2024 LOHV Endorsements

Julie O'Connor, PhD, Councilwoman in Tenafly, New Jersey (D) WINNER

Animal protection is a just and important cause. I use my voice to help animals in both my day job as a teacher through advancing curriculum that teaches children about kindness to animals, as well as in my political service to my community.

During my tenure on the council, I have shepherded through local legislation and budgeting choices that have improved the lives of animals. I took the lead in my town's passage of a puppy mill pet store ban ordinance which prevents stores from selling animals sourced from commercial overbreeding facilities. In a time when animal shelters are overrun with adoptable dogs, cats, and rabbits, we should raise awareness to "adopt, don't shop".

I achieved the conversion of SGARs (those black poison boxes) to Contrapest on town property. Rather than poison rats with rodenticides which get passed along, killing the predators who eat them, the rodent birth control Contrapest has been effectively employed on borough lands. I have fought for the planting of pollinator gardens throughout the town so that native birds and insect populations will grow. Additionally, I use my position to educate others on non-lethal techniques for managing deer, geese, and other wild inhabitants of our community. I have great appreciation for the work of The League of Humane Voters of NJ, because I believe that animals' lives will improve when animal friendly politicians are in positions to impact positive change.

Joyce Rudin, West Orange Town Council WINNER

Joyce is a longtime community advocate. She served on the West Orange Open Space and Recreation Commission. Joyce co-founded the environmental advocacy group Our Green West Orange.

She chaired the Coalition to Save South Mountain Reservation, which successfully advocated against the expansion of an amphitheater onto adjacent wetlands in the Reservation, preventing flooding in West Orange. She has a proven track record of getting things done.

Janet Ariemma, Mahwah Mayor DEFEATED

Bow hunting on green acres across from densely populated condominium complexes poses a risk to residents walking in the area. All bow hunting on Ridge Road in Mahwah needs to be prohibited to protect the safety of our residents.

Henry Senger, School Board in Saddle River, New Jersey DEFEATED

Recreational deer hunting in Saddle River causes unnecessary suffering. I witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences when a deer, shot by hunters, painfully bled out and died in my yard. This cruel practice has no place in our community. I have been pressuring the Mayor and Council to end the slaughter of innocent animals and I will continue this fight until it is ended.

Rocco Impreveduto, Holmdel Township Committee (R) WINNER

Our regional Legislative District Director, Laurie Perla received this note from Rocco Impreveduto, running for Holmdel Township Committee:

Hi Laurie, Here's my stance on hunting and the humane treatment of animals... I've never hunted anything and, although I have many friends that do - it's not a practive that has ever appealed to me. I don't view animals as "trophies", nor do I consider hunting a sport. Personally, I believe in "live and let live" and that policy extends to our animal population. We're long past the days where hunting is necessary for survival and - knowing that there are alternaitves to controlling (specifically) the deer population that do not result in their death or injury - I think it's important to ultilize the more humane alternatives at our disposal to responsibly co-exist with the animal population.

I would very much appreciate the endorsement of the League of Humane Voters and look forward to learning more about ways in which we can work together. Best regards, Rocco Impreveduto

Barry Bendar, United State House: Congressional District #4 (GreenPary) DEFEATED

Barry's commitment to environmental sustainability is demonstrated through his advocacy for the Shoreline retention project in Lacey Township. Additionally, he has long been associated with the Animal Protection League of New Jersey, championing the welfare of animals and promoting humane policies.

Josh Gottheimer, United States House, 5th Congressional District (D) WINNER

Animal Protection Scorecard: 100%

Previously, LOHV endorsed Josh because he was instrumental in saving the swans on Greenwood Lake. The Greenwood Lake Commission called upon the USDA Animal Services to assess swans who were defending themselves against jet skiers. The jet skiers were running them over. Congressman Gottheimer's staff was available, responsive, and compassionate.

Thomas Cannavo, United States House, 2nd Congressional District (Green Party) DEFEATED

As a vegan and Green Party candidate for congress, I fully support the Green Party Platform on the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Cruelty to animals is repugnant and criminal. All sentient beings desrve compassion and respect for their interests. We advocate for the humane treatment of animals which include the following policies:

1. Reduce NIH funds dealing with animal experiments,

2. phase out the use of animals for consumer product testing and military weapons development,

3. mandate clear labeling of products as to whether they have been tested on animals or contain animals or animal by-products,

4. pass policies to scrutinize animal research, including laboratory animals,

5. end the abuse of animals including farm animals and strengthen and enforce existing laws

6. ban the use of goods produced from exotic or endangered animals,

7. prohibit large-scale "puppy mills",

8. subsidize spay and neuter clinics to lessen the pet overpopulation problem to end needless killings.

9. ban the exploitation of animals in violent entertainment and sports. I would also lessen animal agriculture by subsidizing organically grown produce locally for the supermarket, making it cheaper than meat and dairy products.