Troy Singleton Writes Own Story as NJ State Senator, Helps Next Generation
State Sen. Troy Singleton.
By Clyde Hughes | AC JosepH Media
PALMYRA – New Jersey State Sen. Troy Singleton said he values his title as a “public servant” and called unions one of the best ways to address income inequality during an interview with Front Runner New Jersey.
Singleton has served in the New Jersey 7th District as a senator since 2018 and before that was in the General Assembly from 2011-17. Over the years, he served on the Burlington County Bridge Commission (2009-Present); N.J. Turnpike Authority Commission (2009-11); Rowan University Board of Trustees (2005-11); and as the N.J. Democratic State Committee deputy executive director in 2001.
In May, Singleton was honored by his alma mater Rowan University with its Distinguished Alumnus Award during its graduation ceremonies. A member of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, he earned his Rowan bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2005. His wife, Megan Singleton, is a political science professor at Rowan College at Burlington County.
In 2018, he was recognized by the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey for his work in New Jersey politics. Of all the awards and recognitions Singleton has received, he said none surpass the honor of representing the individuals and families in his Senate district.
Above All, A Public Servant
“I have been blessed and humbled to be recognized for my public service,” Singleton said, a husband and father of three children. “I feel that way because, I value the title of ‘public servant’ above any that I have.
“Each acknowledgement of that is a reflection of the talented team I have who works with me every day to make a difference in the lives of the families we are privileged to represent. So, each piece of recognition is as important to me as the next,” he added.
Singleton is the council representative for the Keystone Mountain Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters. He said that dedication to unions is rooted in family.
Union Strong
“I come from a union family,” Singleton told Front Runner New Jersey. “My father, before he passed away, was a union Teamster. I learned from him the values and understanding of what organized labor has meant to shaping our nation so my membership and work in the Carpenters Union is a direct reflection of those values he taught me.
“I also know that because of the evolution of organized labor in our country it is important to continue to sound the trumpet for labor. This is one way we can address the growing income inequality in our nation by strengthening and supporting a stronger organized working class,” Singleton continued.
While Singleton understood the power and equalizing influence of unions early on, he also developed an appreciation of government and politics as well, which helped him for his foundation of it working for ordinary citizens.
Praise for Herb Conaway, Jack Conners
He said most formative was time he spent serving as legislative director for New Jersey Assemblyman Herb Conaway and Jack Conners in the district he would come to represent.
“I always had a love of government and politics growing up, but it wasn’t until I had a college internship in Trenton that I realized that I wanted to make this endeavor my life’s vocation,” Singleton said.
“I am forever indebted to both Assemblyman Herb Conaway and former Assemblyman Jack Conners for taking a chance on me and initially allowing me to pursue this journey into the world of government.”
Helping the Next Generation
Most recently, Singleton has lent his help to the next generation by supporting the formation the South Jersey Young Democrats Black Caucus. The caucus just celebrated its first year and quickly grew in influence.
One of its cofounders, Fatima Heyward became president of the New Jersey Young Democrats while its other cofounder Digna Townsend earned the presidency of the South Jersey Young Democrats.
READ: SJYDBC Celebrates One-Year Anniversary
“I think as an elected official, I have an obligation to nurture and mentor our next generation of civic leaders,” Singleton said. “I take that obligation seriously. Working with the caucus, will allow our governmental and political class to be a more apt representation of our society as a whole. I think that makes us all stronger.”
Writing Own Life Story
Singleton said he sees his role as a role model for other African-Americans, particularly those who want to enter the political arena, as important in encouraging others to be faithful public servants.
“I take (being a role model) very serious,” Singleton said. “I think we all stand on the shoulders of giants who have come before us. Some we know by name, but so many others we do not. I think reaching back to help one another by imparting our experiences to them is our obligation to the next generation. The best piece of advice I can give is to never give the pen to you life’s story to someone else to write.”
Singleton is a past board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Camden County, New Jersey Council for the Humanities, the Burlington County Library Foundation, and the VFW Post #3020 Men’s Auxiliary, the Garden States Arts Foundation, the Trenton Civilian Emergency Response Team, and a volunteer coach with the Pennsauken Youth Athletic Association.
The senator has shown how many can take that pen to write their own life stories and doing it in a way that positively impacts others.
Photo courtesy Sen. Troy Singleton’s Office
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