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“Déjà vu all over again”
I
am sure that most everyone will recognize the
statement that I have chosen as the title for my
initial article as your Executive Director. But just
in case, it comes from that eminent Philosopher and
Hall of Fame catcher from the New York Yankees,
Lawrence Peter “Yogi” Berra. Yogi’s comment truly
reflects my reaction to being chosen to succeed Don
Fauerbach. My selection to lead the New Jersey
Conference of Mayors recalls my honor to serve as
President of this great Organization in 1991 – 1992.
During the short time that I have had the privilege to
serve the Mayors of New Jersey, we have successfully
conducted our 45th Annual Conference in
Atlantic City. It was an opportunity for me to
re-establish some old friendships, make new ones and
experience first hand, how our Organization has
matured into a very effective voice for the Mayors of
New Jersey. We have developed significant
relationships with our Corporate Partners, the US
Conference of Mayors, the League of Municipalities,
the Governor’s Office and our State and Federal
Legislatures. This was accomplished through the
dedicated efforts of past Presidents, Board Members,
Mayors, Mayors Emeritus, Professionals and staff
members who worked on issues important to the Mayors
of New Jersey. This work continues today and together
with President Colleen Mahr, our Executive Board, the
Board of Directors, Professional Staff and our member
Mayors and Mayors Emeriti, we remain committed to
providing the highest level of support to you, our
Mayors and supporters.
We have conducted several Economic Summit meetings
throughout the State and continue to plan additional
sessions to discuss those topics that are impacting
Municipal Government in
New Jersey.
We have started the planning for our 2008 NJCM
Executive Summit that will take place on September 6th
at Viking Village at Barnegat Light. This is always a
popular event and we hope to improve on the success of
prior years so as to provide value to all who invest
their time, energy and resources to attend. The
Executive Summit provides an excellent opportunity for
Mayors to network with fellow Mayors, consult with the
Governor and Cabinet Officers and to interact with our
Corporate members and hosts. The Summit is an ideal
way for Mayors to develop relationships and begin to
address issues with those who stand ready to assist
them. Please save the date and I look forward to
seeing you at Viking Village.
The future facing Mayors in
New Jersey
is challenging. President Colleen Mahr has announced
a very ambitious program for the upcoming year. We
plan to establish a Business Council that will enable
our Corporate Partners to have a greater role in
developing solutions to issues facing our State. We
have announced the creation of a Mayors Governing
Institute which will serve as an incubator for ideas
to solve the local problems, while generating creative
ways to help you manage local government and respond
to the needs of your residents.
Needless to say, we are excited about the future for
the New Jersey Conference of Mayors. I am truly
honored to serve our Organization as Executive
Director. Please take the opportunity to tell us how
we are doing and how we can serve you better. The
Conference is your vehicle to improve local government
and how we deliver services to the people you serve.
We look forward to helping you accomplish your goals.
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