Singer assumes leadership role in state Senate

Singer assumes
leadership role
in state Senate

LAKEWOOD — Beginning Jan. 8, when the 210th state Legislature convened, Sen. Robert Singer of Lakewood became one of the Senate’s two Republican majority leaders.

Singer (R-Ocean), who has served in the Senate since 1993 and was a member of the Assembly for the preceding seven years, will share the position with Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-Morris) and Sen. Bernard Kenny (D-Hudson).

The responsibility, which is usually held by one senator, will instead be shared by the three men for this legislative term because the Senate is evenly split — 20 Democrats and 20 Republicans.

Democrats control the state Assembly.

"Election to this position is truly an acknowledgment of the trust that (former majority leader) Sen. John Bennett and my Republican colleagues have in my ability to lead them through the next two years," Singer said. "I am humbled by this distinguished honor. I congratulate Sen. Bucco and look forward to working with him to champion the issues that will best serve the people of New Jersey."

Singer’s responsibilities in his role as a majority leader will include working with leaders to reach consensus in legislation and reaching out "across the aisle" to Democrats to help bills and measures pass.

Singer, who is beginning his eighth three-year term on the Lakewood Township Committee, has served on the Senate Health Committee since 1994.

In that capacity he led initiatives including legislation that gives consumers the right to sue their HMOs and a measure that provides expanded assisted living options to lower income seniors.

"This is an exciting time," said Singer. "I am looking forward to taking on this new challenge."

As one of the Senate majority leaders, Singer was allowed the opportunity to speak in front of the entire legislative body yesterday.

"Effective government comes from responding to the needs of the people," he said. "That’s what I have always done and that’s what I will continue to do."