FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Timothy McDonough, Mayor, Hope

The first quarter of 2009 has been a historic time for many reasons.  We have seen multi-billion dollar stimulus packages from Washington; multi-million dollar cuts in government budgets; tens of thousands of layoffs in both the private and public sector; deferrals of pension payments; calls for forced municipal consolidation; foreclosure crises and more. 

With all that is happening, I urge you to continue to lead your communities through these challenges to a better future.  I urge you to find creative ways to respond to the needs of your citizens, especially those most at risk.  The League will continue to work with you to lead the way.

Together we mayors can make a difference that is felt by each person.  That is our challenge, and that is our reward.  We see the challenge in every person we talk with, and in every child who relies on their hometown services.  Our reward is the future of our communities and offering hope to our neighbors.

As we often say, municipal government is government closest to the people.  As mayors we must continue to respond to their needs, and continue to give them hope.

SEEKING MAYORS FOR EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT INPUT -Contact Bill Dressel ext. 122 or
BDressel@njslom.com

The League’s Municipal Emergency Management Preparedness Task Force, chaired by Mayor Chuck Chiarello, Buena Vista is seeking mayors input.  The committee reviews current and emerging opportunities and obligations for municipalities.  Your interest and background is all that is required to help shape the issues affecting municipal emergency management.  Recent issues included S-2469, S-1242 which permit appointment of an emergency management coordinator from a neighboring municipality.

Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Deadline
Contact Michael Darcy ext.116 or
mdarcy@njslom.com

In February, all mayors received information on the scholarship competition.  For copies of the package see www.njslom.org/ml020209.html.  At this time, you should have your judging panel in place and some entries from constituent high school students. By March 15, you should have all your entries ready to be judged.  And by April 2, you should be submitting your local winner to the League office along with a complete list of your local entries. Thank you for making this important opportunity possible for your high school juniors and seniors.

MAYORS’ HALL OF FAME NOMINATIONS
-Contact Michael Darcy ext.116 or
mdarcy@njslom.com

Nomination forms for the 2009 Mayors’ Hall of Fame were recently mailed to all Mayors. This special recognition is given to Mayors who have served at least 10 years for the silver level, or 20 years for the gold level. Please review the full list of current Hall of Fame Mayors at the League web site www.njslom.org/hallfame.html . If any mayors are missing that should be included, please nominate them on the official 2009 Mayors’ Hall of Fame nomination form.

SEEKING MAYORAL CONFERENCE SUGGESTIONS
-Contact Bill Dressel ext.122
bdressel@njslom.com or fax 609-695-0151

Your League staff will shortly begin preparing the schedule of educational sessions for the 94th Annual League Conference. To make sure this schedule accurately reflects your needs, we need your input.

2009 HOUSING SUMMIT
-Contact NJLM Educational Foundation
http://www.njlmef.org/housing-summit.html

This full-day summit, sponsored by the NJLM Educational Foundation, will be held March 31 at the East Brunswick Hilton.  It will feature leading experts in community development, housing and the economy, offering municipal and county participants essential information, training and resource materials that address current, vital housing issues facing their communities.  The keynote address will be given by Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and there will be 5 breakout sessions covering diverse topics.  The NJLM Educational Foundation makes all this possible for only $50 per person.  See the Foundation web site for more details and registration.

Electronic Versions of our popular
2009 Municipal Directory &
an Updated Legislative Roster for 2009

Coming in March, 2009
Click here for the 2009 Municipal Directory Order Form	Click here for the updated 2009 Legislative Roster Order Form