State Sen. Barbara Buono, the Democratic candidate for New Jersey governor, is followed by supporters as she arrives at the Skylark Fine Diner & Lounge in Edison on Aug. 29. EDISON — The plight of small businesses, job growth and gay-marriage rights were among the topics discussed when gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono made a campaign stop at the Skylark Fine Diner & Lounge on Route 1.
Arriving around lunchtime on Aug. 29, she was met by about a dozen supporters holding green signs supporting the Democratic ticket of Buono and lieutenant governor candidate Milly Silva.
Karen and Rosemary Lontka of Morris County were among those who came out to lend support. Rosemary said that, as a gay American, she supports Buono’s decisions on gay rights.
“I can’t imagine that I have lived with my partner for basically all my adult life, and it’s like I’m living like I am single,” she said.
With people like Buono in office, she said, there is hope for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Buono, a longtime state senator, has voted in support of gay-marriage legislation.
Marion Costanza of North Brunswick was also on hand at the Skylark and described Buono as a gutsy leader.
“She’s bright, energetic, just wonderful and caring,” she said. “To come as far as she has come … [Gov. Chris Christie’s] ratings have been going down in the polls.”
South River resident Michael Szewczyk, a public school teacher in Irvington, told Buono there needs to be more done for public school teachers and to resolve issues with school funding. Szewczyk said he became a teacher so that he could work with children, not for the money. He said the teachers’ union has been unfairly portrayed as the enemy.
Szewczyk said he saw the signs for Buono as he passed by, and decided to stop by and meet her for the first time. He said he believes Buono has substance and is qualified for the top state job.
Others who spoke with Buono at the Skylark included Joanne LaPerla-Morales, president of Middlesex County College in Edison.
Buono has arranged for several meet-and-greets at places like the Skylark around the state.
“People want to see you, they want to shake your hand,” she said. “And the best thing is, people — I believe — relax when it’s over food.”