Legislative District 11’s new Assembly members, Luanne Peterpaul and Dr. Margie Donlon, released the following statement outlining some of their priorities and goals. 

“Our Assembly district is a diverse place. But we have many things in common: the desire to live an affordable life, in the places we have chosen to make our homes, and where our families are safe and we treat each other respectfully.” 

The pair bring diverse professional and government experiences to LD11. Dr. Donlon is a physician and the Deputy Mayor of Ocean Township; Ms. Peterpaul is a former municipal judge in Asbury Park and Long Branch, assistant Essex County prosecutor, and life-long advocate for those without a voice. 

“We recognize the importance of bi-partisanship and we embrace the opportunity to work with all of our colleagues in the Legislature, county and local governments. 

“We have seen the challenges of aging up close. (Assemblywoman Peterpaul in caring for her siblings and elderly parents who chose to live at home; Dr. Donlon in helping patients rehabilitate from serious medical conditions and injuries and assisting her senior constituents in Ocean Township by finding ways to keep property taxes down.) “That’s why we support effective tools like telehealth and shared government services, as well as taking a hard look at how we fund public education to reduce the property tax burden for seniors.” 

The Assemblywomen also are committed to making it easier for municipal governments, businesses and individuals to navigate various state departments and agencies.

“Too often, towns are stymied by red tape when trying to address budget, environmental and other issues. We need to remove the roadblocks, to make it easier for towns to accomplish what they need to provide better services for residents. As advocates, we look forward to working with our LD11 non-profit partners, who are innovators in working with government agencies and maximizing the use of volunteers to address the challenges of marginalized people such as those with disabilities, mental health issues, housing problems and things as basic as putting food on the table for their families. 

“Above all, we will bring our talents as good listeners to serving you in the State Assembly. Like Senator Vin Gopal, D-Monmouth, we will base our legislative agenda on listening to our constituents. So we hope you will never hesitate to contact us to share your ideas and seek our help.”