Candidate Statement – Jacqueline Stapel – Democrat

Name: Jacqueline Stapel

Office you are running for: State Assembly  LD 24

Political affiliation: Democrat

Hometown (Municipality where you reside in Sussex County): Augusta

How long have you resided in Sussex County? If you are not a lifetime resident here please share where you lived previously: Sussex County born and raised. Moved to PA for a couple of years from 06-08 and a few months in Port Jervis.

Tell me whatever you’d like to about yourself and your family: Married to my husband Ryan for 14 years.  We have 5 children together.

What business/career path have you worked in?

I was a senior sales executive in insurance and manufacturing.  My focus was in aerospace and military manufacturers but,  I also worked with some of the top automotive suppliers through the worst down turn since the great depression.  I saved companies like Cummins and Stoneridge money and helped their bottom line when it really mattered.

What activities have you been involved in within the community? I have volunteered as much as possible at my children’s schools and was proud to be a Daisy leader for a time.

Is this your first time running for political office? If not, please list previous offices held and time periods: I have worked behind the scenes in the past but,  this is my first time running.I was elected this June to the Democratic County Committee for Frankford Township but,  this is my first big campaign that I am not unopposed.

Have you been involved with any local committees/boards/organizations? If so please name them and your position(s) held: Girl Scouts

What are the top three political issues that you are most passionate about and why?

Property taxes – until we lower property taxes,  we will continue to lose seniors and millennials who will not be able to stay in the state.

Funding the state pensions – we made a promise to teachers,  fire fighters,  police officers and our county and state workers that if they worked hard and paid their fair share that the long hours and low pay compared to the private sector would pay off in the end with security in their retirement.  If we can’t live up to promises made to the best of us,  what makes us think that the rest of the responsibilities of the state will not fall by the way side when we feel we can’t pay for them?

Equality – whether it’s equality for women, LGBTQ people,  racial, religious.  We need real equality.  Until then,  it will be ok for people to discriminate.

What do you think should happen overall to make life more comfortable for current residents to live in Sussex County (and if for assembly candidates, Leg Dist 24), and to retain our resident base? See above

If elected, what would be the first order of business you would like to tackle?

Changing the way we fund schools by moving away from property taxes and having everyone pay their fair share of school funding.  This would lower property taxes 50%

Is there anything more you’d like to share, in conclusion as a candidate not already asked above?

If elected,  I will have the opportunity to make real changes in Trenton.  We know that the assembly in Trenton is under Democratic control.  As a Democrat, I would be invited in on the important conversations that effect not just the state but,  Warren, Sussex and Morris County everyday.  This will make our voices louder in Trenton.

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