4 minute read
Realtors® Q&A: Meet the Decision Makers
Realtors ® Q&A: Meet the Decision Makers
New Jersey Senator Patrick J. Diegnan
Welcome to our series, Meet the Decision Makers, where we interview key decision-makers on their influential role within New Jersey. For this issue, we have Senator Patrick J. Diegnan. His verbatim responses are italicized below. Do you have an idea of someone you’d like to see us interview? Email editor@njrealtor.com
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in public service?
I am the fortunate son of Irish immigrants. My six siblings and I were taught from childhood we were blessed to live in the land of opportunity. My mother and father taught by example. They always tried to help others whenever they could. My dad was a committee person in his district and brought me as a child to meetings with the mayor and local officials. Simply stated, public service was in my blood. Every time I walk into the State House, I know my parents are looking down from heaven smiling, knowing that no other place on earth could a child of immigrants be a member of the Senate.
What does the job of the Chairman of Senate Transportation entail in the state of New Jersey?
As chairman, my responsibilities include monitoring important transportation issues, working with leadership and colleagues to determine which bills will be heard in committee, facilitating orderly discussions during meetings about legislation, and ensuring opponents and advocates alike have a voice at hearings, whether it be through oral or written testimony.
As the most densely populated state in the nation, New Jersey has unique transportation challenges, both on its roadways and with a public transportation corporation that is the country’s third largest provider of bus, rail, and light rail transit. Legislation making its way through our committee addresses those concerns, along with myriad others including traffic and pedestrian safety and climate-friendly modes of transportation. We have outstanding committee members who are contemplative and collegial in their approach and a committee staff that ensures we are well-versed on all legislation placed before us for a vote. I am honored to serve as chair.
What have you been working on that would help the real estate market in New Jersey?
I am the prime sponsor of the Real Estate Consumer Protection Enhancement Act, which the full Senate unanimously passed last month. The bill ensures New Jersey real estate transactions comply with a recent federal jury verdict and resulting litigation settlement. Updating the Real Estate License Law will clearly delineate the business relationship between consumers and licensed Realtors®. The bill also requires additional disclosures about the condition of properties being sold. The consumer-friendly legislation ensures a buyer and seller using the same Realtor® office in a transaction are designated an agent representing them and their best interests. The bill ensures agency relationships apply to all New Jersey Real Estate Commission licensed agents, not solely New Jersey Realtors® members.
What other issues have you been tackling in your role as Senator?
During this session, I’ve sponsored bills across a broad spectrum of issues, but some of the matters rising to the fore on which I am currently working include anti-bullying legislation, New Jersey’s Electric School Bus Program, paratransit services, services for individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities, school bus safety, and protecting pedestrians and motorists on our roadways.
What do you think is the most impactful piece of legislation you have worked on?
I’ve been privileged to work closely with the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association, Athletic Trainers Society of New Jersey, and my colleagues in the State House to implement a series of safety guidelines designed to protect student athletes from the leading causes of death (sudden cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injuries, exertional heat stroke) and other potentially life-threatening conditions. It has been my honor to sponsor legislation regarding the NJSIAA’s concussion and heat participation policies, the New Jersey State Department of Education’s policy on sudden cardiac arrest in student-athletes, and our state’s law requiring all schools to have an automated external defibrillator on site along with an emergency action plan related to sudden cardiac events. New Jersey is a national leader in the area of managing catastrophic injury risk to high school athletes, but more work remains to be done.
TOP FIVE QUESTIONS
1. Does Central NJ exist? Yes
2. Go-To Pizza Topping: Bacon
3. Pork Roll or Taylor Ham: Pork Roll
4. Favorite Sports Team: New York Yankees
5. Dead or Alive, who is someone you would want to meet? John F. Kennedy, Jr.
