Age: 43
Hometown: Livingston
Occupation:School superintendent/principal
Personal background:My family’s history of resilience, escaping Nazi persecution as Dutch Jews to find refuge in the Dominican Republic, inspires me. At age 7, my family immigrated to the United States for a better life, settling in Elizabeth, New Jersey. After college, I earned my master’s degree in elementary education and my doctorate in educational leadership at Seton Hall University. Then I earned a second master’s degree in special education at Rutgers. My husband, Ricky Bagolie, is an attorney and together we are blessed with three remarkable sons. Frank, our eldest, is a 17-year-old high school junior, while our twins, Jacob and Aaron, are 14-year-old freshmen. I’ve dedicated my life to education, starting as a public school teacher, advancing to director of special education and principal, and now serving as superintendent/principal of the East Newark public school district. I’m committed to hard work, perseverance and education’s transformative power in our community.
Political background:My lifelong journey in Democratic politics began as a student at Elizabeth High School when I dove into the world of grassroots campaigning in Union County, working alongside Sen. Ray Lesniak and Mayor Chris Bollwage. From that moment, my dedication to the Democratic Party’s ideals only deepened, propelling me into the realm of public service.
In 2022, I took the bold step of running for Livingston Town Council, emerging victorious in a fiercely contested race. Endorsed over four other exceptionally qualified candidates by the West Essex Tribune, it said, “… her work as a (superintendent), principal and director of special education elsewhere in the state may be similarly valuable. As a certified business administrator, her experience with balancing budgets and writing grants would certainly prove useful. Through public debates and statements, she has shown her knowledge on the issues that affect this town (and those that do not).” Winning this election marked a historic moment as I became the first-ever Latina-Jewish woman to serve on the council and the first woman to do so since 2014. I am now running for Assembly on the Democratic Line in New Jersey’s 27th Legislative District because I see a need for a reasoned voice and diverse perspective, like mine, to actively participate in the process to shape policies and decisions that impact our lives and the lives of future generations.
Why are you running for office:I am running for Assembly on the Democratic Line in New Jersey’s 27th Legislative District, representing the communities of Livingston, West Orange, Milburn, Montclair, Roseland and Clifton. I see a need for a thoughtful, diverse and proactive advocate to guide us through the challenges and opportunities we face. My goal is simple: to enhance our community by addressing our shared concerns through legislative action and advocacy, all with the aim of improving people’s lives. As your assemblywoman, I will loudly and proudly champion the fundamental rights of women to make their own health care decisions, free from government interference as women’s rights are under threat like never before. I will advocate for personal choice and equality, support access to education and mental health services, advocate for our seniors, common-sense gun laws, fair labor standards and address climate change, all steps toward creating a more just, equitable and sustainable world. These are crucial topics that have a significant impact on our society’s well being and progress.
Key election issue:In this election, New Jersey faces pivotal challenges that demand our attention and action. These key issues include the impending battle for reproductive rights; the pressing need to expand access to quality and affordable health care; the imperative to enhance our education system and provide sufficient funding for our schools while ensuring we have enough educators entering the workforce; the unwavering support for worker rights, public safety and our dedicated first responders and law enforcement personnel; and advocating for the protection of the pensions of our workforce that were promised and earned. Additionally, we must also prioritize job creation, facilitate economic recovery and extend vital support to our small businesses. These issues collectively define the path toward a stronger and more inclusive future for our state.
I want to address the important issues raised and share some of the solutions I propose to tackle the key challenges facing our community in this election.
First and foremost, I am committed to upholding our cherished Democratic values, especially in the face of adversity. We owe a debt of gratitude to the courageous women’s rights movement that has granted us access to essential health care services, contraception and control over our reproductive choices. This empowerment has propelled women into the workforce, academia and politics. While women’s rights may currently be secure in New Jersey, we cannot take this for granted. Some individuals, including those seeking office in our state, seek to reverse the fertility independence and progress we’ve made. It falls upon our generation to prevent this regression. I staunchly support safeguarding women’s unequivocal right to choose and ensuring that contraception remains affordable and accessible.
