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Senator Loretta Weinberg endorses Thrive Montclair's Roger Plawker

April 28 - New Jersey State Senator Loretta Weinberg has announced her endorsement of Roger Plawker, Thrive Montclair's candidate for First Ward Councilor.

"I have known Roger and his family for many years, and cannot imagine a person better qualified to bring fresh ideas and true leadership to Montclair," says Weinberg. "He is outspoken about efficient government and environmental responsibility."

For more than 40 years, Senator Weinberg has championed issues affecting women, children, families, health care, gun safety and other quality of life issues. Since 2005, she has been an active force in the New Jersey State Senate, where she serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee and the State Government Committee. Her major sponsorships include the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, which prohibits smoking in indoor public places and workplaces. She was also responsible for the 2004 passage of a law that reduced the legal alcohol level to .08 in New Jersey. Previously, as a member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 37th District, she served as Majority Conference Leader, Chairwoman of the Health and Human Services Committee, and Vice Chairwoman of the Family, Women and Children's Services Committee.

"Those of you who follow politics in New Jersey know that I have consistently fought for transparent, open and ethical government and against 'pay to play' at the local, county and state level along with your outstanding State Senator Nia Gill. I am confident that Roger will continue that fight to improve the lives of Montclair's residents," says Weinberg. "Montclair and New Jersey face many challenges in the coming years. We will need hardworking and intelligent political leaders to overcome those challenges."

Roger Plawker is a managing partner of the well-known Roseland law firm Walder, Hayden & Brogan. His substantial experience in criminal defense, complex commercial litigation and attorney ethics, as well as his management skills will bring an important professional dynamic to the council.

"I am thrilled to receive an endorsement from Senator Weinberg, a legislator known for her integrity, creativity, and straight talk," says Plawker. "Both she and Senator Gill will be important allies for Montclair in Trenton."

The Thrive Montclair slate, under the slogan "Your Voice...Your Money...Our Future," was the first to announce its candidacy for Montclair's Town Council in December, 2007. In addition to Plawker, Thrive candidates include: Ted Mattox for Mayor, Starr Daniels for Councilor at Large, Sumana Rangachar for Councilor at Large, Mark Reynolds for Second Ward Councilor and Joanna Brick for Third Ward Councilor.