Pub. 14 2015-2016 Issue 2

N E W J E R S E Y C O A L I T I O N O F A U T O M O T I V E R E T A I L E R S I S S U E N O . 3 , 2 0 1 5 4 new jersey auto retailer Chairman’s MESSAGE | BY JOHN MANGANELLI NJ CAR’s Political Action Committee, CAR-PAC, is a versatile tool for the Coalition. Through its financial contributions, CAR-PAC helps the candi- dates that continue to support our industry. Those financial contributions are supple- mented by the vast grassroots potential of the auto retailing industry that directly em- ploys nearly 36,000 people in New Jersey. CAR-PAC needs the support of ALL deal- ers to ensure the industry’s voice is heard on many political and regulatory issues. Whether dealers are responding to a pro- posed law or approaching legislators in an effort to strengthen protections for the industry, it is critical that we speak with one constant and clear voice. CAR-PAC ensures that we have the resources to make that voice heard in Trenton. Legislators need to raise money for their campaigns. If we are not helping those legislators that support the industry, our adversaries will most certainly step in and fill the void. But the financial support of CAR-PAC is only one piece of the legisla- tive puzzle. CAR-PAC bolsters the Coalitions’ grass- roots efforts on behalf of dealers. Grass- roots communications allow us to showcase the industry’s engagement in the political process and educate our legislators on the many contributions the industry makes to the New Jersey economy, as well as the communities in which we each oper- ate. Dealers are our best way to clearly communicate the industry’s position on important issues and ensure decision- makers are aware of any unintended consequences of potential legislation on consumers, the economy and the fran- chised auto retailing industry. While emails and letters are useful, legisla- tors truly respond when their phone starts ringing off the hook with concerns from their constituents. It is critical that deal- ers, as well as their employees, friends and family, pick up the phone, send an email and/or mail a letter when called upon to do so in support of (or opposition to) a particular legislative effort. We should be able to inundate our elected officials with communications when the need arises. While many NJ CAR dealer members regularly honor their quarterly, $150 solici- tation, there are still far too many that don’t consistently support CAR-PAC. Thank you to those dealers who honor their quarterly CAR-PAC solicitation and often go above and beyond in their support. To those deal- ers who have not supported CAR-PAC, I ask that you learn more about what the Political Action Committee does and then step up and contribute your fair share. This year, the State Assembly is up for re- election and there are at least three Districts that are expected to have competitive races. While there isn’t a Presidential or Gover- nor’s race on this year’s ballot, it doesn’t mean the 2015 election isn’t important. EV- ERY election is important and that is why I hope all dealers will honor their quarterly CAR-PAC solicitation and stay engaged in the political process. Please support CAR-PAC. We are strongest when we band together in support of a common goal. Please Support CAR-PAC as the Election Cycle Heats Up