The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) announced their endorsements for the 2017 election year, including backing Eliot Arlo Colon for New Jersey State Assembly in District 30.

In a press release, NJEA announced that “the 125-member political action committee of the 200,000-member (NJEA) has voted to endorse 98 candidates for election to the New Jersey Legislature this November,” with Mr. Colon receiving their endorsement.

“As we finally exit the Christie era and work to rebuild our state, it is imperative that we elect pro-public education and pro-public employee candidates,” said NJEA President Wendell Steinhauer in the press release. “NJEA members have always been active participants in the political process, but now more than ever, we all realize the consequences of electing politicians who do not share our priorities or our values.

“Our members have met with the candidates for the Senate and Assembly and we believe these endorsed candidates share our commitment to ensuring New Jersey’s public schools will continue to lead the nation and that our members will get the relief they need from the broken promises and unintended consequences of Chapter 78.”

Mr. Colon was excited and humbled by NJEA’s endorsement.

“I cannot properly express my gratitude,” said Mr. Colon. “Having served on Brielle’s Board of Education for nearly 10 years as a member and now sitting president, receiving the NJEA’s endorsement of my candidacy is a dream come true.”

Mr. Colon has established education as the core of his campaign. He has announced support of proper funding for the arts and humanities as well as opposing the Secure Schools for All Children Act, sponsored by incumbent Assemblyman Sean Kean. The bill would provide schools with $25.00 per pupil to help ensure security measures for nonpublic school children. Public school students already receive about $75.00 per pupil for security aid.

In a statement, Mr. Colon argued that, “While the bill is a step in the right direction to insure the safety of ‘all children’, public or private, special or non-special needs, it does not go far enough to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable, especially those with special needs who are often placed in nonpublic schools.”

The general election for NJ Assembly is on November 7, 2017 in which Colon is battling against incumbents, Sean T. Kean and party installed incumbent, Ned Thomson, who was named David Rible’s replacement as Assemblymen after his resignation to serve as the Director of the NJ ABC in June 2017.

About Assembly Candidate Eliot Arlo Colon: Assembly Candidate Colon is the President of the Brielle Board of Education, having served six years on the board of education. Colon is also the Chairman of the Algonquin Arts Theatre in Manasquan, NJ and Partner/Co-Owner of Miro Consulting, Inc. based in Woodbridge, NJ which was previously named NJBIZ Fastest Growing Company. Colon was named NJBIZ Executive of the Year finalist and Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists four years in a row.

Assembly Candidate Colon, born August 19, 1969, grew up in Edison, N.J. He resides in Brielle Township with his wife Lorene, and two teenage sons.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Maxwell Stolfe, (732) 439.0676