Election Profile: Raya Arbiol For NJ 12 General Assembly

MANALAPAN, NJ — Come Nov. 2 Manalapan residents will get to cast their votes for two candidates to fill the legislative district 12 General Assembly seats.

Incumbent Republicans Robert Clifton and Ronald Dancer will be challenged by Democrats Michael Palazzolla and Raya Arbiol.

Newcomer Arbiol, 37, is a small business owner and operations manager. She previously served as committeewoman for Ward 3 - District 3 in Old Bridge Township.

Arbiol was also top of her class at the U.S. Naval Hospital Corps School. She holds a bachelor's degree from Adamson University in the Phillipines, a master's in science of information from Drexel University, a master's in business administration from Rutgers, a master's of business administration from the University of Scranton and a PhD in management from Walden University.

Are you running for local office in 2021? Contact Catarina Moura at catarina.moura@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate profile and submitting campaign announcements to Patch.

Why are you seeking elective office?

The day after the 2016 Presidential election, I came back to work at Rutgers University and I found one of my students crying. She told me she was on the phone with her mom all night as they feared getting deported. It broke my heart and I knew I did not want anyone else to feel that way - that’s why I decided to run for office. I would like to protect and keep families together at all costs. I would like to make sure there are equitable opportunities for everyone to reach their best potential.

Why should you be elected over other candidates?

I should be elected over other candidates because I have the skills and experience to do the job and deliver great results unlike my opponents. They may have the experience as incumbents but they lack the passion to take our district to the next level. Both of them are out-of-touch, just merely exist, and only filling up a space without substance. The people of LD-12 deserve someone who can bring new perspectives and fresh ideas to represent them to the Assembly.

What is the most important issue facing the district and what are you planning to do about it?

LD-12 is a very unique legislative district in New Jersey. Since it comprises of 14 communities in 4 counties, there is no one issue which particularly encompasses the entire district’s concerns. Yet collectively, I believe that preserving our open spaces is one of the most important issues facing the district. We need to shift our focus on improving the quality of life in this district instead of overdevelopment. I will work hard to preserve as much open space in the district and to initiate programs that will promote improving the quality of life in this district.

What are other important issues you are running on?

I vow to protect women’s reproductive freedom, create green jobs for the district, protect the environment, and care for our children, veterans, and seniors.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In the United States Navy, where my patriotism and allegiance to our country solidified, I learned how to lead, be disciplined and be responsible for my actions, which we lack and need with our politicians today — a sensible and responsible leadership. In running multi-million operations, I learned how to be fiscally responsible, continuously improve less-than-efficient processes, write fair and equitable policies that not only works for organizations but for all workers at levels, and most importantly, I master to manage and lead a multi-diverse workforce. As a small business owner, I learn how to navigate difficult situations, compromise when necessary, and be an effective problem solver.

Is there anything else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would like the voters to know that we have been in crisis in LD-12 and this election is our chance to change the course of our district. If you are tired of traditional politicians representing themselves instead of the citizens of LD-12 to the General Assembly, vote for me! My business and military experience prepared me for this job to better serve people of this district. Check out my website to learn more about me and my campaign.