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 hard at work during key crucial votes, affecting 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 state police superintendent, and current state Senator, Fred Madden, would ban armor piercing bullets. The weapon of choice among criminals and terrorists, hell-bent on killing police, was up for a vote.

On the Assembly side, numerous bills were also deliberated and voted upon as well. Some of the most notable issues voted upon were voluntary 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.

Legislative District 13, encompassing Marlboro and 15 other municipalities, is represented 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 being sworn into office on January 9, 2018. Each being in office less than five-months, when the all-important votes came up on June 7th.

However, gleaning the legislative roll call, indicated both 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 not to be in attendance at the legislature.

So where was both Serena DiMaso and Declan O'Scanlon? It appears through internet postings, on Ms. DiMaso's public Twitter accounts, both were attending the Country Music Awards Festival in Nashville Tennessee. (see above pictures). Several e-mail inquiries sent to their legislative offices in Red Bank (which lies outside their legislative district) regarding their whereabouts, and their collective failure to attend the June 7th legislative session went unanswered.

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

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. Needless to say--and without input or assistance on the part of O'Scanlon and DiMaso--all 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 you ensuring the well-being and safety of our citizens and our children.