Vote Hoffman, Mayer, Mellis for Congress!

Disque, Williams Freeholder!

Campaign 1998

The Greens are the fastest growing political movement of the modern era: as of June 1998, fifty-seven (57) Greens in thirteen states hold elected office. Six Greens have already won elections in 1998 and there are now Green parties in 74 countries and more than 30 states. Green candidates in the United States received more than one million votes in 1996.

What Is The Green Vision?

The Greens are the best alternative to politics as usual. The Democrats and Republicans participate in a campaign financing system which is allowing campaign contributions more importance than the real issues: our jobs, our health, and our communities.

Vision For The Environment:

The Green Party of New Jersey supports cleaning up the state’s Superfund sites (NJ has the largest number of Superfund sites in the nation), shutting down New Jersey’s nuclear power plants--with safe decommissioning and replacement with renewable energy sources—and our failing garbage incinerators, reducing air pollution and toxic waste discharges.

Vision For Education:

We are dedicated to providing all of New Jersey's students with equal access to equal quality education and supporting adequate and fair funding for all school districts.

Vision For Quality Of Life:

We support universal, single-payer health care for all, reduction of property taxes, promotion of a living wage, and promotion of Affirmative Action programs. The Green Party of New Jersey also supports women’s reproductive rights, and anti-discrimination programs.

Vision For Campaign Finance Reform:

The Green Party of New Jersey supports the elimination of Corporate PAC's, removing big money from politics, and the revitalizing of the political spectrum, allowing voters to have more choices.

Green Party 1998—Congressional Candidates

In 1998, the Green Party of NJ has targeted three Congressional districts located in the heart of our state: in District 4 , Nick Mellis, and in District 6 , Carl Mayer, and District 12 , Madelyn Hoffman. We are working to offer an alternative to both the Democrats and the Republicans who have not adequately addressed the concerns of New Jersey communities. We believe their machine-style politics promoting the corporate agenda are unacceptable.

Carl Mayer—District 6

Former "Nader's Raider Elected to the Princeton Township Committee in 1995 as an
Independent; Previously endorsed by Sierra Club, NJ Environmental Federation, the National Organization for Women, the Mercer County Women's Political Caucus, and the Mercer County Greens in Congressional and State Assembly campaigns.

"We owe seniors financial security and quality health care. I will not jeopardize the health care of our senior citizens; I will oppose plans to cut Medicare and to privatize the Social Security system."

Madelyn Hoffman—District 12

VISTA Volunteer; Founding member of the Ironbound Committee Against Toxic Wastes and the Grass Roots Environmental Organization (GREO). Vice Presidential candidate in 1996 during the Ralph Nader for President campaign and candidate for Governor in 1997.

"The one party with two corporate heads doesn't have the courage to address the issues of corporate crime, bloated corporate welfare programs, making the polluters pay and genuine campaign finance reform. That's why the growth of the Greens is so vital."

Nick Mellis—District 4

In January 1997, Nick Mellis ran for a seat on the Lawrence Township Council under the Green Party banner. Nick is a lifelong resident of Mercer County, a graduate of Lawrence High. He holds an Associates' Degree in Telecommunications from Mercer County Community College. Mellis has been an effective environmental and pro-choice advocate for many years; he was a key member of the coalition that helped to defeat the Duck Island incinerator boondoggle in 1996.

"The Democrats and Republicans speak for the same corporate contributors. It's time for a change of direction in this country -- the Green Party is the party for the 21st century!"

Green Party 1998 - Freeholder Candidates

Fred Disque for Freeholder, Burlington County

Endorsed by the National Organization for Women  Founder and Chairman of Green Vigilance, an environmental activist organization based in Burlington County; Past Chair and Organizer of the Mt. Holly branch of the Rancocas Conservancy; Served on Board of Trustees of the Rancocas Conservancy; Member of NOW (National Organization for Women); Member of the Sierra Club; Member of the NAACP

"I believe that working people, small businesses, and family owned farms are the backbone of a viable and people-nurturing community."

Paul Williams for Freeholder, Atlantic County

Paul Williams has an impressive track record as an activist working for peace, social justice, the environment, and workers' rights. In 1997 Paul was a key South Jersey organizer for the Green Party's Madelyn Hoffman for Governor campaign.  He formed the South Jersey Cape Greens, a local representing environmentalists from Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties. 

Help Us Spread The Word

Running three candidates for U.S. Congress and two for county Freeholder, the Green Party has a chance to become a serious force in New Jersey politics this year. Increasing numbers of voters are clearly fed up with both of the business-as-usual parties and are more willing than ever to consider alternatives like the Greens.

In order to get their votes and support, we need to let people know we're on the ballot!

