nor Delaware. We need a team approach, made up of a broad spectrum of business and labor leaders. I would also support in my first weeks, getting approval for Ricci’s Law, requiring the interlock system for first-time drunk drivers,” said Floyd.
He said the two-year term is long enough to accomplish goals in the assembly.
“I think it is enough time to create change and have a positive effect for your constituents.”
Floyd said his role model in life is his father.
“He set an example for me, of how to be a responsible man, and have a commitment to your family, friends and community.”
He said it is important for Gov. Jon Corzine to win re-election in November.
“I think it is crucial that Corzine wins, because of the direction he will take the state.
Christie is anti-abortion, pro-insurance companies; he is against preschool, and he is anti-labor and unions.”
Jimmy Martinez, Democrat
Jimmy Martinez, 39, is a 15-year resident of Northfield, where he lives with his wife, Sara, and their two daughters. He is a 1988 graduate of Absegami High School.
Martinez has worked in the home security and fire protection industry for more than 15 years and is a service manager with Schuler Security Inc.
He is currently serving his second term on Northfield City Council, and was council president in 2008. He serves as a county committee person for the Atlantic County Democratic Committee.
Martinez said one of his priorities if he is elected would be to join with his running mate and state Sen. Jim Whelan to get approval for Ricci’s Law, which would require the interlock system for first-time drunken drivers.
He said a two-year term is long enough for members of the Assembly.
“In two years we should be able to get started in helping our citizens in Atlantic County.” He said his role model is his father.
“He instilled in me the importance of honesty and integrity. He taught me that you must be true to yourself, and that you can achieve your goals if you work hard.”
Martinez said it is important for voters to re-elect Corzine so he can complete his agenda and continue to cut spending and be fiscally responsible.
