New Jersey Governor race heats up with small business initiatives

WEST ORANGE, N.J. (PIX11)– New Jersey’s gubernatorial race is heating up, with both candidates hitting the campaign trail.

On Thursday, Democratic candidate and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill hosted a campaign event centered on small businesses at Llewellyn Parq Bar and Grill in West Orange.

“It shouldn’t be so hard to operate here in such an innovative State,” said Sherrill.

Sherrill unveiled what she calls her ‘Save You Time and Money’ agenda, addressing the red tape that often beleaguers small business owners.

“By modernizing our agencies and cutting through red tape, we can truly make a difference for New Jersey families,” said Sherrill.

She says if elected, she will make it easier to start a business by slashing license wait times and eliminating registration fees. When it comes to cutting State government red tape, she says she plans to create a customer service approach at State agencies.

“I’m going to have a huge culture shift,” said Sherrill, “so that you can have a government that helps get to ‘yes,’ works with you, to make sure you understand what is needed to get through the process, cut down on unnecessary permitting and red tape times and make sure everyone ahs the opportunity to have a better customer service experience.”

The campaign for Republican candidate, former State Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, told PIX11 news he rolled out a platform to promote a “customer-first initiative” in all State offices, and has pledged to cut New Jersey’s business tax in half.

His campaign told us in a statement, in part: “If NJ wants to make things better for small business, they should elect two-time success small business owner Jack Ciattarelli, not a DC politician like Mikie Sherrill.”

Ciattarelli is also hitting the road with plans to hold a rally in Gloucester County on Sunday.

New Jersey voters will decide on their next Governor on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th.