Under Director Cordero’s leadership, sworn in 3 ½ years ago, East Orange has achieved distinction as the most improved city in the nation, with overall crime levels dropping an astonishing 68% in all categories.  A feat attributed to Best Practices put into place to better tackle violence and reduce neighborhood lawlessness, and an infra-structure that supported the attainment of that goal.  Shortly after the workshop, Governor Jon S. Corzine tapped Cordero to fill a newly created state position as Statewide Director of Gangs, Guns, and Violent Crimes, as part of a $48 million anti-crime effort unveiled in October.  (See Page 2)

FROM THE PRESIDENT
-Continued

The workshop, in its entirety, was an illustration of a vision, fueled by passion and enthusiasm, embraced by a supportive team, with a result of SUCCESS!  For me, this illustration provides a transition to the New Year, as I ask each of you to embrace and support my vision.  As a team, we can look forward to a productive, efficient, and successful 2008!

Sincerely yours,

HOT DATES, HOT TOPICS
-Contact Karen E. Venditti, CMP, ext. 118
-Visit www.njslom.com, and Click on the Calendar
For Agendas & Registration Forms

SURVIVOR SKILLS FOR SUPERVISORS
Speaker Reagan Burkholder is a consultant to New Jersey municipalities.  The purpose of this seminar is to train supervisors in their four basic functions:  planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating work.  The format is lecture style, plus individual work and interactive dis-cussion.  After attending the seminar, supervisors will have a more complete understanding of their basic functions.  Each will also have chosen one on-the-job issue or problem, and have developed a plan for addressing it.  The dates offered for this seminar are Friday, January 25, at The Enterprise Center at BCC in Mt. Laurel.  The second date is Thursday, February 7, at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel. 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT – YOUR RIGHTS
This workshop will help you eliminate unlawful discrimination within your municipality.  Sexual Harassment, from either a man or woman, is against the law.  This course is valuable because only real-life situations are used as illustrations, and Esther H. Nevarez, Community Relations Coordinator, State of New Jersey, Division on Civil Rights, presents the material in a highly interactive manner, which encourages participants to ask difficult questions.  Mitigate your liability and register for either Friday, February 8, at The Enterprise Center at BCC in Mt. Laurel, or Friday, February 29, at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel. 

Orientation for Newly Elected, Re-Elected, and Experienced Municipal Officials
If you are not attending the orientation on Saturday, January 12, at the Holiday Inn in Saddle Brook; then register for the orientation at The Enterprise Center at Burlington County College in Mt. Laurel on Saturday, February 9 date.  This new venue is state of the art!

 

FINANCE – BUDGET:  UPDATE WITH GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL OFFICERS
AND MUNICIPAL CLERKS

To assist municipalities in preparing for its budget, the staff from the Division of Local Government Services will review the procedures and policies for Calendar Year 2008 budgets and the new property tax levy.  The Division will also review new laws enacted since the League Conference in November, including those enact-ed during the lame duck legislative session.  Spend Valentine’s Day with the League at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, or Washington’s Birthday at The Enterprise Center at BCC in Mt. Laurel.  Either day, this session fills up quickly.  Seating is limited! 

2008 Annual Mayors’ Legislative Day
Wednesday, January 16, at the State House Annex

The Legislative Mayors’ Day is a unique opportunity for Governor Corzine to speak to our state’s municipal leaders about his legislative, budgetary and policy priorities for 2008 and beyond.  In addition, key legislative leaders will receive an invitation.  It is an important opportunity for local leaders to interact with the individuals who will control property tax relief funding during the next budget cycle.

2007 10th ANNUAL ELECTED OFFICIALS
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
-Visit www.njslom.org/hallelec_cover.html
-Contact Michael J. Darcy, CAE at mdarcy@njslom.com

During the Mayors Legislative Day January 16, the League will induct 34 new nominees to the Elected Officials Hall of Fame.   This recognition is for govern-ing body members, active and retired, who have served twenty years in elected municipal office.  These special elected officials have governed their municipalities for lengthy terms, guiding their communities through the good times and troubled times, with little recognition.  The Elected Officials Hall of Fame shines a light on these pillars in our communities and holds them up as an example of civic pride for all citizens to emulate.

NEW JERSEY OFFICE OF THE
ATTORNEY GENERAL

William Mandeville, Executive Director, The New Jersey State Board of Accountancy, approved the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Sponsor Agreement.  The board licenses and regulates accountants in New Jersey, as well as certified public accountants; municipal, public, and school accountants; continuing education sponsors; and certified public account businesses.  This will expand the League’s offerings to another very important profession within the local government. 

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”  –Abraham Lincoln