By Dhiren Shah
November 2, 2021 will mark another important election to determine the governor of New Jersey. Incumbent Governor Phil Murphy (Democrat), Jack Ciattarelli (Republican), Madelyn Hoffman (Green Party), Gregg Mele (Libertarian Party), and Joanne Kuniansky (Socialist Workers Party) are confirmed as running.
The first debate between candidates was between Murphy and Ciattarelli, held on Sept. 28 at NJPAC in Newark. While the two gentlemen held their debate inside, one candidate, Madelyn Hoffman was outside. I spoke with her to find out why, and what she brings as a candidate.
Dhiren Shah: Why were you protesting outside NJPAC at the time of the debate on Tuesday September 28, 2021?
Madelyn Hoffman: There are five candidates in the election. Everyone should have the same chance to debate. However, the ELEC of NJ (NJ Election Law Enforcement Commission) said “You can participate if you raise $490,000.” The rule says that the candidate can raise money until Sept. 1, 2021. But the ELEC announced on August 1, 2021 that two candidates would debate on September 28, 2021.
DS: The rule or law of the $490,000 campaign raising fund cannot be changed. If it is wrong in your opinion, what have you done to change it?
MH: It can be changed either politically or legally through the court system. The democrats and republican hold the system, and they are corrupt and change the rules according to their needs and they are controlling the process.
DS: The Green Party is going for the important position elections, rather than going for a grassroots movement.
MH: That’s not true: We have about 138 elected positions. We have people on the board of education, county commissioners and state assembly.
DS. What is the goal of the Green Party?
MH: Our goal includes anti-police brutality, and is always about people. We are politically independent. We are working for the people, and we discussed this in our electoral campaign. We are working for a green new deal. Our party has been quadrupled now. We are in trouble environmentally.
We need to change the economic system. For some, it is only important to be making money and making profit…we want to provide an economic systematical future.
DS: What do you think your chances are to win in this election?
MH: 100% without losing integrity.
DS: Thank you for your valuable time.
