If you are a resident of New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District looking for a candidate with impressive credentials to challenge Congressman Frank Pallone (D-N.J.)for the congressional seat, you should take a serious look at Sue Kiley.
Kiley, a Republican, is serving her second three-year term as a commissioner on the Monmouth County Board of Commissioners. She is deputy director of the board and serves as liaison to the Human Services Department. She previously served as a committee woman, deputy mayor and mayor of the Township of Hazlet. She had a successful 30-year career in healthcare, initially as a registered nurse and later in healthcare sales; before retiring, she was a top producing vice president in national healthcare sales. She and her husband, Gene, are active in their church and have five children and 13 grandchildren.
The Jewish Link sent Kiley questions by email and she provided the following answers.
Jewish Link: What shortcoming(s) in the congressperson currently representing your district prompted you to run for this congressional seat?
Kiley: Mr Pallone no longer represents the values of the Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. He is a 34-year career politician who is out of touch with this community and their needs and wants. He does not live here or work here, as his primary residence is in Washington. He does not feel the impact bad policy, gas prices and high food prices are having on our citizens, even though he chairs the Energy and Commerce committee. He is in lockstep with Joe Biden and Nancy Pelosi and has a “go along to get along” attitude. We need a dynamic, active, and conservative leader in that seat. I will be that kind of leader.
Jewish Link: If elected, what are your top three priorities for when you take office?
Kiley: #1: Secure Americans’ Safety and Security—We need to stop the flood of illegal immigrants who are draining our resources, and drugs like fentanyl that are killing Americans, by closing our border. I come from a family of police officers who dedicate their lives to helping others. Our police forces and military need to be strong and supported. #2: Parents RIGHTS— Parents MUST have a say in the education their children will receive in the school system and choose to reject it if necessary. We all have a right to religious and medical freedom—to choose what we will and will not put into our bodies and the bodies of our children. #3: Inflation is at an all-time high. Let’s stop the “blame game” and spend more time developing solutions for the Americana People rather than protecting our political positions. Our families are suffocating and can’t afford gas or food.
Jewish Link: What are your thoughts on the importance of the U.S./Israel alliance?
Kiley: The alliance between the U.S. and Israel is very important. Israel is the only true democracy in the Middle East and as such is a critical partner. They are one of our strongest allies.
Jewish Link: Do you have an opinion on the BDS movement?
Kiley: I believe this movement (boycott, divest, and sanction: BDS) is founded on destructive and antisemitic principles, and I do not support it.
Jewish Link: What do you think Congress can do to counter the alarming rise of antisemitism in the U.S.? What could you do, as a member of Congress?
Kiley: Hate crimes as well as all crimes are on the rise in the United States. Antisemitism crimes ranks very high (60% of all hate crimes). Congress needs to speak out in a unified voice against hate crimes of all kinds. WE need to reinforce our police presence in the Jewish communities and dedicate financial support to training and education of new officers as well.
Jewish Link: What do you think were the most significant accomplishments of Donald Trump’s administration? What were the most significant shortcomings?
Kiley: Donald Trump was a tremendous leader and respected around the world for his strength and conviction. I am certain our country would not be in the situation we find ourselves in today if we had a leader like President Trump in office. The Abraham Accords Peace Agreement was truly historic and monumental. Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s true capital and moved the U.S. embassy there.
He was often criticized for his brash form of communicating and was in a constant battle with the news media, but he accomplished much, including strengthening our relationship with Israel.
