Democrat Nelson Albano of Vineland has crusaded for tougher state laws against drunken drivers and has been a strong advocate for worker rights.

Assemblyman Albano represents the 1st Legislative District, which includes Buena, Buena Vista and Somers Point in Atlantic County, Maurice River, Millville, and Vineland in Cumberland County; and all of Cape May County.

A Vineland native, Assemblyman Albano, 51, is well known to South Jersey residents as tireless advocate for children, families and victim's rights. His own son, Michael, was killed in 2001 by a repeat offender of New Jersey's drunken driving laws. Mr. Albano led a successful effort to pass a new state law stiffening penalties for drivers who repeatedly drive drunk. The measure was named "Michael's Law" in honor of his late son. The New Jersey Association of Crime Victims Advocates recognized Mr. Albano's efforts with its annual Equal Justice Award.

Assemblyman Albano has raised thousand of dollars for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). He has received awards from the Senate and the Assembly for work he has performed on behalf of FATAL, an organization that educates students about the tragic consequences of drunken driving. Mr. Albano also has been involved with the Gabriel Project, helping to raise more than $13,000 so seriously ill children from other countries can come to the United States for heart surgery.

Assemblyman Albano served as assistant director of the Harley Owners Group of Cumberland County, participating in charity rides to raise funds for various organizations. Currently, Mr. Albano is working with riders from the tri-county area to raise money for the hungry and the homeless through an event scheduled for June 2006.

In 2004, Assemblyman Albano was named Citizen of the Year for the City of Vineland in recognition for his hard work, personal integrity and dedication to helping others.

Assemblyman Albano attended Sacred Heart High School in Vineland and the Cumberland County Vocational Technical School.

A member of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union for 28 years, Mr. Albano is shop steward at Village Supermarkets in Vineland. He is a certified fitness instructor at the Firm for Health and Fitness in Buena -- voted Best of the Best Instructor in 2003.

Assemblyman Albano and his wife, Debra, have raised two sons. He is a member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Vineland and also attends the Christian Missionary Alliance Church.