With the crowded field that competed in the Democratic Party special election primary on July 16, ultimately won by Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver, residents of New Jersey’s Congressional District 10 may have lost sight of the fact that they have another worthy choice in the Republican Party candidate, Carmen Bucco.

Bucco, a resident of Kenilworth, is the founder and owner of Bucco Couture, a custom suit, shirt and men’s casual wear company that he has run for over 21 years. He also established Bucco’s Rising Stars Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting foster children, orphans and other underserved children.

Bucco grew up in Nutley and graduated from Nutley High School. He earned a New Jersey State real estate license in 2009. He has worked as a tailor, stylist and clothier and talk-show host. He previously ran for New Jersey State Senate.

The Jewish Link sent Bucco six questions by email and he responded with the following answers.

What aspects of your background make you qualified to represent New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District as a U.S. member of Congress?

As a small business owner confronting rising costs and a shifting economy, I know the challenges of the people of the district. I have the special insight of a person who is responsible to his employees and his customers—and that inspired in me a leadership based on service to the people. As a person with a background that includes severe struggles that I would never wish on anyone, I have a special sensitivity to the neglected people in our district. I understand their disappointments with the way government works and with the lack of true commitment to educating and uplifting our children. My fight is the fight for a better life for people who deserve better.

What are your thoughts on the troubling rise of antisemitism in New Jersey and across the U.S.? What steps do you propose and/or support to counter the growth of antisemitic activities?

The baseline for me is the principles behind the founding of the United States. Inclusion is in our DNA as a country. We are here to enjoy and protect our freedoms of religious choice. Everyone is entitled to that in the United States, and discrimination against any person based on their belief system cannot be tolerated. While we embrace the value of free speech, which lets everyone express themselves and is a cornerstone of our society, we also need to recognize that hurtful speech and activities intended to create bias or deprive someone else of their rights has crossed a line and needs to be curtailed.

Do you support the U.S. Homeland Security Department grant program for houses of worship? Would you support an increase in funding for this program?

The burden of protecting our freedoms necessarily includes assuring that worship is safe. Homeland Security is an essential and natural layer of protection that needs to have a special focus on the unique vulnerabilities of our houses of worship. We cannot allow suppression of our religious expression by disrupters who intimidate attendance at religious services. The ultimate solution should include a blend of local law enforcement resources who, when determining a threat, have resources available to them at the federal level. This may not require an increase in funding but could result from a shift in the focus of existing resources, and I will bring our district’s needs forward in my service as congressman.

What are your thoughts on the value of the State of Israel as a strategic partner of the United States?

Israel is a critical ally and deserves our unwavering support as a strategic partner in protecting our interests abroad. But equally important to these practical considerations is that Israelis are targets due to their religious beliefs and if we are true to our value system we must join in their fight for independence and religious freedom.

How would you advise the president to approach Israel regarding the continuing conflict in Gaza?

This is a complex issue that calls on our sympathies for the effects on innocent people from the devastation of Gaza and Palestine as Israel justifiably roots out terrorists. I recognize Israel’s need to protect itself and the consequential military action required to suppress threats. But we must also envision a future for those who are currently displaced through no fault of their own and have a right to their own culture.

What would be your top three legislative priorities as U.S. congressman?

Tax equity is No. 1. Our state and our district contribute far more tax revenue to the state and the nation than we receive. Second, we need social equity that is focused on creating opportunities for those who despite their best efforts do not have access to the educational and employment opportunities that will lift them up and enable them to be self-reliant. And third, we need environmental and energy policies that coexist and lead to a balance of sustainability and economic relevance.

Harry Glazer is the Middlesex County Editor of The Jewish Link. He can be reached at [email protected] and he welcomes feedback. He is grateful for Carmen Bucco’s prompt assistance and forthrightness with this interview.