NJ Environmental Group Endorses Red Bank's Ready Candidates

RED BANK, NJ – New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, a political advocacy organization for the environment, has announced endorsements in this year's local nonpartisan elections, including in Red Bank.

The organization says it supports the candidates on the Red Bank's Ready team, which includes Mayor Billy Portman, Borough Councilmember Kate Triggiano and council candidates Kristina Bonatakis, David Cassidy, Nancy Facey-Blackwood, Ben Forest and Laura Jannone.

The League of Conservation Voters expanded from legislative and statewide endorsements to local election endorsements in 2020, having supported more than 130 candidates at the local municipal and county level since the program began, the organization said in a news release.

“We are excited to kick off this important election year with our first round of endorsements for local environmental champions. It’s essential that those who vote with the environment in mind get to the polls on May 9, since we generally see a lower turnout for these races,” said New Jersey LCV Policy Director Allison McLeod.

“When it comes to climate change action, safeguarding drinking water, reducing flooding, advancing environmental justice, and preserving open space and parks, local leaders have enormous power. We encourage all voters in these towns to voice their support for the environment by casting their ballot,” she said.

The candidates all expressed gratitude for the endorsement, and some also commented on environmental policy.

"Reducing emissions and protecting the environment is our planet's number one concern, and New Jersey LCV is leading the charge,” said Portman.

“It’s always the right time to do what’s right, and protecting our environment and implementing sustainable policy will always be one of my top priorities," Triggiano said.

“Good environmental policy is critical. A local community must think beyond its own borders as we are facing a crisis," said Cassidy.

New Jersey League of Conservation Voters works to elect "environmentally responsible candidates to state and local offices, advocate for strong environmental policies, and hold elected officials accountable to safeguard the health of New Jersey communities, the beauty of our state, and the strength of our economy," the organization says. See its current scorecard here.