Additionally, I am a strong advocate for our seniors here in New Jersey. I will work tirelessly to ensure they have access to affordable housing, secure retirement benefits and quality health care. Addressing and reducing gun violence in our communities is another priority, along with preserving open spaces and promoting environmental sustainability. I also stand firmly for love in all its forms, recognizing that all love is love, and I will advocate for equal rights and recognition for all. Our public workers, including law enforcement, first responders and firefighters, deserve our unwavering support, and I am dedicated to providing them with the necessary resources they need to properly perform their jobs and addressing their mental health needs. For working families, I will strengthen workers’ rights, offer job training opportunities and support unions while safeguarding pensions and vehemently opposing any attacks on these hard-earned retirement benefits. Furthermore, I am committed to fostering business growth through infrastructure improvements, responsible regulation streamlining and promoting sound fiscal policies.
Finally, as a lifelong teacher, I champion our schools as palaces of learning, for education is the foundation of our nation’s future. It’s not just about classrooms and textbooks; it’s about empowering our young people to dream, innovate, and contribute to society. We must invest in our schools, attract new and support our existing teachers, and ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to receive a quality education.
Together, we can protect and advance these fundamental principles that define our great state and pave the way for a brighter future for New Jersey.
Example of a successful project:As a councilwoman representing the Township of Livingston, it has been my commitment to address not only local concerns but also to passionately advocate for issues close to my heart, deeply intertwined with the soul of our community. Two recent examples stand out as emblematic of this commitment. First, I took the initiative to encourage my fellow council members to draft and pass a resolution embracing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) “Working Definition of Antisemitism.” This action was part of our ongoing dedication to condemn and combat anti-Semitism, and all discrimination, both within our community and beyond. Second, drawing from my lifelong passion for reading and experience as an educator, I championed the passage of a resolution affirming “Book Choice Freedom” within our town. This resolution solidified our township’s unwavering support for residents’ freedom to explore a wide range of literary works, firmly denouncing any form of censorship. These actions were unanimously approved and reflect my unwavering commitment to fostering a community that stands against prejudice and values the principles of freedom, education and inclusivity.
Example of a challenge faced:My immigrant journey, marked by overcoming poverty, aims to inspire those facing similar challenges. Arriving in a new country filled with hope, my family soon encountered financial hardship, leading to tough choices between rent and food, along with various hardships, like food insecurity, lack of affordable health care and period poverty. Recognizing that education was my escape from poverty, I pursued it relentlessly, even working from age 13. Through hard work and determination, I not only excelled academically but also professionally, breaking free from poverty’s grip and stand as a proud testament to the transformative power of education. Now, I dedicate my life to helping children facing similar struggles, offering them opportunities and guidance to pursue their dreams and break the cycle of poverty.
On NJ’s gun laws:I wholeheartedly endorse the enactment of common-sense gun laws that find a middle ground, respecting our Second Amendment rights while addressing crucial public safety issues, considering the significant role of federal regulations in shaping state-level laws. New Jersey’s firearm regulations acknowledge the need for responsible restrictions to enhance community safety. It is of utmost importance that we strive to diminish gun violence while acknowledging the deep-rooted connection between lawful gun ownership and our nation’s history.
On the Murphy administration’s climate change proposals:Addressing climate change, Gov. Murphy’s initiatives aim for a greener future but require ongoing review and adjustment to ensure effectiveness. Climate change poses real threats like property damage, agricultural disruption and population displacement, with their associated costs. I support proactive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aiming to minimize climate change impacts and protect the environment and residents. Success depends on accessibility and affordability for all, including low-income communities, addressing and funding infrastructure challenges, and fostering collaboration with local businesses, universities, neighboring states and the federal government for a comprehensive regional approach to combat climate change.
On housing affordability and property taxes:Effectively addressing New Jersey’s housing challenges, including rent costs, affordability and property taxes, necessitates a comprehensive approach. This involves prioritizing funding for affordable housing programs while minimizing community disruption and empowering local authorities. Strategies encompass subsidies, tax incentives, and partnerships with developers. Additionally, property tax reforms, such as assessment adjustments and tax relief programs, should be explored. Continuous policy evaluation is crucial, including a review of Fair Share Housing policies, aiming for equitable solutions that benefit municipalities and affordable housing advocates. Transparent guidelines, financial incentives, streamlined approval processes and adaptive reuse of existing structures can contribute to a more inclusive housing landscape while involving residents in decision-making to align policies with community needs.
Final thoughts:I am honored to stand alongside my running mates, John McKeon for Senate and Alixon Collazos-Gill for Assembly. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team, and together, in Trenton, we will ensure that the 27th District receives the strong voice it rightfully deserves.
Candidate’s website: rosybagolie.com
