Morales and Venezia Pledged before Speaker Craig J. Coughlin
The two Assembly Democrats will represent Legislative District 34
(TRENTON) –
Carmen Morales and Michael Venezia on Tuesday received the oath of office from Speaker Craig J. Coughlin. The two legislators will represent District 34 in the New Jersey General Assembly. Morales is an experienced educator, working in and out of the classroom to uplift students in Essex County. Venezia is the former and youngest Mayor of Bloomfield and previously worked as a council member at large for the city.
“Carmen and Michael are two individuals who have, through different paths, dedicated themselves to their community,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “As Mayor, Michael helped revitalize downtown Bloomfield and complete Lion Gate Park, a sustainable park, built after nearly two decades of work. And as an educator, Carmen has helped many students reach their potential and go to college through programs like the Early College Program, which she helped spearhead. Today, these two dedicated individuals join the Assembly, bringing their fresh perspectives to these halls.”
Morales served as principal for Essex County Newark Tech High School, one of the highest-ranked schools in New Jersey. Currently, she is serving as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Essex County Schools of Technology. Additionally, she helped to launch several school-based and district-wide education programs aimed at advancing education for children in Essex County. She is also a member of the board of trustees for Essex County College.
“I am honored to represent the people of Essex County and Legislative District 34,” said Assemblyman Morales (D-Essex). “As an educational professional with over 20 years of experience, I have witnessed the transformative power of education first-hand and understand what students and their families need from their representatives. As an Assemblywoman, I plan to represent them and their needs.”
A lifelong New Jerseyan, Morales earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech Communications at Montclair State University, her Master’s degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and her Educational Specialist degree from Seton Hall University where she is currently a Doctoral Candidate in the Education Leadership, Management and Policy program. Morales lives in Belleville, New Jersey.
A dedicated public servant, Venezia has worked as the Assistant County Administrator for Essex County, as a senior advisor for the late Senator Frank Lautenberg, and as a field representative for Congressman Bill Pascrell. He also previously served on the Executive Board of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors and the New Jersey League of Municipalities.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Bloomfield as their Mayor and now I hope to be a voice for them and everyone else in Essex County,” said Assemblyman Venezia (D-Essex). “Throughout my years of public service, I have learned many valuable lessons and listened to many different perspectives and I plan to use all the knowledge I’ve gained to tackle the issues facing New Jersey.”
Venezia, a third-generation Bloomfield resident, is a graduate from Monmouth University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Government. He also attended Fairleigh Dickinson University, graduating with his Masters of Public Administration. Venezia resides in Bloomfield with his wife Laura and daughters Ella and Sophia.