Ocean Township, NJ — Matt Woolley, 29 of Ocean Township, is seeking the Republican nomination for Legislative District 11 (LD11) in the New Jersey General Assembly.

A former political affairs specialist at a Fortune 50 telecommunications and media corporation, New Jersey legislative staffer, and program manager at a Monmouth County-based, health care education firm, Woolley offers a unique perspective to solving the problems impacting LD11, the state and its residents.

“We must vastly improve the economic factors that are sending LD11 residents packing. Millennials, senior citizens and families – especially those that rely on a single income – are moving out of state at an alarming rate simply because they cannot afford to live here,” said Woolley. “Born in Monmouth County, I hope to live here for the rest of my life, but action needs to be taken to reduce the out-of-control costs imposed on residents. If elected, I will advocate for policies that create a continuum of affordability for residents at all stages of life and income levels in LD11 and across New Jersey.”

According to the 2018 National Movers Study, New Jersey was the top outbound state for 2018 due to “factors like job growth, lower costs of living, state budgetary challenges and more temperate climates.” Nearly 70 percent of all moves were residents – and their tax dollars – exiting the state.

“Monmouth County should be where people want to stay, not leave,” Woolley said. “Residents who can afford New Jersey’s high cost of living are choosing to relocate to more economical states. This mass exodus results in the remaining residents having to cover the lost tax revenue and irresponsible diversion of tax funds.”

Our Democrat representatives perpetuate the financial constraints facing us, the tax-payers, by voting for legislation such as Senate Bill 2: a school funding plan that will redistribute over $38 million from our school districts in LD11 to other counties throughout the state.

“Our current legislators in Trenton are doing a disservice to us, all residents of LD11. Millennials are moving to avoid long commutes and associated, excessive costs; I understand their decision because I regularly contend with our state’s unreliable mass transit systems during my daily commute to New York. Further, families are confronted with the prospect of having to uproot to give their children a better quality of life, and senior citizens are relocating to states where they can enjoy their retirement. This must change,” Woolley concluded.

Matt Woolley is a 27-year Monmouth County resident and life-long New Jerseyan who works as a studio technician at a New York-based, regional sports network. His professional background includes corporate, legislative, small business and political campaign experience; he is also a former member of the Monmouth County Environmental Council. Woolley is eager to make LD11 and New Jersey an affordable place for all residents to live, work and retire.

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