September 11 Tribute
On September 10, 2001, at 9:30 am, I was in a meeting at the Port Authority’s office in the World Trade Center Building. One day later, 2,977 men and women died. There but for the grace of God go…
Overdose Death Is Preventable
Children suffering from substance use disorder rarely graduate from high school and often wind up in prison, die young, or both. Recovery Schools provide the safe environment and support these children need to get an education and stay sober…
What John McCain’s Life & Death Taught Me
Never let adversity hold you back. Let it inspire you. There’s a line in a song by The Band Perry – If I Die Young – “Funny when you’re dead how people start listenin”. Senator John McCain didn’t die…
Our Commitment to the Community
The Lesniak Institute For American Leadership has seven specific causes in its advocacy mission- Animal Welfare, Community Service, Criminal & Social Justice, Addiction, Curbing Gun Violence, Education, Environmental Protection.
A Long Fought Battle To Provide The Solution Many Teens With Substance Abuse Backgrounds Need
Five years ago, Pam Capaci, CEO, Prevention Links, a non-profit organization focused on youth and family development, came to me for help in forming the first public Recovery High School in New Jersey.
A Lifetime Of Advocacy Started At 12 yrs. Old
My political career didn’t begin until I graduated St. John’s Law School, but here’s how my commitment to being a voice for the voiceless and for social justice began:
How We Can Stand Up For The Other
The Lesniak Institute For American Leadership hosted a Round Table Forum at Kean University last Wednesday July 12, 2018 with political, educational, religious, community, and law enforcement leaders to discuss an appropriate response when in the presence of bigotry…
Make America Kind Again
Today’s political and personal discourse in America has devolved to a place where the insult of the day is an everyday occurrence. We hear it from President Trump and from President Trump’s opponents. We hear it from individuals directed…
Nosey’s Law: Progress Making NJ The Humane State
When I left the New Jersey Senate in January, I was concerned the Legislature would no longer have a champion to protect animals from cruelty and extinction. It’s no longer a concern.