Staff Reports
On this lively Election Day, excitement thrummed through the air at the Roxbury Diner, where Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican hopeful, rallied supporters with energy that could practically light up the entire state of New Jersey. With the air full of chatter and laughter, one could easily mistake this political event for a lively gathering of friends enjoying a good meal together. However, as Rachel Campos-Duffy chimed in from the diner, it was clear that this meeting was all about the future of New Jersey—and a certain plastic bag issue that kept coming up!
As folks cheered and shouted “Plastic! Bag!” in a lighthearted call-and-response that could make even the most serious of voters chuckle, it became evident that Ciattarelli’s opponents didn’t know just how passionate people were about this particular topic. Not only do Jerseyites love their plastic bags, but they also see them as a symbol of personal freedom in a world where regulations seem to be multiplying faster than rabbits in spring. Ciattarelli pledged to bring back those bags if he gets elected, promising that his first executive order would address this pressing concern—much to the delight of his supporters.
Beyond the nostalgia for plastic bags, Ciattarelli addressed deeper issues facing the state, including the staggering property taxes that make New Jersey known for its high cost of living. With a heartwarming story about his son returning from military service, Ciattarelli reminded everyone that family values and pride in service resonate strongly in the Garden State. He emphasized that New Jersey residents deserve better, vowing to reduce the size and cost of state government, lower property taxes, and tackle the energy crisis head-on by pulling out of energy policies that have failed the people.
Education became another focal point during the discussion. A brave kindergarten teacher shared her concerns about being forced to teach a controversial LGBTQ curriculum. This sparked a wave of support, as Ciattarelli vehemently advocated for parental rights in education. He argued that children should be taught foundational skills like reading, writing, and math instead of being introduced to sensitive topics at such a young age. His stance struck a chord with many who felt the government had overstepped its bounds when it came to shaping young minds.
Questions poured in from the audience, covering topics like sanctuary cities and the effect of the current policies on security and budgets. Ciattarelli confidently announced that on his very first day, he would enact an executive order to ensure no town in New Jersey would operate as a sanctuary city, pledging transparency on the costs incurred by such policies. He opened the floor to friendly banter, mixing humor with serious discussion, which seemed to resonate well with the crowd, as laughter and applause filled the diner.
As festivities continued and the clock ticked on Election Day, it was evident that the people of New Jersey were energized and ready to make their voices heard. Ciattarelli’s rally at the diner was not just about the candidates or the election but about the heart and soul of a state that has faced its share of challenges—a state where plastic bags are just the tip of the iceberg in a sea of energized change. With voters fired up and ready to hit the polls, the future of New Jersey felt as if it could be drastically transformed, one vote at a time.
