Honorable Joseph Vas Announces Campaign For Democratic Nomination To Represent 13th Congressional District
"A New Vision for America’s Future"

PERTH AMBOY – Today, Perth Amboy Mayor Joseph Vas, who serves as Assemblyman in the 19th State Legislative District, formally announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the 13th Congressional District of New Jersey. Vas made his announcement and kicked off his campaign at four different locations spanning the congressional district – Perth Amboy, Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth.

"Through my candidacy I want to help build a new vision for America’s future. These are serious times for our nation. We need to move America in a different direction," stated Vas.

In his announcement, Vas outlined certain fundamental differences with the direction the Bush administration has brought the nation – specifically the Iraq War, the right of a woman to choose, safeguarding Social Security and Medicare benefits, and protecting our environment.

“Over the past fifteen years, I have demonstrated the leadership, skills, and tenacity to get things done. These same qualities are what is needed to best represent the people of the 13th District,� stated Vas.

As Mayor in Perth Amboy, Vas led an economic and social renaissance that many thought was impossible to achieve. His vision led to the creation of new jobs, new housing opportunities, and new ratables for the city. Vas also cleaned up environmental problems, and has proven that redevelopment can rebuild a city. At the same time he stabilized property taxes, drastically reduced crime and improved resident’s quality of life.

As Assemblyman, Vas actively represented his constituents focusing of helping to solve the state’s budget problems, improving funding for secondary and higher education, and bringing state tax dollars to the towns in his Assembly district.

His proven approach to solving problems makes him the right person to represent the district in Washington.

“I am anxious to debate the important issues of this campaign and share my vision for New Jersey. I want to go voter to voter in the district and offer voters with a choice about which candidate can best help bring about a new vision for America’s future,� stated Vas.

Honorable Joseph Vas Announces
Campaign For Democratic Nomination
To Represent 13th Congressional District

“A New Vision for America’s Future�

I announce today my candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the 13th Congressional District of New Jersey. Through my candidacy I want to help shape “a new vision for America’s future,� by raising the level of discussion on the important issues that affect our nation, our state, and our district.

These are serious times, which merit a serious discussion. We need to move our nation in a different direction. I have fundamental differences with the direction that President Bush is taking America. We can do better!

President Bush does not have a coherent strategy to win the Iraq War. The cost of this war has been far too high both in terms of the brave young men and women who sacrificed their lives and in the financial resources that have been expended with so little to show Americans. I believe the upcoming December 15th election in Iraq should be the starting point to bring the troops home.

On the domestic front, it is ironic that in a wealthy state, such as New Jersey, the cost of housing is out of the reach for many Americans. My public career has been about creating opportunity, especially bringing about better housing opportunities to residents.

Moreover, I respect the fundamental right of a woman to choose. I oppose Supreme Court nominees who will not set forth with clarity their position on privacy. We must protect this right.

New Jersey philosopher Yogi Berra once said, “You can’t get anywhere if you don’t know where you’re going.� America needs new voices in the national debate. New voices with new ideas. I know we need to take our country in a different direction. I also know that if we are going to get there, we need leaders with the vision and demonstrated management skills to get the job done. To that end, I offer my strong record as Mayor and State Legislator, and a new vision for America’s future, to serve the 13th Congressional District of New Jersey.

Further, we must face head-on the looming Social Security and Medicare crises. Currently, 15% of our nation’s population is 65 years of age or older. This number will soon skyrocket. It is projected that there are 77 million baby-boomers who will be preparing to retire at the end of this decade. Washington must change the way it does business if we are to protect these essential safety nets for our seniors and future generations.

It is estimated that by the year 2010, the Federal government will need a staggering additional $127 billion just to meet present benefits. We need to make the decisions now to address the coming reality that within five years Social Security and Medicare will eat up over 10% of the Federal budget. I honestly could not look my four children in the eye if I just sat idly by while the Bush administration continues to borrow from our children’s future. I want to help solve the problem and protect the benefits of our retirees, while preserving the economic well being of future generations.

It is unacceptable that the Bush Administration has rolled back 400 major environmental initiatives in the last five years. Leading environmentalists have called these Bush tactics a “Stealth attack� on our country. Our environment is too precious to have environmental decisions left in the hands of people who exhibit such callous disregard.

As a second generation American, running for Congressional Office is very humbling. Like so many families, I watched my father work three jobs so that his family would be better off than he had been. We now have a federal administration that does not hold that same commitment, which so many American families hold.

New Jersey’s 13th Congressional District is one of the most vulnerable areas in danger from another terrorist attack. In the heart of our congressional district lies what has been termed the “most dangerous 2 miles in America.� At the shipping ports of Newark and Elizabeth, there is little security to detect and stop and detect chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. Yet, the Bush Administration gives Colorado more per capita Homeland Security funding rather than helping New Jersey meet this enormous security risk.

As Mayor, I have been proud to lead an economic and social renaissance that many thought was impossible to achieve. In Perth Amboy we have created new jobs, new housing opportunities, cleaned up environmental problems and proven that redevelopment can work. At the same time we stabilized property taxes, drastically reduced crime, and improved the quality of life for our residents.

As Assemblyman, I have actively represented my constituents focusing on helping to solve the state’s budget problems, improving funding for secondary and higher education, and bringing state tax dollars back to the towns in the Assembly district.

This proven approach to solving problems is what I will bring to Washington as your representative. I want to help shape a new vision for America’s future.

Instead, Washington is stuck rehashing the same old tired debate. We need to look farther, to think outside the box. We can find solutions where everyone wins and government works for everyone. I’ve done it in Perth Amboy under extremely difficult circumstances. We can do it in Washington, if we have the will.

My approach in Washington will be to exhibit this same tenacity, to get results. I want to be your representative in this most important debate to help build a new vision for America’s future.

In seeking this office I expect competition. I am up for the challenge. The debate should be about who brings the qualifications, innovation, and ability to best represent everyone who lives in the 13th Congressional District. It shouldn’t be about where you live in the district or other irrelevant criteria. Anyone who wants this nomination should have to earn it.

I am told that an aspiring congressional candidate was advised by then House Speaker Tip O’Neal to “keep your left hand high,� in expectation of the political punches which are going to come. I’m ready for the battle. I’m anxious to debate the issues, share my vision, and go voter to voter in the district to present a choice for who can best bring a brighter future to our citizens. This is a district of hard working people. They deserve a congressman willing to work as hard as they do - someone to bring energy and tenacity to help bring about a new vision for America’s future.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Barry Brendel (732) 742-4325
December 13, 2005 (732) 821-5218