Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Stephen N. Zielinski Sr., a Green Party candidate for
Governor of New Jersey, is a lifelong resident with deep roots in the state.
Drawing from a rich background in financial trading, the food industry,
farming, and renewable energy, he is committed to tackling New Jersey's most
pressing challenges. His campaign focuses on reducing costs for residents and
businesses, transitioning healthcare from organic, farm-to-table solutions to
universal single-payer coverage, and reforming property taxes. Stephen also
prioritizes revamping education, promoting organic agriculture, and expanding
renewable energy adoption to lessen dependence on fossil fuels.

Stephen’s platform emphasizes job creation and economic
growth through increasing green and renewable manufacturing within the state.
He envisions expanding public transportation in underserved areas, addressing
climate change with initiatives to protect New Jersey’s shores from erosion and
acidification, and fostering a political system that ensures free and fair
elections. His forward-looking policies aim to build a sustainable, equitable
future while creating new opportunities for all New Jerseyans.

  Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about you and your candidacy?  

I am committed to stopping wasteful spending at all levels
of government. By consolidating redundant services, leveraging technology, and
transforming waste into valuable resources, we can reduce expenses & create
a more efficient system. It’s time to end the “spend it or lose it” mentality
and prioritize transparent, responsible use of taxpayer dollars.

My goal is to eliminate the NJ billion deficit and build a
budget surplus to reinvest in our state. With a surplus, we can lower taxes,
improve infrastructure, and grow industries like renewable energy and
technology. This surplus also provides a safety net for unexpected challenges,
ensuring financial stability for the future. My vision is a government that
lives within its means.

My vision for healthcare starts with making New Jersey the
nation’s first fully organic farming state, providing fresh, organic produce to
hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, and schools. Our health begins with
what we eat, breathe, and drink, this initiative supports a healthier future. I
will empower a new generation of farmers, creating income streams through
organic farming and renewable energy, while addressing the state’s 50 food
desert communities by establishing year-round urban farms.

Additionally, I aim to establish universal healthcare
coverage in New Jersey, building on the federal Medicare program to ensure
affordable, quality care for all. These combined efforts will promote health,
sustainability, and equity across NJ.

My plan for New Jersey is a bold vision addressing climate
change and economic growth. By creating 50,000 jobs, reducing our carbon
footprint, and establishing a Public Bank of New Jersey, we can fund renewable
energy projects like solar manufacturing, installation, and storage. I also
propose cultivating innovative crops to capture carbon, regenerate soils, and
de-acidify our oceans, boosting biodiversity. These efforts will drive new
manufacturing jobs, enhance farmer and fisherman incomes, and position New
Jersey as a leader in sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.

  What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?   

Making New Jersey affordable, reducing property taxes,
expanding our Public Transportation, revamping our health and healthcare,
transforming our state to renewable energy, addressing climate change with real
solutions, and getting money out of politics.

  What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?  

I believe the most important characteristics for an elected
official include integrity, transparency, and accountability. They must think
outside the box to create real, innovative solutions for the issues faced by
their constituents. An official should prioritize effective communication,
empathy, and collaboration to bridge divides and address diverse needs.

  What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?  

The Governor of New Jersey serves as the state’s chief
executive, responsible for proposing and managing the state budget, and
appointing leaders to state agencies and boards. The governor also plays a
critical role in setting policy priorities, responding to emergencies, and
ensuring the welfare and security of the state’s residents.

  What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?  

I have made budget transparency and the creation of a budget
surplus key pillars of my gubernatorial campaign. My fiscal strategy focuses on
eliminating wasteful spending, promoting efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and
ensuring that public funds are allocated to initiatives that generate
sustainable economic growth for New Jersey.

"Budgeting is not just about numbers on a
spreadsheet," Zielinski asserts. "It’s about setting priorities and
ensuring our government delivers results. Our residents deserve a government
that lives within its means, reduces unnecessary spending, and creates
opportunities for growth rather than relying on deficits and borrowing."

