Realtors ® Q&A Meet the Decision Makers

Senator Steven V. Oroho

District 24; Sussex, Warren, and Morris County

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 Senate Republican Leader Emeritus Steven V. Oroho. 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?

After spending the beginning part of my career in corporate finance and finding success, I wanted to take some time in the middle part of my life to step back and do community service. It started with doing some work for my local church and my children’s school. It then led to being asked to serve on the economic development committee in my hometown. From there I ran and won a seat on the town council and then moved up to county government and then state government rising all the way up to being leader of the Senate Republican Caucus. I have been honored and blessed to be surrounded by great team players who helped me each step of the way. The reality is I never thought I would be in elected office and certainly did a lot more praying than planning.

What does the job of Senate Republican Leader entail in the state of NJ?

As some of your readers may know, I have announced that I am not running for re-election this year and my current Senate term will end in January. With that reality, I voluntarily stepped aside as Senate Republican Leader, and my colleague, Senator Anthony Bucco, has taken over the role and will lead Senate Republicans into the fall elections.

The responsibilities of the leader are diverse. Since Republicans are the minority party in Trenton, the leader is tasked with getting our core message out to the public — fiscal responsibility, smaller and limited government, personal opportunity and responsibility — and helping promote these principles in the State Legislature. Essentially, as Republicans are presently in the minority, we act as a healthy, responsible opposition to maintain some checks and balances in state government.

What have you been working on that would help the real estate market in NJ?

I have always had a focus on fiscal, budgetary, and economic development issues during my tenure in Trenton so I’m continually championing measures which look to improve our competitive economic position. I subscribe to the mantra a rising tide lifts all boats. Improving our economy improves all aspects of industry in New Jersey including real estate.

I have also worked on legislative initiatives to streamline the local construction permitting process in order to help expedite real estate development and expand inventory. Additionally, I sponsored a comprehensive bill package that became law to help New Jersey recover from the lingering foreclosure crisis stemming from the 2008 recession. More recently, I have been working to enhance homebuyer confidence by holding sellers accountable for renovations that do not comply with building code standards and put new homeowners at risk.

I must also put in a plug for the Government Affairs team representing New Jersey Realtors®. They are excellent about educating legislators to the issues of importance and concern to the real estate community in New Jersey, and I have always been pleased to seek out their counsel and assistance on issues of mutual interest.

What other issues have you been tackling?

Along with my Republican colleagues in the State Legislature, we are working to push back on what we see as the excesses of the Murphy Administration and Trenton Democrats. From affordability and state finances to parental rights in education and radical green energy plans, Republicans are offering a more common-sense alternative on these very important issues that affect so many residents. Anyone interested in learning more about our efforts can visit senatenj.com.

What do you think is the most impactful piece of legislation you have worked on?

A comprehensive business tax reform measure that eliminated the estate tax in New Jersey, raised the retirement income exclusion fivefold, tripled the veterans’ income tax exemption, cut the sales tax a percentage, increased the earned income tax credit and restructured our state’s Transportation Trust Fund. I’m very confident the elimination of the estate tax is a significant reason our state’s revenue collections have been healthy.

Finally, while the debate in Trenton may gain the most headlines for a legislator, I have maintained that the most important work we do as legislators is constituent service. When the phone rings in our office and someone is looking for assistance, usually nothing is more meaningful for that constituent at that moment in time. It’s often the most rewarding part of my position too.

TOP FIVE QUESTIONS

1 . Does Central NJ exist?

Yes, just voted for legislation to make Central Jersey a tourism region of New Jersey.

2 . Go-to Pizza topping:

Sausage

3 . Pork Roll or Taylor Ham:

Taylor Ham, but glad to eat any kind of pork roll!

4 . Favorite Sports Team:

Football, Giants

5 . Dead or Alive, who is someone you would want to meet?

Jesus Christ, for at least one obvious reason.