Christopher "Kip" Bateman honored as Senator of the Year

New Jersey Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman (R-District 16) has been named Legislator of the Year in the Senate by the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey. 

Senator Bateman was honored at COANJ’s annual conference at Harrah's Marina in Atlantic City on Sept. 19. The organization is comprised of the state’s county clerks, registers, sheriffs and surrogates.

“I’m honored to receive this annual award from an association whose members deserve much credit of their own for their tireless service,” Bateman said. “The members of COANJ are public servants who provide critical protection and services essential to the very core of our democracy and everyday way of life.

“All members of state and local government should operate together with this same goal of protecting and serving the residents of our great state,” Bateman added. “It has been my privilege to work with the dedicated members of COANJ to implement measures that better enables this government service.”

This year Bateman worked with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office to pass legislation to better protect animals used by law enforcement. “Dano’s Law,” which is named after a K-9 with the sheriff’s office, increases the criminal penalties for threatening an animal used by police.