Assemblywoman (and Passaic High School teacher) Linda Carter.
(photo from www.rotarypnp.org)
By Lixangelys Ruiz ‘20
We have an assemblywoman among us at Passaic High School. Our very own Ms. Carter from room M109. Many may not know what an assemblywoman is, but it sure does sound like a very important and prestigious title! An assemblywoman is a woman who is a member of a legislative assembly.
Ms. Carter was inducted as a member of the New Jersey State Assembly on May 24. She did so with hard work throughout a “Special Election Convention.” A seat in the assembly was empty after the death of Jerry Green, and the election was held to see who would be taking his seat. Our very own Ms. Carter is now an assemblywoman.
PHS students had the opportunity to support Ms. Carter at her swearing in ceremony. (See State House Field Trip) Students from AP Government classes and the Student Council were on a field trip to the State House, and coincidentally, Ms. Carter received her title that day.
Interview with Ms. Carter:
Her experience, journey, and plan:
“Thank you for this time to get to know me. My experience so far as an Assemblywoman has been phenomenal (all three weeks). I have had the opportunity to meet many individuals across the State of New Jersey and see the workings of New Jersey Government from the inside.
“As for my experience, I have been a public servant for over fifteen years, both as a local elected official in Plainfield and as a Union County Freeholder and a teacher here at Passaic High School. As for my assembly seat (LD22) that I hold right now, I feel I hold the perfect combination of experience and talent to help move NJ forward. I was humbled and honored to be able to take the oath and become a member of the General Assembly, now it’s time to roll up my sleeves and get to work in passing legislation to make New Jersey safer, stronger and more affordable.
“Prior to joining the Assembly, I was elected as a Union County Freeholder in 2010, and became the first African American woman to serve as the Chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2013. Prior to being a Union County Freeholder I served on the Plainfield City Council for 7 years.”
Advice from Ms. Carter to you:
“What advice can I give PHS students? Don’t limit yourself. Don’t allow your circumstances to hinder where you can go. Don’t be afraid to take chances or make mistakes, because you learn from that and can change and make it better. Be a leader and voice for those that feel their voice isn’t being heard.”
Her main motivation is, her “passion for all to succeed.”
As you can see, our assemblywoman has done a lot in her career for her community and will continue to do so. Passaic High School is very proud of you and we are lucky to have you, as a teacher and role model.
