The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.

Age: 58

Hometown: Paterson

Occupation: Educator

Personal background: It has been my honor to be a husband, father, coach and brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Each of these duties has shaped my career, passion for activism, legislation, engagement with residents and my perspective on the importance of community as an Assemblyman. You can’t spell Benjie without NJ.

Political background: I have had both the pleasure and support to serve the community as an elected official since 2012. I have been excited to collaborate with residents and colleagues to create opportunities that make New Jersey a more affordable place to live, build a strong educational infrastructure for public and charter school students to learn and establish programs that assist seniors with health care and housing.

Why are you running for office? I am running for office because I believe that it is my social responsibility to continue to lead and learn about the pockets of our community that need access to support. My faith, family and neighbors are all anchors of support for me and I’d like to continue to provide that care for our community.

Key election issue: A key issue in this election is housing; despite all the accomplishments that we’ve made with programs like senior freeze; we’ve still got a long way to go in evaluating how this service can be the catalyst for change and create others like it.

Some of the solutions that I think will be transformational during this time are building in protections that focus on the welfare of the people. Utilizing data to drive our solutions will be critical to making services more efficient and accessible.

Example of a successful project: I’ve partnered to do so many it’s difficult to choose; one of my most proud titles is being a father coach and mentor to so many young Black and Hispanic youth. I love being a positive demonstration in their life. On another note, I am on the Budget Committee and I think participating in how the annual budget is distributed is critical to the trajectory of our state and I am always so proud to support the people and programs through my vote.

Example of a challenge faced: There are so many people in New Jersey that still need assistance; whether they do or do not meet legal criteria people experience hardship. Gripping the reality that for one administration we may not be able to get to everyone is tough and unsettling but it’s important that we put our best effort forward to reach as many and provide quality care as soon as we are able.

On NJ’s gun laws: I think gun violence is a prevalent issue in our nation. I think that restrictions need to be in place to ensure that minors have no access to firearms, the licensed carriers take the most precaution, that we are emphasizing health and well-being intervention methods and also educating our youth and adults about the danger of firearms.

On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals: Yes, protecting our environment is critical to having a safe state for our communities to thrive.

On housing affordability and property taxes: I’m proud that this past budget set record investments into housing affordability programs, tax relief, public school education and higher education. This investment will give people an opportunity to both live and continue their education.

Final thoughts: Thank you for reviewing my answers! You can’t spell Benjie without NJ.

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The candidate did not respond to the questionnaire.