Fitzherbert Announces Run for Congress

SOMERS POINT – Brian Fitzherbert, of Somers Point, announced his candidacy Jan. 24 for New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, along with the following statement:
“You’ve probably never heard of me. Not many have in the district aside from my friends and family. But the 2nd District is the place I call home. I own a house in Somers Point and love the life of South Jersey. I’m a Republican who believes in limited government, fiscal responsibility, and protecting the shorelines, wetlands, and refuges.
“In November 2017, Congressman LoBiondo announced his retirement. For nearly a quarter century, the congressman represented South Jersey making tough choices for constituents. He has earned the next chapter of his life and we all wish him well. However, it’s time for someone else to take up LoBiondo’s mantle.
“A young, fresh, new face with innovative ideas is needed to lead the people of South Jersey into the future; not the politicians of yesterday. The future is now. When politicians talk about making life better for their kids and grandkids, who better to make those decisions than someone who has a vested interest in the outcome?
“We need to embrace the future and that’s why I’m seeking the Republican nomination and declaring my candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2nd District of New Jersey. I’m a businessman, engineer, and project manager in the defense and aerospace industry with one goal: economic insurgency. The votes I cast will be in support of developing the 2nd District and ushering in a new chapter for South Jersey.
“Growing up, I enjoyed most of what the 2nd District had to offer. As a child, I made countless trips to Storybook Land, Castaway Cove, or Wonderland (not to mention boogie boarding and building sand castles on the Jersey Shore). As I grew older, I took up kayaking and late nights playing mini golf on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
“Hitting the mall in Mays Landing was always a short drive away and heading down to the Jersey Cape never lost its magic; whether it was visiting Sunset Beach to find Cape May diamonds, hitting the zoo, whale watching, or walking the steps of the lighthouse.
“I enjoyed the Hammonton Blueberry Festival, cheering on the Cowtown Rodeo, and taking chances playing the slots at the casinos of Atlantic City when I was old enough. Not to mention basking in the beauty of South Jersey’s symbolic beaches, state forests, and wildlife refuges.
“The counties that make up South Jersey are unique. It’s such a special community with the Pine Barrens, beaches, farms, fishing, and the very people that make up the region. We make our own language with jimmies on ice cream, hoagies for lunch, and shoobies to point out to our friends.
“During my college years, I worked at ShopRite, in both Somers Point and Marmora, serving as an associate in the Produce Department as well as a dues-paying member of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union for nearly eight years. With graduation and an economics degree on the horizon from Miami University (OH), I encountered an all-too-common challenge that is prevalent these days: there weren’t enough jobs in the 2nd District.
“Like many in South Jersey, I found myself with the decision of having to leave a place that I love to secure employment in my field of study. I moved to where the jobs were. The biggest lesson from the Great Recession and the legalization of casino gambling in neighboring states is that we must diversify our economic portfolio of the 2nd District.
“My employment took me to Texas, Maryland, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts, and Maryland once more, where I worked in aerospace, aviation, and defense industries. I also learned how other states managed an economic recovery in the years since the aftermath. While in Maryland, I obtained my master’s degree in Technical Management from Johns Hopkins University.
“I want to use my experience and education to bring South Jersey back to its promise. This includes bringing priorities of the 2nd District to the forefront in Congress and working with members to get good legislation passed that focuses on the constituents and massive economic development.
“My vision is founded in my experience as a project manager, where I manufactured unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic warfare simulators and testers, area attack weapons, and ground control stations among other products.
“I managed multimillion-dollar contracts and coordinated with hundreds of suppliers and small businesses while successfully maneuvering regulatory red-tape to support the war fighters in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It warranted attention to detail, budgeting, scheduling, and working with conflicting priorities.
“South Jersey is full of resilient, dynamic people and we’ve faced tough challenges in the past. Unfortunately, the politicians of yesterday have put our future success in jeopardy.
“In 2006, competition hit the region once more as the first of seven casinos began to close their doors; seven remain. Why? Because the idea that Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, and Maryland would ever legalize casino gambling had become a reality. The competition exploded among the neighboring states and South Jersey politicians failed to push policies and a clear vision to adjust with the changes.
“With the casinos closings, thousands of jobs were lost, property taxes increased to cover lost casino revenue, and thousands of retirees left the state for North Carolina and Florida in search of cheaper places to live out their golden years. As a result, Atlantic County became the most foreclosed county in the nation and an anchor on the 2nd District.
“With the lowering of the corporate tax rates to 21 percent, there are going to be companies looking to relocate in the United States. South Jersey should be one of those places, and Atlantic City can be the start. We can attract businesses, suppliers, and small companies.
“It’s time to have an energetic, passionate Congressman with fresh ideas to tackle South Jersey’s challenges. A loyal Congressman who will advocate for middle class families, veterans, retirees, and struggling millennials. A determined Congressman who can leverage business experience to attract economic development.
“The solution is not more government regulation, taxation, and legislative mandates; it is economic competition and accountability. We can do this. Please join me for a #NewWaveForSouthJersey.