Republican candidates for local, county and federal office met with Madison area residents at a Meet and Greet event Friday, August 26. The casual gathering, which took place in a Madison backyard, was co-hosted by the Madison Republican Committee and local families. During the evening, Congressional candidate Paul DeGroot addressed the crowd of 50+ Madison area residents, which included voters from every voting district throughout the borough. Mr. DeGroot shared his priorities for CD-11 and discussed his commitment to improving people’s lives, making neighborhoods safer, protecting taxpayers, and preventing the abuse of government power.
Mr. DeGroot, a former prosecutor, responded to residents' concerns about more brazen crimes happening locally, explaining that liberal bail reform has emboldened criminals. In Congress, he aims to “make sure neighborhood safety is a national priority, our police are supported, and criminals can be certain that they will be punished for their crimes.”
State Senator Tony Bucco, who represents the 25th Legislative District, which will soon include Madison, was on hand to meet Madison residents as well, and he addressed residents’ concerns about policies emanating from the Democrat-controlled legislature in Trenton. Attendees were especially concerned about mandates in education that are forcing controversial topics such as gender identity and sexual orientation to be discussed in a variety of subjects and at every grade level. Bucco spoke about the work that he and his Republican colleagues have been doing to fight “for parents to have access to information, to be able to have input on curriculum, and to have the time to make decisions on whether their children will participate in certain lessons.”
Former Morris County Freeholder Christine Myers, who is looking to return to the Morris County Board of Commissioners, also attended the event. Myers has a long history of public, corporate, and community service. She is a former elected Freeholder, successful corporate executive, small business owner, presidential appointee, and non-profit board member.
Lenora Clark and Matt Van Natten, Republican candidates for Madison Borough Council, were honored guests and took the opportunity to address the audience and answer voters’ questions. When asked why she is running for Borough Council, Ms. Clark explained that she and her husband Brian have lived in Madison since 1994. “We raised two daughters here, both of whom attended Madison public schools and participated in sports and other local activities. The Madison community has enriched my family's life in so many ways, and I am eager to give back.” Ms. Clark’s involvement in the community runs deep. She owns a small, local business that specializes in CPR/First Aid/AED training in workplaces. She has also worked as a paraprofessional in the Chatham school system.
Matt Van Natten and his wife Gina have lived in Madison since 2014 with their two sons, who both attend Madison public schools. Van Natten, a lawyer, has had a law practice in Madison since 2006. He is a community volunteer and has been involved in the Boy Scouts with both of his sons. “Lenora and I are committed to maintaining and improving the quality of life for all Madisonians,” Mr. Van Natten emphasized, “and we look forward to sharing that message as we continue our campaign.”
For more information about the Madison Republican candidates and upcoming Republican events, please follow @MadisonNJGOP on Instagram or Facebook, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter.
