Interview with Assemblyman Brian Bergen

pilot. I served in Iraq in 2005 as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terror. Combat changed me. I lost fellow soldiers and friends in the wars that followed September 11, and my experiences there will be with me forever. When people ask me about war and global conflicts, I usually respond, ‘Those who have seen war will always be the last to advocate for war ever again.’” everyone.”

Q. What made you get into politics?

Q. During the pandemic, there was a big uproar in Trenton that you led. Can you tell us about that?

“Yes. When Governor Murphy shut down our state and tried to prevent lawmakers from entering the Statehouse unless they followed his new rules, I was one of the few who stood up to him. He even had state police come intercede with me personally. If you don’t believe me, I have photos to prove it.

Q. How did your time at West Point and in the Army shape you?

A.“I was 17 just years old when I enrolled at West Point in 1997. Those four years were truly significant in shaping who I am today. It’s essentially a leadership laboratory. Every day presents an opportunity for you to develop the skills and qualities necessary to become a strong leader, capable of inspiring and motivating others in challenging situations. I’m thankful for everything it gave me and cherished my time there.

“After graduation, I was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and had the amazing opportunity to become an Apache helicopter

“I was working on my MBA when one of my classmates mentioned that he served on his local city council. As he detailed how he was working to make the lives of people better in his community, I knew that was exactly what I wanted to do.

“New Jersey is headed on the wrong path. People and businesses trying to survive in this state are hurting. Someone needs to take a stand because it’s time for a new direction.

“Within two years I was elected to the township council in Denville and, shortly thereafter, the state Assembly. It was humbling to see how quickly everything came together, but the reward has been amazing. Every day, I get to help people and I get to work with amazing people to make our state and nation a better place for

“Some of my colleagues simply complied or hid in the Statehouse basement, but those policies didn’t last because we stood up.”

Q. It’s an election year, and you have a primary fight. What sets you apart?

“Unfortunately, some people want to go back to the old ways of doing things. They’re running ineffective politicians, who will only pursue their own selfish ambitions. What is best for our county and state takes a back seat to what’s good for them. We can’t let that happen.

“Right now, you and your family, your needs, your future, are my mission. I am the right person for the job and hopefully the voters send me back so I can continue to fight for them.”