Assembly accolades

Six candidates are vying for the two coveted District 17 Assembly seats today. When casting your vote, consider Green Party candidate David Hochfelder and Democrat incumbent Upendra Chivukula.

Rutgers Assistant Research Professor Hochfelder has volunteered for organizations that work to empower citizens, including GED and adult literacy programs, after-school programs for at-risk youth and the Salvation Army. Hochfelder says he would fight for lower insurance rates for drivers and homeowners. He would also aim to protect New Jersey residents from indiscriminate use of the Patriot Act. Hochfelder's support for Queer rights makes him stand out from the other candidates, and he wants complete support for the right for same-sex couples to form civil unions. He has many different ideas, and if elected, needs to stick with them by rallying support from both parties.

Assemblyman Chivukula stands out as the candidate that will best represent students and residents of District 17. It is important that the candidate chosen is aware of the needs of the community. Chivukula's experience as Franklin Township mayor and on the Somerset County Council on Affordable Housing proves he has taken an interest in the community. His concern with higher education was made evident by his proposal to state legislation to grant in-state tuition to the children of immigrants. He has also restored budget money for higher education and the science and technology commission. Chivukula made himself known in the Rutgers community when he paid a visit to the Tent State University protest last year. He has made students a priority through openly communicating with them.

The Daily Targum puts its faith in Hochfelder to follow through with what he has proposed and is confident that Chivukula will continue to represent University students.