To enhance budget transparency and restore trust in
government, I pledge to implement a mandatory 7-day review period. This ensures
lawmakers and citizens have sufficient time to review and debate its contents.
My goal is to prevent rushed decisions or last-minute amendments that favor
special interests. By involving key stakeholders—legislators, business leaders,
educators, and residents—we can create a more accountable and transparent
budgeting process for New Jersey.

I also propose:

Post Budget Bills by June 1: This would give the public and
legislators enough time to analyze the budget before it goes to a vote.

Implement a 7-Day Review Window: This window would ensure
that both lawmakers and residents have the opportunity to examine and
understand the bill before its second reading in committee.

Multi-Year Projections: Requiring projections for revenues
and expenditures would eliminate reliance on short-term fixes, promoting
sustainable financial planning.

  A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean do you?  

To me, being the top executive authority of New Jersey means
being a decisive leader who ensures the state government operates efficiently,
transparently, and in the best interest of all residents. It’s about setting
priorities that reflect the needs of the people, from fostering economic growth
and improving public services to addressing climate change and promoting
equity. As governor, I would see it as my duty to unite diverse communities,
drive innovative solutions, and make tough decisions that benefit New Jersey
now and for future generations.

  Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?  

In New Jersey, I consider the most important
responsibilities to be driving economic growth, fostering environmental
sustainability, ensuring equitable public services, and safeguarding security
and safety. Residents must know they can rely on leadership in times of crisis,
whether facing natural disasters or other emergencies. As governor, I would
prioritize creating jobs, reducing our carbon footprint, improving
infrastructure, and maintaining public safety. It’s vital that the people of
New Jersey feel secure and supported, knowing their government is prepared to
respond effectively to any challenge.

  Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?  

As governor, I will take a proactive approach, ensuring New
Jersey’s future is shaped by responsible financial management and sustainable
growth. My strategy is to balance the budget, create a surplus, and incentivize
municipalities to adopt best practices in fiscal management. This will foster a
business-friendly environment where investment thrives, and entrepreneurship is
encouraged. It's about creating a state where businesses prosper, families
thrive, and future generations aren't burdened by debt. With transparent
processes and smart planning, New Jersey can set the standard for economic
responsibility, security, and opportunity for all.

  In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?  

My philosophy for using gubernatorial power is centered
around serving the public good, promoting fairness, and fostering sustainable
growth. I believe in using this power to create long-term solutions, rather
than quick fixes, and always in the best interest of New Jersey residents. This
means making tough decisions when necessary, but ensuring transparency and
accountability in every action.

  What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?  

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state
legislature should be built on mutual respect, transparency, accountability,
and collaboration. While the governor sets the state’s vision, the legislature
ensures policies reflect the diverse needs of the people. I believe in
fostering open communication and working together to solve challenges. By
maintaining transparency in decision-making and holding both branches
accountable, we can create a government that serves all New Jerseyans effectively
and equitably. The goal is to build trust and ensure long-term solutions for
our state’s future.

  What do you love most about your state?  

What I love most about New Jersey is its incredible
diversity. From the sandy shores to the lush farmlands and towering mountains,
the state offers a blend of environments and cultures. It’s a true melting pot,
with a rich variety of individuals, businesses, and communities that make New
Jersey unique. This diversity fuels creativity, drives innovation, and makes
our state an exciting place to live, work, and raise a family.

  What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?  

The policies I’m proposing aim to address New Jersey’s
greatest challenges over the next decade, focusing on the health of our
residents, reducing road congestion, and tackling rising expenses. I am
committed to putting patients over profits and building a healthcare system
that prioritizes well-being. We must address the effects of climate change,
such as ocean acidification and beach erosion while working towards energy
independence by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Through these policies, I’ll
create real, sustainable solutions for a better future in New Jersey.

  Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?  

I am in favor of a state ballot initiative process because
it gives power directly to the people of New Jersey. This process allows
residents to propose and vote on important issues, ensuring that the decisions
impacting our state are made by the people who live here. It’s about
strengthening democracy and making sure that government responds to the needs
and will of its citizens, not just special interests or elected officials. By
giving people a direct voice, we can create real change and make New Jersey a
better place for all.

