Murphy takes a timeout
for the PBA
Governor makes unannounced visit to PBA Collective Bargaining Seminar
n BY MITCHELL KRUGEL
n PHOTOS BY ED CARATTINI JR.
Holmdel Local 239 State Delegate Mike Michalski and Vice
President Chris Cherney headed back to their rooms on a lunch
break from Day 2 of the 2018 PBA Collective Bargaining Seminar
when they ran into an old friend. Walking out the door of the
convention center at Harrah’s, Michalski and Cherney literally
bumped into Governor Phil Murphy.
Governor Murphy was on his way to speak at the New Jer-
sey State Agriculture Convention, which shared the convention
space with the PBA on Feb. 7. Michalski told the governor that
the PBA was also in the house, and Murphy quickly made a de-
tour.
“We called an audible at the line of scrimmage,” the gover-
nor explained. “I’m always humbled and honored to be with the
PBA.”
Michalski texted PBA President Pat Colligan that he had run
into Governor Murphy. By the time Colligan could react, Gover-
nor Murphy had already stepped into the Collective Bargaining
Seminar, made some rounds to shake hands, say thank you and
pause for some photo opps. A line quickly formed, and the gov-
ernor stayed to take photos with every member who asked.
“It feels good to be back here with my first responder friends,”
Governor Murphy expressed, recalling that these were the sup-
porters who were there at the start of his run for governor more
than two years ago.
“I know Pat Colligan and (Executive Vice President) Marc Ko-
var agree that we’re born under the same star,” Governor Mur-
phy continued. “We don’t always agree. We generally know what
direction we want to go in. We don’t always agree on the details,
but after a period we’ve come through, the respect we have is
really important.”
At the end of his 20 minutes in the room, Governor Murphy
During his impromptu visit to the PBA Collective Bargaining Seminar, Gov-
ernor Murphy took time to say thanks to members like Allendale-Waldwick
Local 217 State Delegate Vincent Rizzo.
posed for a photo with Michalski and thanked him for letting
the governor know that the Collective Bargaining Seminar was
taking place.
“I guess my big mouth works, because he actually stopped to
talk to all the members,” Michalski quipped. “This shows that
things are looking up for us, finally, instead of getting dumped
on. It’s nice to have a governor who understands the job we do
and respects what we do.” d
Holmdel Local 239 State Delegate Mike The governor expresses his thanks to PBA President Pat Col- Members of Bergen County Local 102 take a
Michalski told Governor Murphy about ligan, left, and Executive Vice President Marc Kovar for allow- photo with the governor.
the Collective Bargaining Seminar, which ing him a few minutes to meet with members.
prompted his visit.
10
NEW JERSEY COPS
■ FEBRUARY 2018