Somerville, NJ – In response to LD-16 Assemblyman Roy Freiman’s proposed measure to pay down the debt he created, Republican challengers Vinny Panico & Joe Lukac issued the following statement:

“Roy Freiman preaching fiscal responsibility is like asking Mike Tyson to solve your headache with an uppercut,” said Panico. “Let’s not forget that Freiman voted to dig us into the $9 billion hole he describes as “expensive credit card debt.” If he really wants to do the right thing for his constituents he’ll start by voting against the bloated budget proposal and send real relief to taxpayers. The Trenton politicians that mortgaged our children’s future are the last one’s who should be working on untangling the mess they created.”

Both Republicans have real experience in eliminating debt. In his capacity as Hunterdon Central Regional High School President, Vinny Panico eliminated debt while expanding student programs and building new facilities. In just three years as Councilman, Joe Lukac helped to eliminate $10 million dollars in debt, balance the municipal budget, and build Manville a $1 million dollar surplus.

“Working families know what it’s like to sit at the kitchen table and pay down debt – and I can assure you, they don’t do it with a $9.9 billion dollar line of credit,” said Lukac. “When Vinny and I had the opportunity to take action and make fiscally responsible decisions in our elected positions, we followed through and paid down millions in debt. Roy Freiman had that chance last year, squandered it, and is now pretending to care. I promise the people of our district, Vinny and I won’t play these shell games with your money.”