Michele Siekerka, President and CEO of the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA), has called on business leaders in New Jersey to cast informed votes in the upcoming gubernatorial election. In an op-ed published in the Bergen Record and USA Today Network, Siekerka addressed the concerns of local employers regarding the challenges they face, particularly related to affordability and regional competitiveness.
“Job creators across our great state of New Jersey have voiced their challenges in running their businesses, how the lack of affordability and regional competitiveness threatens to leave their companies, their workforce and our economy behind,” Siekerka said. “But together, our job creators can make a difference through exercising their voice and their vote.”
Siekerka emphasized that the governor elected on November 4 will have a significant role in shaping policies that affect the state’s economic environment. “It is imperative that our job creators not only get out to the polls but use their circles of influence to encourage others to do so as well,” she said.
She encouraged business owners to review policy positions from both gubernatorial candidates, Mike Sherrill (D) and Jack Ciattarelli (R), either by visiting their campaign websites or searching for their public statements on key business issues.
Siekerka also pointed voters to NJBIA’s “Blueprint for a Competitive New Jersey,” a 28-page document that outlines policy recommendations for fostering innovation and prosperity. The association has also produced Blueprint Minute videos summarizing key points from the document.
“We are encouraged that both gubernatorial candidates have shown great interest in this document since we presented it to them in June,” Siekerka said. “And with Election Day right around the corner, we ask employers to give the videos or our Blueprint a look to understand how we have advised our next governor on the priorities of New Jersey’s business community.”
