For a second time, state trooper’s union endorses Murphy

Praising his defense of collective bargaining and making significant contributions to the pension system, the State Trooper’s Fraternal Association of New Jersey has endorsed Gov. Phil Murphy for re-election to a second term.

The union president, Wayne Blanchard, said the endorsement “is a clear referendum of a governor who has kept his campaign promises of making New Jersey a stronger, fairer state.”

“Whether it was a fair and level playing field at the bargaining table or supporting strong public safety legislation that has created a safer working environment for our members while balancing the rights of other stakeholders, Governor Murphy has hit the mark,” Blanchard said.

This is Murphy’s second endorsement by the 1,700-member troopers union.  They backed him in 2017 against then-Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno.

“We are forever grateful of Governor Murphy’s administration’s admiration of the hard work that men and women of the STFA do day in and day out, protecting the people of our great state,” stated Blanchard.

Support from the state trooper’s comes despite some tense times between the union and the Murphy administration over an order issued by Attorney General Gurbir Grewal last year to name officers involved in serious disciplinary violations over the last 20 years.

The attorney general’s directive followed weeks of nationwide protests spurred by the death of George Floyd, who was killed after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes.

Grewal had compelled state, county and local law enforcement agencies to disclose the identities of officers who are terminated, demoted or suspended for five or more days as part of a disciplinary proceeding.

Blanchard called in a non-sensical bid  to “unmask and re-punish Troopers for administrative violations committed years ago.”

But the union was willing to consider releasing the names of officers who were terminated or found guilty of racial bias or of using excessive force.

“To the men and women who protect our great state, I am honored to stand with you and receive this endorsement from the State Troopers Fraternal Association PAC,” said Murphy. “Through our partnership, we will continue to uphold our commitment to protect New Jerseyans, ensure the safety of all STFA members, and build a stronger and fairer state for everyone.”