As part of our election-year coverage, we’re inviting all General Assembly candidates to share their perspective on two high-priority issues for our readers: education and housing. We’re especially interested in understanding:

● Your approach to state policy on education and housing
● Specific legislative goals or proposals you support
● How your policies reflect the needs and concerns of residents in this district

As a member of the Assembly Education Committee, one of my key focuses has been working to protect and maintain the high-quality education that District 21 students and families should expect. Fundamentally, my guiding belief is that every child deserves access to an excellent education that sets them up for lifelong success. Accomplishing that vision means supporting our educators, ensuring that parents have a strong voice in their children’s education, and, when necessary, eliminating bureaucratic hurdles that take time away from valuable classroom instruction time. I’ve been working actively in the Assembly to address our state’s ongoing teacher shortage, serving as a primary sponsor of legislation that was signed into law to streamline the state certification process for educators. I’m also working to advance measures such as A4121 that prioritize personalized instruction over standardized testing, recognizing that nobody’s time is well served by “teaching to the test.” And finally, I’m spearheading an effort to enact A276, which would create a Student Mental Health Task Force to help provide all students with the holistic support they need to thrive and achieve their full potential.

At the same time, we need to protect the character of our communities by addressing New Jersey’s overdevelopment crisis. I have been a vocal advocate for giving our towns greater control over their own zoning and planning decisions, so that District 21 families can continue to enjoy the quality of life they worked so hard to build. My proposal ACR28 does just that, providing that only the Legislature, rather than unelected judges, may determine specific state housing obligations. This simple change would give residents, through their elected representatives, a clear voice in this critical planning process. Together, by pushing back against mandates that force overdevelopment without regard for local needs or capacity, we can craft a brighter future for our communities.

In short, I’m committed to continuing my work in the Assembly to make New Jersey and District 21 an even better place for residents to live, work, and raise a family.

Michele Matsikoudis

This statement was submitted by the candidate and does not necessarily reflect the editorial position of NJ21st.

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