Did LD-13 State Reps Play 'Hooky' To Go To Country Music Fest?

On June 7th, 2018, both chambers of the New Jersey legislature were diligently hard at work during key crucial votes affecting adult and children's safety. For the Senate, 37 bills were deliberated and voted upon--- seven bills alone on gun safety issues. For law enforcement officers-- a bill sponsored by former New Jersey state police superintendent, and current state Senator, Fred Madden, would ban armor piercing bullets. These bullets are the weapon of choice among criminals and terrorists hell-bent on killing police.

On the Assembly side, numerous bills were also deliberated and voted upon as well. Some of the most notable issues voted upon were voluntary taxpayer contributions for ovarian cancer research; a requirement for the Department of Health to develop a report card for hospital maternity care and more importantly--a bill banning children, less than 18 years of age, from marriage. This bill was intended to prohibit arranged marriages with young child brides with men, in some cases, twenty or more years older than themselves.

Legislative District 13, which encompasses Marlboro and 15 other municipalities, is represented in the legislature by state Senator Declan O'Scanlon,( R- Little Silver); Assemblywomen Serena DiMaso, (R-Holmdel) and Amy Handlin, (R-Lincroft).

Both O'Scanlon--a self-proclaimed "straight shooter," and Ms. DiMaso, are freshmen representatives. Both having been sworn into office on January 9, 2018. Each being in office less than five-months, when the all-important issues came up for votes on June 7th.

However, gleaning the legislative roll call, indicates both legislators did "not vote" on the above important public safety issues. "Not Voting," is just a nice way of saying your representative was not in attendance that day. Usually for health reasons, injuries, or death in one's family, it is understandably sufficient, and reasonable to assume under such circumstances, they will not be present.

So where was Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso and Senator Declan O'Scanlon during key and crucial votes in the legislature? Why the no-show on June 7th at the state Senate and Assembly chambers? Had something better to attend? Apparently so!

It appears through internet postings of pictures and comments on Ms. DiMaso's public Twitter account, both legislators was having a grand old time attending the 2018, Country Music Awards Festival, in Nashville, Tennessee (see above pictures).

Several e-mail inquiries sent to their legislative offices in Red Bank ( a town outside their legislative district) regarding their whereabouts, and their failure to attend the June 7th legislative session have gone unanswered.

This is not the type of representation the people of LD-13 voted for. These apathetic representatives should be docked pay for their failure to report to work. In the private sector, this would be grounds for termination. The residents of LD-13 do indeed want their voices heard in Trenton!

In a January 9, 2017, quote in Observer, an online periodical reporting the latest in news and politics, Ms. DiMaso, while announcing her candidacy for the Assembly, was quoted as saying, "...I believe the opportunity to have my voice heard in Trenton on behalf of the people of the 13th Legislative District, is one I must pursue..."

Sounds like Ms. DiMaso sold her prospective constituents the Brooklyn Bridge.

Apparently Ms. DiMaso did not have her voice heard in Trenton on June 7, 2018. Neither did state Senator Declan O'Scanlon.

Assemblywoman Amy Handlin, (R- Lincroft), did attend. And she voted in a bi-partisan manner with her Democratic colleagues ensuring the above public safety measures passed.

Contact Senator O'Scanlon--he would love to hear from you, along with Assemblywoman Serena DiMaso. Tell them it is unacceptable to play hooky with less than 5-months on the job. Tell them, we have put our faith, trust and confidence in them, looking out for the well-being and safety of our citizens--especially our children.

Failing to be present during important gun safety issues--or any issues affecting the public safety of our citizens--demonstrably shows collective apathy, and failure as concerned and engaged legislators.

If your not up to the job representing the concerns and interests of your constituents---resign!

This article is the opinion of the Monmouth Watchdog.
---Monmouthwatchdog@gmail.com