MONROE — When President Barack Obama delivered his much-anticipated jobs speech on Sept. 8, a local mayor was there to hear it firsthand.
Monroe Mayor Richard Pucci was in the House chamber to hear the president’s address as a guest of U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ). Pucci said it was a tremendous honor and a great opportunity.
Before the speech, Pucci briefly met Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and later spoke with Menendez and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid about a variety of different topics, including a bit of conversation about their respective states.
“Harry Reid told me all about Nevada and I told him all about Monroe Township and Middlesex County,” Pucci said.
Then, Pucci was able to listen to the president’s speech, which the mayor said outlined what is needed right now. Jobs are still the top concern, and Pucci said that immediate construction jobs and a focus on public employees like teachers and police officers are key.
Pucci said Menendez invited him to the speech because he and the senator have known each other for a long time, and are on common ground on many issues. He said the two spoke about jobs and other economic issues in Middlesex County, as well as how the township is coping and rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.