Editor’s note: The following was addressed to 1st Legislative District Assemblymen Antwan McClellan and Erik Simonsen and also sent to the Herald. The writer was one of the two Democratic candidates who opposed McClellan and Simonsen in the Nov. 4 election and lost.
Congratulations on your 2025 election victory. As you return to Trenton for another two-year term, I urge you to fight harder for the people of Legislative District 1. Our communities face serious challenges that require bold, focused leadership – and I hope you will be the strongest possible advocates for the people of South Jersey.
Please use your platform in the Assembly to champion the following priorities for us:
- Fix the School Funding Formula.
Every child in New Jersey deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, regardless of family income or ZIP code. Yet schools in our most impoverished areas continue to be underfunded while wealthier districts thrive. Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, and our children deserve fair, equitable funding from Day 1. - Invest in Public Transit for the “Real South Jersey.”
LD1 has been shortchanged for far too long. Limited public transit options keep residents disconnected from job opportunities and discourage businesses from investing in our region. Increasing transit funding will help residents access employment, strengthen our economy and make South Jersey more attractive to employers seeking a reliable workforce. - Address the Growing Homelessness Crisis.
Homelessness is on the rise in our communities. Some individuals struggle with substance use disorder, while others have simply fallen on hard times – but all are human beings. They are our neighbors. We need compassionate, effective policies such as Housing First, which has proven to be both humane and cost-efficient. Helping people stabilize their lives benefits everyone. - Make Our Region More Storm-Resilient.
As climate-related disasters become more frequent and more severe, we must invest in resilience. Our economy depends heavily on tourism, but without replenished beaches and improved evacuation routes, that industry – and the jobs it sustains – are at risk. We can’t afford to wait for the next disaster before acting. - Protect New Jersey Families from Federal Funding Cuts.
Deep cuts at the federal level could devastate LD1 residents, many of whom depend on programs like SNAP, GetCoveredNJ (aka Obamacare or ACA), public schools and public transit. If Washington pulls back support, the state must be prepared to fill the gap. We cannot leave our most vulnerable neighbors behind.
Assemblymen, I truly believe you care deeply about this district. During the campaign, I never questioned your character – but I have expressed concern that, after six years in office, our region has yet to see meaningful progress on these critical issues. I recognize that you are only two voices in a chamber of 80, but South Jersey needs those two voices to be louder, stronger and unrelenting.
Please introduce legislation to address these priorities. Engage with your constituents. We will rally the other 78 Assembly members to support you by calling them and sending them emails. And invite us to Trenton when these bills are debated – so that we can testify and stand behind you.
We need you to fight harder. We need you to speak louder. We need you to be the voice that the “real South Jersey” deserves.
Best wishes for a successful term. The lives and futures of your constituents depend on it.
Carolyn Rush
Sea Isle City
