Annette Chaparro

Annette Chaparro is a former member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 33rd Legislative District. A member of the Democratic Party, she served in the Assembly from January 12, 2016, until the end of her last term in 2024. Throughout her legislative career, Chaparro held the position of Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore starting in 2022. She is a resident of Hoboken, New Jersey, where she has also worked as a clerk for the city.

Early life and career

Annette Chaparro was born on October 8, 1967. She grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey, where she completed her secondary education at Hoboken High School. Following her graduation, Chaparro pursued a career in public service, eventually becoming a clerk for the City of Hoboken. Her work in local government provided her with firsthand experience in civic administration and community engagement, which would later inform her legislative priorities and actions.

Chaparro's entry into politics was facilitated by local party dynamics. In March 2015, the Democratic Party in New Jersey made a significant decision regarding the primary ballot for the 33rd Legislative District. Assemblyman Carmelo Garcia was not included on the ballot, leading to a strategic agreement between influential local leaders, including Senator Brian P. Stack, who is also the mayor of Union City, and Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer. This agreement resulted in Chaparro being nominated to replace Garcia on the ballot, marking the beginning of her political career in the New Jersey Assembly.

Legislative service

Annette Chaparro was sworn into office on January 12, 2016, and during her tenure, she served four distinct terms in the New Jersey General Assembly. Her legislative service was characterized by her active participation in various committees and her role in sponsoring significant legislation. In 2022, she was appointed Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore, a position that allowed her to play a more prominent role in the Assembly's leadership and legislative processes.

Throughout her time in office, Chaparro was involved in several important legislative initiatives. In the 2018-2019 legislative session, she served as the primary sponsor for multiple bills that were signed into law. One notable piece of legislation required the New Jersey Department of Education to develop guidelines aimed at raising awareness and preventing child trafficking within school districts. This bill reflected her commitment to child safety and education.

Another significant bill she sponsored permitted certain planned real estate developments to file specific liens, addressing issues related to property development and financial priorities. Additionally, Chaparro sponsored a resolution designating September 20 of each year as Hispanic Journalist Pride Day, which highlighted her support for diversity and representation in the media.

Chaparro's committee assignments during her legislative career included serving as Vice-Chair of the Law and Public Safety Committee and the Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee, as well as being a member of the Budget Committee. These roles allowed her to influence a wide range of policy areas, from public safety to economic development and budgeting.

Policy focus and district

As a representative of the 33rd Legislative District, Annette Chaparro's policy focus was shaped by the unique needs and characteristics of her constituents. The 33rd District includes urban areas such as Hoboken and parts of Union City, which are known for their diverse populations and vibrant communities. Chaparro's legislative priorities often reflected the interests of her constituents, emphasizing issues such as education, public safety, and community development.

Her work on child trafficking awareness and prevention underscored her commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children, within her district. By advocating for educational guidelines, she aimed to equip schools with the necessary tools to address this critical issue.

Chaparro's involvement in real estate legislation also highlighted her attention to economic development and housing issues, which are particularly relevant in densely populated urban areas. By addressing the complexities of property development, she aimed to create a balanced approach to growth that considered both the needs of developers and the rights of residents.

In addition to her legislative work, Chaparro's role as a local government clerk provided her with valuable insights into the day-to-day challenges faced by her constituents. This experience informed her approach to policymaking, as she sought to create legislation that was practical and responsive to the needs of the community.

As of June 28, 2024, it was announced that Annette Chaparro would be nominated by the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee to succeed Carmen M. Garcia as a member of the New Jersey State Parole Board. This nomination marks a new chapter in her public service career, allowing her to continue contributing to the state in a different capacity following her tenure in the Assembly.

In summary, Annette Chaparro's career in the New Jersey General Assembly was marked by her dedication to her constituents and her active involvement in legislative processes. Her focus on education, public safety, and community development reflects the priorities of the 33rd Legislative District, and her upcoming role on the New Jersey State Parole Board signifies her ongoing commitment to public service.