RIO GRANDE – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill landed in Cape May County on Wednesday, on her way to the June 10 primary election.
Sherrill, a member of the House of Representatives since 2019, is a lawyer and former prosecutor and was a Navy helicopter pilot. She is one of six Democratic candidates facing off in her party’s primary and is seen as the front-runner, based on recent polls. Her Republican counterpart, leading in GOP polls, is Jack Ciattarelli.
The remainder of the Democratic field consists of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, teacher and union leader Sean Spiller and former New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney.
Sherrill went around the room in the Rio Diner introducing herself and speaking with voters and party faithful who turned out to meet her. Among those who greeted Sherrill were Bill Davenport and Joe Griffes of the “Welcome Home” radio program for veterans. Sherrill’s being a veteran played a role in Griffes’ support for her.
“Mikie Sherrill is the best choice for the common man, the best choice for the working man, and the best choice for veterans,” Griffes said, mentioning her varied background. “She has worked to get where she is every step of the way in New Jersey.”
Her visit to the Rio Diner in Rio Grande was her one stop in Cape May County on a whirlwind seven-county blitz, which saw her visiting various diners to speak with voters. She spoke briefly with the Herald and commented on the lack of housing stock, which is characteristic of the state.
“Housing costs in New Jersey are up 50% over the last several years,” she said.
Sherrill said one only has to look at other states to see what is needed and what is working. She said Colorado increased its housing stock and reduced the cost of housing, something she thinks could be done here.
She said she would work on the state development plan begun under the administration of Gov. Phil Murphy, and would also focus on improving transportation in the Garden State.
“In New Jersey we are underserved by a transportation system that was designed in the 1800s,” she said, adding that the state needs new roads, better bus service and expanded rail lines. She said New Jersey needs to increase resiliency in these areas, in part by identifying areas where housing could be built, and where municipalities want more housing, such as Atlantic City.
“We also need to repurpose underutilized structures, such as empty strip malls,” she said.
Sherrill said she would fight through the red tape to help develop permanent housing for people, which is related to the homelessness issue.
She again referenced Colorado, saying Denver Mayor Mike Johnston had to deal with a very serious homelessness issue, particularly among youth. She said he was able to reduce homelessness by 50% by first finding shelter for the homeless population and then by addressing their other needs. The concept was formerly known as the “Housing First” model.
Sherrill said New Jersey needs to replicate successful models found in other areas. “We need to look for evidence of past success,” she said.
After nearly an hour, she departed for the next stop on her tour, Egg Harbor Township.
Cape May County Democratic Committee Chair Marie Blistan said the committee did not endorse a candidate for the primary but decided to stay neutral and invited all the candidates to visit the county.
She said she knows all six Democrats and at least two of the five Republican candidates. The other Republicans are Jon Bramnick, Justin Barbera, Mario Kranjac and Bill Spadea.
“Literally, we have encouraged the voters to do their homework on the candidates,” Blistan said.
She said she was happy Cape May County was included on Sherrill’s tour. “Personally, I’m happy to see any and all of them,” she said.
“Cape May County was forgotten for many years before I got here. The fact that she came here to listen is a big plus. That’s one of her characteristics.”
Blistan said she thought it was a good policy to stop at diners and speak to ordinary people.
Contact the reporter, Christopher South, at csouth@cmcherald.com or call 609-886-8600, ext. 128.
