REGION: Chivukula strongest Congressional candidate on science

To the editor:
   Of all the Democrats running to succeed Rush Holt in Congress, Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula looks to me like the strongest champion of investments in education and new technologies that create jobs (especially for recent graduates) and make life better for Americans. His background in science, his record of public service, and his belief in giving everyone a fair chance make him the right person to carry on fighting for vital progressive priorities.
   Mr. Chivukula seems to know just how important the combination of technology, education, and economic opportunity is for America. According to his website, he came to the United States with only $8 in his pocket, to study electrical engineering. While working as an engineer and serving as a grassroots organizer, he earned the respect and support of the community in Franklin Township, and began a career in public service.
   In the state Assembly, Mr. Chivukula has consistently backed expanded use of clean energy technologies in New Jersey. He has sponsored legislation to stabilize the solar energy market, making solar power more affordable for companies and consumers while creating new jobs in the industry. He continues to push for a renewable energy portfolio standard, one that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring that a future natural disaster will not cause the kind of damage to power supplies that happened during Hurricane Sandy.
   Knowledge of science and technology is key for New Jersey’s children if they are to succeed in the 21st century economy. Mr. Chivukula has co-sponsored legislation to expand the teaching of technology in New Jersey’s schools. As part of a well-funded, high-quality education, understanding the technologies of the future will empower children across New Jersey and America to reach their full potential.
   Mr. Chivukula also looks like a leading promoter of policies that spur breakthroughs in science and technology. He has called for establishing areas where New Jersey’s universities and hospitals can collaborate with forward-looking businesses on research that boosts economic growth and creates well-paying jobs. Mr. Chivukula believes, and I agree, that when businesses have incentives to invest in a better future, not just think about their bottom line, the results are good for everyone.
   In his 16 years in Congress, Rush Holt has fought for investment in science, technology, education and economic opportunity, priorities that are endangered by congressional Republicans who would rather cut taxes for the rich than invest in the tools needed to give every American a fair shot at achieving the American dream. Now that Rep. Holt is retiring, Mr. Chivukula, a man who embodies the American Dream as well as anyone, looks like just the person to continue Rep. Holt’s work.
Mike Purzycki
Somerset