It’s a shame bears can’t vote. At least it is for Steve Fulop.
Among the points made by Fulop in a wide-ranging “Sustainability” proposal is a plan to end the state’s bear hunt.
The Jersey City mayor and gubernatorial candidate is clearly relying on detailed policy positions to separate himself from his five competitors for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination.
His website presents policy ideas for a number of areas, including transportation, education, housing and public safety.
Sustainability is his most recent addition.
New Jersey’s bear hunt is hardly the state’s most pressing environmental issue, but it’s certainly one of the more emotional ones.
The state for years did not have a bear hunt until then-Governor Chris Christie started one. Phil Murphy initially stopped the hunt, but with bear complaints rising, he restarted it in 2022.
A bear hunt has been routinely opposed by animal rights advocates and others who contend the state’s black bears pose no danger.
Fulop’s proposal reads:
“Enacting a plan to end the controversial bear hunt, reflecting Mayor Fulop’s long-standing partnership with animal welfare advocates and commitment to humane policy approaches.”
Another part of Fulop’s proposal is enacting a statewide moratorium on warehouse development pending a study of land use laws.
Warehouse construction often is controversial with White Township, a small town in Warren County, offering the best example of that. For four years, residents fought – and ultimately stopped – a massive warehouse plan from being built in their rural community.
The dilemma, of course, is that as more people shop online – as opposed to visiting malls – more warehouses are needed. So how do you square that circle?
The gubernatorial candidate also talks about protecting and expanding open space, which includes enacting the Liberty State Park Protection Act. The park is in his hometown of Jersey City.
Other ideas include raising state efficiency targets, expanding clean energy technology, investing more in electric vehicle infrastructure, preserving nuclear power and strengthening the DEP to better allow the agency to “actively enforce environmental regulations, address pollution, and tackle flooding risks.”
Broadly speaking, just about all of the Democratic candidates for governor present some type of information on issues on their websites.
As of yet, none has been as detailed as Fulop.
Which presents an interesting question. How important are issues?
Keep in mind that successful primary runs often depend on personality, political alliances and deals.
As noted, Fulop thinks details and precise proposals are what matter to voters..
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Insider NJ recently reported on Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop’s involvement in the controversial bear hunt taking place in New Jersey. The hunt, which has been a source of heated debate among residents and wildlife advocates, has sparked further controversy with Fulop’s decision to participate.
Fulop, who has been a vocal supporter of animal rights and environmental conservation in the past, surprised many when he announced his intention to join the hunt. In a statement released to Insider NJ, Fulop defended his decision, stating that he believes in responsible wildlife management and that the bear population in New Jersey needs to be controlled.
The bear hunt in New Jersey has been a contentious issue for years, with supporters arguing that it is necessary to manage the bear population and reduce human-bear conflicts. Opponents, however, argue that the hunt is cruel and unnecessary, and that there are more humane ways to address the issue.
Fulop’s involvement in the hunt has drawn criticism from both sides of the debate. Animal rights activists have accused him of betraying his principles and turning his back on the animals he claims to care about. On the other hand, supporters of the hunt have praised Fulop for taking a stand and supporting responsible wildlife management.
It remains to be seen how Fulop’s participation in the bear hunt will impact his political career and reputation among voters. As the debate over the hunt continues to rage on, one thing is clear: Fulop’s decision to join the hunt has added a new layer of complexity to an already contentious issue.
