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DAY JOB STAYS: Assemblyman-elect hears constituents as he stocks shelves
The Daily Journal
December 2, 2005 Friday
DAY JOB STAYS: Assemblyman-elect hears constituents as he stocks shelves
VINELAND, NJ -- These are heady days for Nelson Albano, the 51-year-old political novice who has assumed the title of Assemblyman-elect since his upset victory in November's election.
The Democrat beat out six-term Republican incumbent Jack Gibson in an election that will leave the state's 1st Legislative District without a GOP assemblyman for the first time in history. The district includes Vineland, Millville, Buena Vista and Buena.
But even after he assumes the state office next month, Albano doesn't plan to stray far from his roots as an employee of ShopRite at Lincoln and Landis avenues, where he has worked for nearly 30 years.
Albano will continue in his role as shop steward for the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1358, and he'll still be responsible for keeping the bins of potatoes, onions, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables filled in the supermarket's produce section.
Albano also said he'll continue working a half-dozen hours a week as a physical trainer a few miles down the road at the Firm for Health and Fitness.
While no official records exist, it appears Albano will be the only produce manager serving in the Legislature.
And that just suits him fine.
"I don't think people should come here expecting a full legislative visit," Albano said Thursday at the store as he kept a display of Gala apples filled. "But I'll always be here to listen, and I can listen while I work."
Longer visits from constituents will be left to times when he's off the ShopRite clock, when residents can make appointments to see him at one of the district's offices.
But people will come to the store and talk about what's on their mind, and Albano plans to listen.
He's already hearing from people who have ideas and complaints, even before he assumes his duties in Trenton.
"The state's never done anything for me," said Frank LaTorre, 82, who is fighting a bout of ill health. "But even though I'm a Republican, I voted for Nelson because he's a good kid."
LaTorre patted Albano on the shoulder as he passed Thursday but didn't stop to bend the assemblyman-elect's ear about his views on the state of New Jersey's government.
And although Albano doesn't want to address all constituent needs while on the job at ShopRite, he noted that keeping the aisles of fruits and vegetables fresh gives him a public venue to have contact with a wide variety of people and listen to their concerns.
"People come up to me right now," Albano said. "And I'll continue that after I start in Trenton."
While Albano may not put in as many hours at ShopRite to make time for his new responsibilities, he plans to keep the job so he can keep in touch with the public.
"I started here in high school," Albano said. "I trained as an electrician, but I got married, got a mortgage and worked two jobs to pay the bills."
Although he started his own electrician business, the need for benefits and a retirement plan led him back to ShopRite after a five-year hiatus.
"This is a great place to work," he said. "And I'm fortunate enough to have a good benefits package and retirement plan, which is something that's important in today's world."
As he talks to people who come into the store, Albano realizes just how scarce jobs like his are in a society where health benefits and retirement plans are quickly becoming a thing of the past.
"We have multibillion-dollar corporations coming to New Jersey that don't offer health benefits to their employees even though the companies are making huge profits," he said. "And what happens is that when one of these lower-level employees or their kids get sick, they go to the local emergency room. And the taxpayers end up paying for it."
One of Albano's goals is to address the needs of workers without health insurance.
"There's no reason why these companies can't provide even basic insurance, even if there's an employee co-pay," he added.
Albano's role as a fitness instructor also is focusing his plans in Trenton.
Adding physical activity at schools, either in organized classes or during free time, should be a focus of the state Department of Education, he said.
"Kids today don't get enough physical exercise when they go to school," Albano said. "They spend plenty of time in front of the computer and that's fine, but they're also become obese at a record rate."
With his job out in the public view, Albano said, he undoubtedly will get additional ideas for ways to improve state government and reduce the burden of property taxes.
One idea he already has discussed is a Mega Millions-type lottery solely dedicated to education.
Albano plans to work on the idea with his running mate, Democratic Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, and the 1st District's Republican senator, Nicholas Asselta.
Van Drew said he always found supermarkets a good place to campaign during his previous runs for office because they're locations "where you meet real people with real issues."
As Albano finished a shift Thursday afternoon that started in the predawn hours, he greeted a few other customers and exchanged kind words with well-wishers who congratulated him on his recent political victory.
But there's always a joker in the crowd.
"Now quit talking and get back to work," came a voice from across the isle.
Looking over, Albano saw Neil Ensslen, his neighbor and longtime friend.
And Albano did get back to work, even as he continued his exchange with Ensslen.
"I can work with my hands and listen with my ears," Albano said. "But I'm not going to take anything away from my bosses here. They've been too good to me over the years."
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