Pass this newsletter on to friends, relatives and neighbors. Join us in phone banks and handing out information about our candidates and the fresh air they bring to New Jersey politics.

With your help, we can have a significant impact on New Jersey politics this fall! Again, we will not abuse the list -- it will expire on November 3rd. But it really could help a small, growing party like ours to make a big difference!

Volunteers to help put up our thousands of campaign lawn signs, make phone calls, and write letters are needed and welcomed. If you live or work in or near the 4^th, 6^th or 12^th Congressional Districts, you may have noticed lawn signs for Green Party candidates springing up on roadsides and front lawns. If you haven’t, and you travel busy roads seeing only signs for the Republicrat candidates, please help us get our candidates’ names into the public eye. For information about how you can help, contact Earl Gray at (732) 219-5841 or earlgray@exit109.com.

Peoples’ Tribunal Planning

What do we want? -- Housing! When do we want it? ---- Now!

Chanting "What do we want? -- Housing!" and "When do we want it? --- Now!" and "Housing First -- Not Work First!", over 150 people descended upon Trenton to let Governor Whitman and the state's legislators know that providing more affordable housing must become a top priority. For the 2nd straight year, efforts of housing advocates and the homeless to place an affordable housing referendum on the ballot were thwarted by the Governor's refusal to place the question on the ballot. Last year, a bond issue for dredging Newark Bay took precedence. This year, it was the Governor's referendum for preserving open space.

Figures on New Jersey released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, in an October 6 report entitled "Out of Reach Report: Rental Housing at What Cost?" showed that an average 2 bedroom apartment in each of New Jersey's 21 counties is beyond the reach of many New Jersey residents. The information follows:

These figures show the need for a LIVING WAGE—no minimum wage being discussed would come close to allowing a person to afford a 2 bedroom apartment in New Jersey. The Greens support the participants at this rally in their call for a LIVING WAGE and urge everyone who can to attend an upcoming event sponsored by STEPS—Solutions to End Poverty Soon. On Thursday, November 5, from 9:30AM until 2 PM (with lunch provided) at the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 801 West State Street in Trenton, STEPS will host an event entitled "In Search of a Living Wage—A People's Hearing," an opportunity to tell various community leaders and policy makers that "eight dollars an hour ain't enough!"  

To testify, identify testifiers, or to attend, send a registration form to STEPS, 224 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608:

Name _______________________ Organization _____________

Address______________________ Phone__________________

For more information about the efforts to obtain affordable housing, contact Arnold Cohen at the Coalition for Affordable Housing, 609-393-3752.

Grassroots

Middlesex-Somerset Greens

The Middlesex/Somerset Greens met for a marathon lively session over Chinese food Oct. 11. Several new faces appeared (welcome!); project goals were redefined and reviewed; and job responsibilities were assigned during our (ongoing) reorganization. The development of safe bike lanes through three contiguous towns looms high on our agenda; a member of the bike group Critical Mass came and asked us to join a coalition of local groups dedicated to working on the implementation of such bike lanes within New Brunswick. We said yes and Mark Greico agreed to coordinate this effort.

The group also accepted a Big Buddy program, where "older" members provide support and one-on-one attention for new members. During discussions of such issues as open space initiatives and the State Redevelopment Plan, we realized we needed more research and information concerning the pros and cons; David Gregory offered to gather more material for dissemination. Sadly, because of this, we were unable to endorse the Edison initiative on open space in the short time remaining before the elections.

The MSG members of the Policy Committee reported that the Policy Committee came up with a plan for a party "primary". Jane Hunter, with hearty agreement from the rest of us, asked that the Policy Committee flesh out the Green stance on open space initiatives.  Our next meeting is the second Sunday in November at the Palmyra Tea Room in Bound Brook at 6:00 PM. 

Committee Activities

Communications Committee

The Executive Council has adopted Communications Committee recommendations for working rules for holding meetings via Internet Relay Channel (IRC) technology—popularly known as "chatrooms"— and via electronic mail. The ComCom has been meeting bi-weekly using IRC, saving lots of gasoline and member time!

If other committees or locals are interested in using these technologies for GPNJ business, contact Jane Hunter at janemhunter@worldnet.att.net or check our website www.gpnj.org after November 1 for a copy of the approved rules. If GPNJ members need assistance in getting online, ComCom will provide advice and support. Contact Jane at (732) 560-0276.

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee is working on a statement about police brutality balanced with need to support police and police protection. Also, we are working on a proposal for a democratic process to choose and vet candidates—giving them the support of the party or not. The committee is looking for existing policies we can use from various groups, to review and modify for the party. Finally, we are searching energy options in light of recent energy de-regulation bills. If you have any relevant material, please send it to a member of the Policy Committee.

Calendar

Activities of Interest to Greens

Campaign Calendar