"I told him that if this works out and I became a Congressman, I wanted him to come with me," Sires said of Turner. "We work well together and have for a long time."
For the prior 12 years, Turner served full-time as the business administrator in West New York, while Sires was the mayor. Turner's position as mayor of Weehawken, a slot he has held for the last 17 years, is strictly a part-time job, with an annual salary at approximately $8,500.
So when Sires decided he was headed to Washington and represent the 13th Congressional District, he needed Turner to follow along.
"He's one of the most knowledgeable men I've known since I got involved in politics," Sires said. "He's been my friend for over 20 years. He's as honest and as straight forward as there is in his business. I admire him. He knows government. He knows budgets inside and out. He had to join me."
Crisis manager
When Sires was elected in November, he tabbed Turner to be the local district director, heading the staff in New Jersey. There is another legislative staff in Washington, but Turner is now in charge of the local offices in Jersey City, West New York, Bayonne and Carteret.
Turner has been involved in government for 32 years and has worked in every branch, from the municipal, county and state levels. Now, he can add federal to his resume.
"I never thought it would all culminate at the federal level," said Turner, who recently began his third month as Sires' local district director. "It's been a big challenge."
Turner is no stranger to governmental challenges. He began his governmental career in state government in Trenton under then-Gov. William Cahill, working in local governmental services.
He served under five different New Jersey governors (Cahill, Brendan Byrne, Tom Kean, Jim Florio and Christie Whitman) and was sent by Kean in July, 1982, to serve as the acting township manager in Weehawken when the township was on the verge of bankruptcy.
Turner also was assigned to help North Bergen through a budget crisis in 1985 before the recall of former Mayor Anthony DiVincent and did similar work in Manchester Township in Mercer County from 1990 through 1993.
But when Sires asked Turner to take over the permanent role as West New York's business administrator in 1995, Turner accepted the responsibility.
From local level to federal
Now, Turner has followed his long-time friend and colleague to the federal level. Turner is working with constituent services, listening to the needs of the various municipal governments within Sires' district.
"There are also so many civic groups within our district," Turner said. "It's probably the biggest melting pot in the country, with every possible ethnic and racial group covered. The two biggest issues we deal with are citizenship and Social Security."
Another concern deals with homeland security. The district features three of the major waterfront shipping ports in Elizabeth and Perth Amboy, as well as the bridges and tunnels that are located within the district.
Turner is also headfirst into federal government funding issues.
"Municipal officials are always reaching out for help and there's always the massive bureaucracy to deal with," Turner said. "Those issues are never new, trying to get through the federal bureaucracy. Right now, I'm learning the 'dos' and the 'don'ts.' I'm learning where the power centers are, where you can push to get something accomplished. It's all about the enormity of the federal government."
Turner said that he has been enjoying his new challenges.
"I really have been enjoying it all immensely," Turner said. "It's a different kind of issue that I've been used to dealing with. It's a lot more detailed than dealing with pot holes or balancing budgets. Now, we're dealing with larger issues on a national scale. It's a different perspective."
Peace of mind
Turner said that he is also getting to know more about Sires' new constituency in places like Perth Amboy, Elizabeth and Newark.
"It's fascinating to interact with the different people," Turner said.
Turner said that he received insight from members of Menendez' Congressional staff before he took the position. He also sought help from the staffs of current New Jersey Congressmen Steve Rothman and Frank Pallone.
Turner said that he has become the local spokesman for Sires when the Congressman is serving in Washington.
"Our schedule becomes hectic on the weekends when the Congressman is home from Washington," Turner said. "That's when we have most of our local meetings with groups scheduled. Sometimes, there are as many as six or seven events in a day that he attends, so the burden is a little heavier on weekends. It's more of a time adjustment now."
Of course, Turner still has to juggle his schedule as the mayor of Weehawken.
"What I do for Congressman Sires has no effect on what I do as mayor," Turner said. "It's a great honor that he chose me to work with him. We work well together and have for a long time."
Turner said that Sires' election to Congress comes at the most opportune time.
"It's exciting because the Democrats just took over the majority," Turner said. "He's already been placed on two important committees, the Financial Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee. It's the right time for the Congressman to be in the thick of things."
Turner said that his new role is virtually a work in progress.
"It's all about learning how the federal system operates," Turner said. "It's a great challenge and a great honor and I find it extremely educational."
Sires feels that his role as a Congressman will be easier with Turner calling the shots locally.
"Tip O'Neill once said that all politics is local," Sires said. "I needed someone to handle the local aspect and have the ability to work with all the different municipalities. Rich has been doing that all his life. He has no qualms to tell me when I'm doing something wrong and in this business, that's vital."
He added, "I'm very fortunate to have him. He gives me a piece of mind, knowing he's there."
Post a Comment