Valerie Huttle

Valerie Huttle is a former member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 37th Legislative District from 2006 to 2022. A member of the Democratic Party, Huttle has had a significant political career, including prior service on the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders. Throughout her tenure in the Assembly, she held various leadership roles and was involved in multiple committees, focusing on issues ranging from human services to tourism and gaming.

Early life and career

Valerie Huttle was born on September 15, 1956, to Anthony P. and Natalie Vainieri. Her family has deep roots in the community, having founded the Vainieri Funeral Home in North Bergen. Her father, Anthony P. Vainieri, was active in local governance, serving on the North Bergen Board of Commissioners and holding a term in the New Jersey General Assembly from the 32nd District during the early 1980s. Huttle's brother, Anthony P. Vainieri, Jr., is also involved in public service, currently serving as the Chairperson of the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

Huttle pursued her education at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she graduated cum laude in 1980 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She also received state certification for teaching. Additionally, she attended Rider University, although she did not complete a degree there. Huttle has a professional background as a state-licensed funeral director and has been the president of the family funeral home since 1981.

In her early career, Huttle was involved in various community organizations. She served on the Board of Palisades General Hospital and was a founding member of the Southern Bergen County Homeowners Association. She co-founded "WIN," an educational and social network aimed at empowering women in the community. Huttle has also held leadership roles in organizations focused on social issues, including serving as Vice-President on the Board of Trustees for Shelter Our Sisters, which addresses domestic violence and provides support for victims.

Huttle's political aspirations began in 1997 when she ran for the New Jersey Senate in the 38th District against the Republican incumbent. Despite her efforts and fundraising success, she was not elected. In 2000, she shifted her focus to local government and successfully ran for a position on the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders, defeating the Republican incumbents. During her tenure as Freeholder, she was recognized for her leadership, becoming the first Chairwoman of the Board under its current County Executive form of government in 2003. She was re-elected to this position in 2004.

As a Freeholder, Huttle was involved in various initiatives, including oversight of the Bergen Regional Medical Center and the development of a one-stop homeless shelter to address the needs of the homeless population. She also served on several boards and committees related to education and social services, including the Board of Social Services and the Community Action Partnership Board of Trustees. After serving one year concurrently as both an Assemblywoman and Freeholder, Huttle chose not to seek re-election to the Freeholder board in 2006.

Legislative service

Huttle's entry into the New Jersey General Assembly came after the resignation of State Senator Byron Baer in 2005. Although she initially sought to fill the Senate vacancy, she ultimately withdrew her candidacy and endorsed Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg for the position. Following Weinberg's successful bid for the Senate, Huttle announced her candidacy for the Assembly seat that would become vacant. She was selected by the Bergen County Democratic Committee to run for the Assembly and was elected on November 8, 2005. Huttle was sworn in as a member of the Assembly on January 10, 2006, marking the beginning of her legislative career.

During her time in the Assembly, Huttle served on several committees, including the Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee, where she held the position of Chair, and the Labor Committee, where she served as Vice-Chair. She was also a member of the Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee. In 2015, she was appointed as Deputy Speaker and continued to play a significant role in legislative activities.

Huttle's legislative work included a focus on human services, and she chaired the Assembly Human Services Committee. She was involved in various initiatives, including a legislative study mission to Israel in 2016, which led to her sponsorship of an anti-BDS bill aimed at preventing state pension funds from investing in companies that boycott Israel.

In 2021, Huttle announced her intention to run for the District 37 Senate seat following Loretta Weinberg's decision to retire. She faced fellow Assemblyman Gordon Johnson in the Democratic primary and received endorsements from various organizations, including the New Jersey Working Families Party.

Policy focus and district

Throughout her legislative career, Huttle focused on a range of policy issues that reflected the needs and concerns of her constituents in the 37th Legislative District. Her work on the Assembly Human Services Committee underscored her commitment to addressing social issues, including healthcare, housing, and support for vulnerable populations. Huttle's leadership in the Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee highlighted her dedication to public safety and emergency preparedness.

Huttle's involvement in tourism, gaming, and the arts also indicated her interest in promoting economic development and cultural initiatives within her district. Her legislative actions often aimed to enhance the quality of life for residents, ensuring that the needs of diverse communities were represented in state policies.

As a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, Huttle worked collaboratively with her colleagues to address pressing issues facing the state, including economic challenges, public health concerns, and social justice initiatives. Her long tenure in public service, spanning both local and state government, reflects her commitment to civic engagement and community development.

In summary, Valerie Huttle's political career has been marked by her dedication to public service, community involvement, and legislative leadership. Her work in the New Jersey General Assembly and her prior role as a Freeholder have contributed to her reputation as a committed advocate for her constituents and the broader community.