MONTVALE NJ, Things turned a little ugly when a video filmed by Assembly candidate John Birkner was posted online Monday. In the video, about 34 seconds long, shows Birkner in conflict with accuses a man in a goatee, of removing Democratic candidates’ signs. The man, according to Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi, is a campaign volunteer who was working with two kids, scared off by Birkner and was removing the signs from private property being leased to the Schepisi and Auth campaigns when Birkner appeared. Birkner demanded to film the trunk of the man’s Hyundai, handling some of the signs within, which prompted the driver to shut the trunk.
Tomorrow begins the hard core campaign season in New Jersey. People oftentimes ask me, particularly in this current climate, why did I agree to run for office? I am an accomplished businesswoman, attorney, wife and mom. I have survived a bout of melanoma and a recent brain aneurysm. I have worked at the local truck stop flipping burgers and at a premier NYC law firm handling multi billion dollar transactions. I made more money prior to running for office than I do now. …I ran for office six years ago because I care. I grew up here and I chose, as an adult, to return. I am not a career politician. I became involved because I am passionate about trying to save our state from the bad fiscal policies enacted by mostly one party control over the past 15 years. I have watched my property taxes almost double, my take home pay shrink, our insurance premiums skyrocket but yet I stay because I love the state I grew up in. I have been the loud voice on difficult topics (and have subjected myself to horrible name calling as a result) because we must address a better way to govern this state. I am certain you will hear nasty, mostly untrue, things about me over the next 60 days but please remember leadership takes a spine of steel. Real leadership involves discussing and listening to all sides on the most sensitive topics. Leadership is voting no on bad legislation regardless of how much a special interest group may want it. If you ever have a question on why I voted a certain way or what my position is on a particular topic please reach out and ask. I also will be going door to door in all 23 of the towns I represent. I’m taking all volunteers for the journey.
Let me know if you’d like to help out.
Holly Schepisi New Jersey State Assemblywoman for District 39
