A New Year Brings New Opportunity

Op-Ed

2008 is now part of the history books. Many historians and future students will look back at this past year for moments of significant achievement and moments of great adversity. They will examine what effect the decisions and actions of last year had on future generations. They will judge the year on the instances when we came together as a country for a common purpose, and when we failed to move beyond partisan affiliations and ideologies. And they will determine if the nation has truly turned the page on historical injustices. While we will not know the answers for some time, what is critical is that we learn the lessons of 2008 as not to repeat them in 2009.

It is clear the time for cooperation, moderation and bipartisanship is now. The American people have overwhelmingly called for policy solutions to be found, particularly on creating jobs and strengthening the economy. The new Administration has rightly expressed an interest in bridging the partisan divide to work together on these critical public policy issues. They have already reached out to Republican leaders on Capitol Hill to find middle ground on issues ranging from job creation to healthcare reform to energy independence. Only time will tell if these gestures of bipartisanship will translate into working partnerships and real results.

One thing that will not change in 2009, however, is how I will approach my work on the issues that are important to South Jersey and the country. Regardless of the administration, I have long believed in and worked for bipartisan consensus. I have been proud to work with the entire New Jersey delegation on legislation and projects that are critical to communities in our state. This will not change. I will continue to actively seek partnerships with my colleagues - Democrats and Republicans alike - to achieve the most common-sense and cooperative policies possible.

More importantly, the change in the calendar will not change my dedication and accessibility to South Jersey residents. My single greatest focus is serving the residents of New Jersey's 2nd Congressional district. Whether it be navigating through bureaucratic red-tape or assisting with receiving one's owed benefits, my office and I remain willing to assist South Jersey residents with their questions and concerns in dealing with the federal government. This pledge has not and will not change in 2009. Any resident needing assistance should contact my Mays Landing office at 609.625.5008 or toll-free at 1.800.471.4450 at any time.

With the new year also comes new challenges for our families, communities and country. Working together, we can face situations - from a distressed economy to threats against our national security - that will certainly arise. Working together, we can achieve positive and lasting results. We can move our country forward rather than being stuck in neutral. This new year brings a new opportunity to address the critical issues facing our country and improve the quality of life for all hard-working Americans. Let us ensure we make good use of this opportunity.

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