The Alternative Press

ANDOVER TOWNSHIP, NJ – Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno spent some time in Sussex County on Wednesday night, making a stop at the Sussex County Republican Committee’s Mid-Summer Gala at Perona Farms.

Invited guests mingled at the evening’s event, networking with one another, Guadagno joined in and was introduced to members of the crowd.

Just prior to dinner, and then her subsequent departure as she headed to another venue within the state, Guadagno addressed the crowd.

In addition to serving as New Jersey’s first Lieutenant Governor, Guadagno is also the state’s Secretary of State, and Acting Governor when Governor Chris Christie is out of New Jersey.

Guadagno asked the group for support in the upcoming Presidential Election year.

“Let’s put into Washington, DC what you put into New Jersey,” said Guadagno. “It’s an incredibly important election, and we need your help more than ever. It’s going to determine the future for New Jersey if we make those tough decisions now, it will make things easier for them in Trenton.”

Guadagno said when Christie first asked her to run with him for the 2009 election, he told the then Monmouth County Sheriff his motivation.

Guadagno said he told her of New Jersey, with his four children in mind, ‘”I get up every day to make it the place where I was born and raised.’”

A parent herself, Guadagno told the group at the Mid-Summer Gala, her children are also her inspiration, and members of the audience should consider the next generation in their decision-making process for the upcoming election.

“When we turn over the keys to Trenton or the White House, I want them to know we worked our hardest,” said Guadagno.

“This evening was superb,” said Ailish Hambel, County Chairwoman of the Sussex County Republican Committee. “I am very proud of my Acting Governor and all of her titles, and very grateful for her taking the time to come to Sussex County.”

Hambel said Guadagno readjusted her schedule to visit the event.

“She [Guadagno] wanted Sussex County to know she cares,” said Hambel.

As she spoke, Guadagno lauded Hambel, reiterating how she is the Only Republican Chairwoman in the state. She also praised Christie for his efforts in promoting the positive things happening in New Jersey.

“As he [Christie] goes around talking about what we’ve done in New Jersey, it makes me proud to be in New Jersey,” Guadagno said.

Guadagno said in this month alone, more private sector jobs have been created within the state, than in 2010, and New Jersey should be the state to set the standard for the rest of the nation.

While there, Guadagno assisted Hambel with presenting an award to Thea Unhoch of Newton, who had been the Town of Newton’s Mayor and on their council previously, and now actively volunteers her time with the town’s senior citizens.

“It’s nice to be recognized for something I enjoy doing, it’s the icing on the cake,” Unhoch said.

Assemblyman Gary Chiusano (R-24), one of the attendees, said, “The Lieutenant Governor reconfirmed what I’ve been saying, and the majority of people are saying. We are on the right track. We have a long way to go by creating new jobs, but the work of Governor Christie’s Administration is evidence that it’s working by the methods we’re employing to attract business back to New Jersey.”

Michael Hanifan, an attorney in Sussex County who also attended the evening’s event, said, “I’m enjoying the evening greatly, and Ailish is a very fine chairwoman.”

Some other local politicians who attended the event included: Senator Steve Oroho (R-24), Sussex County Freeholders Parker Space and Richard Vohden, Andover Township Mayor Michael Lensak, Andover Township Deputy Mayor and Freeholder Candidate Gail Phoebus, Sussex County Freeholder Candidate Dennis Mudrick, former Sussex County Freeholder Candidate Donald Ploetner II, former Town of Newton Councilwoman, Deputy Mayor, and Mayor Helen Le Frois, Town of Newton Councilman Dan Flynn, Borough of Hopatcong Mayor Sylvia Petillo, Stanhope Borough Council President and Sussex County League of Municipalities Secretary George Graham, Sussex County Clerk Jeff Parrott, Sheriff Michael Strada, Former U.S. Senator Candidate Bader Qarmout, Byram Township Councilwoman Nisha Kash, Byram Township Councilman Carlos Luaces, Fredon Township Mayor Carl Lazzaro,  Wantage Township Committeeman Bill DeBoer, and Montague Township Committee Member Paul Brislin.