N.J. League of Municipalities
Bill Dressel told a well-attended meeting of the Ocean County Mayors’ Association that state government is asking municipal leaders to “commit political suicide.” The problem, he explained, is a tide of bad fiscal news and poorly conceived state initiatives and decisions. Along with reduced state aid and a state-imposed 2% cap on municipal tax increases, he said, municipalities face a flood of recession-related property tax appeals that are reducing local revenues. The result is stressed budgets and in some cases deep cuts in personnel and services. “They just don’t get it,” Dressel said of state government’s attitude toward local concerns, a phrase echoed from the floor during the Q&A session. Dressel distributed sheets that outline the League’s position on some bills currently before the Legislature. He urged the mayors to communicate with their senators and assembly representatives on these measures and others. He suggested mayors stay current with developments in Trenton by regularly visiting the League’s web site at www.njslom.org.
Our officers for 2011
The Association unanimously approved the slate of officers submitted by the nominating committee. They are, from left to right, Mayor Emeritus Art Petracco of Bay Head, Treasurer; Mayor Vincent Barrella of Point Pleasant Beach, Secretary; Mayor Steve Acropolis of Brick, President; Mayor Chris Boyle of Pine Beach, Second Vice President, and Mayor Mike Fressola of Manchester, Vice President.
Our 2011 Trustees are Paul Brush, Mayor Emeritus, Toms River; Russ Corby, Mayor Emeritus, Pine Beach; Tom Kelaher, Mayor, Toms River; Paul Kennedy, Mayor, Ocean Gate; Tom Vogel, Mayor Emeritus, Point Pleasant Beach; Paul Wnek, Mayor Emeritus, Toms River; and Walter LaCicero, Mayor, Lavallette.