The O’Toole Chronicles: Pupil surpasses the teacher

Many in politics started as a young, impressionable pupil, learning at the feet of some smart Zen master.

As a matter of fact, and despite the current generation’s yearn to catapult to the front of the line and be instant players, very few of us magically jumped to stardom. Rather, we started out as low-level aides making coffee runs, placing lawn signs, doing lit drops, knocking on doors, or handling opposition research duties. No job was too small, and we didn’t argue about it, demand comp hours or talk about unionizing for what is basically a seven-month temp job. As matter of fact, in those days, we just shut up, rolled up our sleeves and carried out the tasks. All in hopes of earning recognition for our dedication and being rewarded with the next opportunity.

Consecrated by time and polished by many campaigns, some of us graduated, moving up the ladder to be an advisor, manager, and some even made it to the big show — we became candidates just like the immortals we worshipped. Some of us campaign veterans developed a knack for being able to spot talent, at the staff and candidate level.

I recently had the joy of watching my former chief of staff, Al Barlas, get elected to the New Jersey General Assembly, and I couldn’t be much prouder. I knew years ago that Al Barlas was going to make an impact.

Al served as my chief of staff and campaign advisor starting October 4, 2010, until my retirement in 2017. Previously, Al worked as an aide to then-Assemblyman (now Senator) Declan O’Scanlon, and Al succeeded me as Chairman of the Essex County GOP. I have watched Al grow into one of the most promising political leaders in the State. He was an aggressive and hard-working legislative aide in the Assembly and Senate, and few know the legislative process better. Al was my right hand when I was the middleman (ping pong ball) between Governor Christie and Senate President Steve Sweeney. Between my time on Senate Judiciary and Senate Budget, Al had a front-row seat to some epic budget battles, and he saw how legions of appointments were politically made, including the construction and deconstruction of justices and judicial candidates. It was those days that really cemented Al’s transition from staffer to full-time political player.

Tenure in Trenton doesn’t equate to success. You can be a legislator for decades, rise on the floor to make impassioned speeches that are clipped for Facebook ads, and return to your district office no more relevant than the day you filed your first set of nominating petitions. In order to make an impact in the legislature, you certainly must possess a level of credibility, skill, intelligence, and understanding, but the most important trait is being able to foster and maintain relationships. The math in Trenton is fairly simple: what you know + who you know = success.

As I saw Al and his family on Election Day, it got me thinking about the right of passage from pupil to teacher, and how and when that occurs. Let’s take a step back.

For those who hold office and want to mentor the next generation, we have an unshakable obligation to instill a sense of urgency, advocate for meaningful policy, demonstrate a political finesse, and most of all provide an environment to learn.

As a teacher, you need to be clear on that vision, embrace the concept of political collaboration and generally provide a fertile ground for growth. I have learned that in the right political eco-system, hard work and street smarts are 90% of the battle. This isn’t all about me, Al made this climb based on his natural instincts and his unwavering commitment to hard work, excellence, and a code not to fail.

I credit his mother and father for providing his remarkable work ethic and unrelenting drive. Al’s wife, Sukaina, and their two kids provide his motivation to succeed. Born in Pakistan and immigrating to this country with parents, $500 dollars, and a couple of suitcases, he will now sit amongst a select 120 people and make the laws that govern us.

When all the lessons you have taught over the years lead to that one “moment,” you know your pupil has surpassed the teacher.