Trenton, NJ – Today, Food & Water Action – the political arm of the national advocacy organization Food & Water Watch – announced the endorsements of two outstanding environmental activists and progressive leaders in their respective upcoming county commissioner races. The endorsements include Ron Bautista for Hudson County Commissioner and Ali Aljarrah for Passaic County Commissioner. 

Ron Bautista has been a consistent ally of Food & Water Action and was an important leader in the winning campaign to stop NJ Transit’s proposal to build and operate a new fracked gas power plant in Kearny. Additionally, he was an outspoken advocate in the multi-year fight to stop the $11 billion I-78 Turnpike Expansion project in Hudson County that was successfully defeated last month.

Ali Aljarrah is running on a progressive platform that includes investments in sustainability, clean energy and environmental responsibility. He is a supporter of the Polluters Pay Act, and is committed to opposing data centers and fossil fuel projects. Several years ago a new fracked gas compressor station was approved within the protected Highlands Preservation Area in West Milford with no opposition from the Passaic County Commissioners. Mr. Aljarrah is committed to fighting this type of irresponsible, climate-harming fossil fuel infrastructure development in Passaic County, and being a strong advocate for the environment and public health if elected.

“Communities throughout northern New Jersey are increasingly finding themselves on the front lines of the fights against polluting fossil fuels and climate chaos. These communities need strong elected leaders that have the courage to stand up to the polluters and their profit-hungry agenda, and put everyday New Jersey families first. Ron Bautista and Ali Aljarrah have proven to be these courageous voices, and we are proud to enthusiastically endorse them for county commissioner seats,” said Sam DiFalco, senior New Jersey organizer with Food & Water Action.