  What was your very first job? How long did you have it?  

Besides my paper route that I had at age 14, my first job at
age 16 was a dishwasher and food prep for a catering service. 13 hour days on
the weekends while I had band practice during the week., riding my bicycle to
and from work at 6 am. Once I had my first car I moved to office cleaning for a
film company 5 days a week after school.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?  

Lawrence Lessig, who I walked with in 2015, representing New
Jersey for the New Hampshire Rebellion.

Lawrence Lessig is an American academic, attorney, and
political activist known for his work in law, technology, and political reform.
He is a professor at Harvard Law School and has been a prominent advocate for
campaign finance reform. Lessig gained national attention during his 2016
presidential run as a Democratic candidate, where he focused on issues related
to corruption in politics and the influence of money on democracy. He is also
the founder of the organization Rootstrikers, which aims to combat the
corrupting influence of money in politics.

The New Hampshire Rebellion is a grassroots movement
co-founded by Lessig that seeks to address and reform the influence of money in
politics. It was inspired by the legacy of Doris "Granny D" Haddock,
who famously walked across the country to advocate for campaign finance reform.
The movement aims to mobilize citizens to demand accountability from political
candidates regarding their positions on campaign finance and to promote reforms
that would reduce the impact of wealthy special interests in the political
process. The New Hampshire Rebellion emphasizes cross-partisan collaboration
and citizen engagement to restore integrity and fairness to American democracy.

  What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?  

I am an “outside the box” thinker.

When addressing problems, I look to “peel back the onion” and find the root cause, then build solutions to address that. I look to research ideas that can solve multiple problems.

Take the issue that we have with our shore and ocean. Erosion caused by storms, acidification caused by rising temperatures,
and lack of oxygenation, which inhibits the $1 Billion seafood industry. By
introducing seaweed, specifically 3D Sugar Kelp farming, with oysters,
scallops, and mussels, we can clean our ocean. Kelp thrives on excess nutrients
in the water as well as creating more oxygen which potentially lowers our water
temperature and reduces acidification. Oysters can filter approximately 50 gallons
of water per day, Mussels can filter up to 25 liters of water per day. The
massive kelp, which grows 15 to 20 feet long, in conjunction with oyster reefs
will block title erosion.

The global kelp product market is
expected to reach $1 billion by 2031. With uses from food to animal feed,
cosmetics to organic fertilizers, and biofuel, we can create processing and
manufacturing centers in NJ. This also gives fishermen additional income,
closing the gaps in income with seasonal harvesting.

With this one solution, we solve many issues:

Erosion, acidification, decreased
harvest from the ocean do to mortality, additional income, jobs, new
manufacturing to the state which increases employment, and state revenue.

  What legacy would you like to leave?  

That I was the Governor that was able to end the corrupting influence of Money in Politics

  What is something that has been a struggle in your life?  

Balancing family life, launching a new food manufacturing
product line, and staying active in advocacy was challenging at times. The
passing of my wife of 28 years from cancer was a profound turning point. It led
me to expand our small organic farm to include livestock and egg production
while working full-time. Economically, it was tough, but learning animal
husbandry and tackling organic farming challenges taught me the importance of
infrastructure and land development. These struggles shaped my ability to
adapt, strategize, and empathize with others navigating change.

  What was the last song that got stuck in your head?  

Conviction of the Heart by Kenny Logins. The lyrics reflect
a journey of realizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the
environment, emphasizing that our existence is dependent on the health of the
planet's ecosystems.

  What is your favorite book? Why?  

"Leaders Eat Last" by Simon Sinek. "Leaders
Eat Last" is a powerful look at what it truly means to lead in today’s
world. Simon Sinek makes a strong case for leadership built on empathy, trust,
and selflessness—showing how these qualities can create organizations where
people feel valued, inspired, and eager to give their best.

  What is your campaign slogan?  

Time To Make The Garden State Green