New Jersey Governor-Elect Sherrill Names SMART-TD’s Ron Sabol to Transition Team

Many public officials like having unions around to better understand the real-world issues affecting working families, but New Jersey Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill wants us around when it’s time to form public policy. 

Sherrill has appointed SMART-TD New Jersey/Delaware Safety and Legislative Director Ron Sabol to her transition team. She knows that the strength of our union lies in the hands, minds, and experience of the men and women moving freight, passengers, and communities safely across New Jersey.  

Sabol Ready to “Deliver,” Help Address Transportation Challenges Large and Small 

Team meetings are set to begin as early as next week. These working sessions will ensure that Sherrill and her administration are on the right track for a successful four years. Their agenda covers everything from the expansion of rail and bus routes throughout the state to the seemingly mundane but vital details like ensuring that the state has sufficient road salt reserves to keep highways safe through the winter. 

“It’s going to be intense, but I take it seriously. I’m doing this because it’s a chance to serve the residents of New Jersey, but especially our SMART-TD members,” Sabol reflected. “The time commitment is significant, but it means our members have a say in the direction of the state’s transportation policy. It also means that the state benefits from our collective knowledge and experience. It is a win-win situation, and it’s absolutely worth it.” 

Sabol’s commitment underscores what Governor-Elect Sherrill’s approach represents: a vision of government that works for all people, including those in organized labor.  

SMART-TD Earned Respect and Influence 

Even as SMART-TD works to advance several bills before the New Jersey Legislature, including what stands to become the most comprehensive rail-safety legislation in the nation, Sabol’s appointment adds another dimension to our influence and advocacy. 

“The structure of the Department of Transportation over the next four years will determine the livelihood and quality of life of our members. Freight crews, commuter rail and transit operators, bus and mass-transit professionals alike,” Sabol said. “I’m honored to have a seat at the table to make sure our people are set up for success. 

“I want to thank Governor-Elect Sherrill personally for the confidence she’s placed in me and for the value she places on the professionalism and the overall contribution of our membership. SMART-TD isn’t just another stakeholder. We’re the backbone of New Jersey’s transportation system.” 

A Shared Honor for All SMART-TD Members 

This appointment is an honor shared by all of us. Sabol’s appointment is evidence that when labor is at the table, good policy follows.

SMART-TD National Safety and Legislative Director Jared Cassity praised Sabol’s selection, saying:

“Brother Sabol’s appointment is a well-deserved recognition of years of hard work, dedication, and leadership. Ron has consistently gone above and beyond for our members, advocating tirelessly for their safety and livelihoods. His commitment and perseverance have earned him, and by extension, all SMART-TD members, this seat at the table. We congratulate him on this achievement and know he’ll represent our organization and the working men and women of New Jersey with integrity and passion.”

Congratulations, Brother Sabol. Your brothers and sisters are proud of your efforts, and we can’t wait to see New Jersey continue to be a national leader in transportation!

Ron Sabol has been a member of Local 1447 (Newark, N.J.) since April 2000, was elected local president in 2005 and became State Legislative Director in 2016. He also serves as a Vice-President of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO, Secretary-Treasurer of the Mercer County Central Labor Council, President of the New Jersey Society for Environmental and Economic Development, and as a member of the Mercer County Advisory Council on Special Transportation.