(Photo of Matt Platkin courtesy Office of Gov. Phil Murphy)
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Gov. Phil Murphy nominated a face familiar to him to serve as New Jersey’s next attorney general, replacing acting Attorney General Andrew Bruck.
“Plain and simple, I love this state and everything that it stands for," said Attorney General nominee Matt Platkin, who worked for years in the Murphy administration as a policy director and chief counsel before working at a private firm.
While chief counsel, he helped craft the state’s official position on a number of items, from violent crime to environmental issues.
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Once he would be confirmed by legislators, he would start his new role on Valentine’s Day.
A New Jersey native and graduate of Stanford Law School, Platkin said he shares Murphy’s vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey, and will pursue justice relentlessly.
“I want to express a clear commitment today that as attorney general, I will wake up every day to serve all 9 million residents who call this great state home," Platkin said.
"I will discharge my duties fairly and without fear or favor, and we will not shy away from tough fights when they are the right fights.”
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He said one of his top priorities will be rebuilding the bond between police and the people they serve.
“In doing so, we will seek to relieve the often overwhelming burden we have placed on law enforcement to not only prevent crime, but to serve as addiction and mental health counselors, all while handling a global pandemic," Platkin said.
Murphy said Platkin is the right man for the job because of his people skills, his intellect, his empathy, and his commitment to independently administer the law free of politics.
“I know Matt has the backbone and the fortitude to uphold this sacred principle," said Murphy.
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“I know Matt will continue the attorney general office’s strong record of taking on polluters, fraudsters and other criminals.”
Platkin still needs confirmation from lawmakers in Trenton, but there are no obvious roadblocks standing in his way.
Former Attorney General Gurbir Grewal stepped down in June.
