Senator Jon Bramnick Discusses Business, Leadership, and New Jersey’s Future at Hudson County Chamber’s ELC Event

On Wednesday, October 9, the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce welcomed NJ State Senator Jon Bramnick to the third installment of our "Meet the Governor Candidates" series, hosted as part of the Employer Legislative Committee (ELC) events. Following discussions with previous candidates, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, this event continued the Chamber’s commitment to connecting our members with the leaders shaping the state’s future.

Insights from a Business Owner and Legislator

The event kicked off with an introduction by Chamber President Emory Edwards, who welcomed Senator Bramnick and highlighted the importance of this ongoing dialogue between business leaders and candidates. Bramnick, who is both a legislator and a business owner, shared his perspective on the challenges facing New Jersey’s economy, offering candid insights based on his dual experience in both the private and public sectors.

The Senator emphasized the importance of real-world experience when crafting legislation, stating, "If you’ve never been in the real world, it’ll never work." He explained that policies need to reflect the realities that businesses face daily, and that laws often fail to do so when created by individuals with limited experience outside of government.

Bramnick also spoke about the power of one-party rule in New Jersey and the challenges that come with it. He highlighted the need for legislative refinement, suggesting that many bills are passed without fully considering their practical impacts on businesses and residents. He cited his own experience working with former Governor Chris Christie and Democrats, stressing that compromise is essential to governance. "70-75% of people are in the middle," he said, emphasizing that the political center often gets overshadowed by partisan extremes.

Economic Priorities: Curb Spending and Grow the Economy

Throughout the discussion, Senator Bramnick underscored his commitment to running as a traditional Republican. He laid out his vision for addressing New Jersey’s fiscal challenges, stating, "Stop creating new programs and spend money to grow the economy." One of the most pressing issues, he said, is that many state leaders, particularly Democrats, don’t recognize the outmigration problem. "This is an exit state," he remarked, pointing to the growing number of residents and businesses leaving New Jersey due to high taxes and the cost of living.

Bramnick argued that unless those running the state acknowledge this as a problem, no progress will be made. To address this, he proposed placing a cap on government spending to curb rising costs and create a more favorable environment for economic growth.

Law and Order: Addressing Crime in New Jersey

When asked about his approach to law and order, Senator Bramnick pointed to rising crime rates and the urgent need to update minimum sentencing for certain offenses, including auto theft. He emphasized that without stricter penalties, law enforcement efforts alone wouldn’t be enough to deter criminal activity. Bramnick used the example of car thefts to illustrate how more robust sentencing could lead to improved public safety.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Transportation was another key topic discussed during the event. Bramnick acknowledged the deep issues plaguing NJ Transit, stating that without federal support, the state cannot fix its mass transit system. He advocated for securing funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve New Jersey’s infrastructure, explaining that New Jersey must leverage federal resources to address its transportation challenges.

Leadership and Civility

In closing, Senator Bramnick reflected on the qualities of effective leadership. "Help everybody else," he said, offering his philosophy on leadership and service. He explained that true leadership involves prioritizing others over oneself, ensuring that those you serve have what they need to succeed. "Your job is to make someone else have a good day," he added, reinforcing the importance of civility and empathy in leadership roles.

Bramnick also touched on the broader need for civility in politics, a concept he feels is increasingly under threat. He encouraged leaders to work together respectfully, regardless of political differences, to create real solutions for the people of New Jersey.