MAYOR'S NEWSLINE

January 2006

IMPORTANT EVENTS - PAST AND FUTURE
And staff contacts for more information
Also consult the calendar
For Seminar details, contact David Harkness ext. 18.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Scholarship Competition Mayors Pins for New Mayors 2006 Municipal Directory Save the Date-List of League Seminars 9-1-1 Line Assessment Cost Exemption

FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Herbert Stiles, Mayor, Elmer

As we begin the New Year, we mayors face increasingly complex issues in local governance. Elected officials need up-to-date information for better planning, administration, meeting goals and problem solving. Your League provides key educational seminar programming geared specifically to local, elected officials.

Two regional seminars will be held on Saturdays for newly and re-elected officials in January and February. The seminar provides newly-elected officials with a thorough overview of their major areas of responsibility and key state level contacts, while re-elected officials will get up-to-date reference materials that provide answers to questions.

The Annual Mayors Legislative Day is held the last week of every January. This important policy session provides officials with a budgetary and legislative update from leaders of the State Legislature, the Governor and Cabinet.

Please refer to the next page for a schedule of upcoming League seminars. You can also access these programs at www.njslom.com and find a monthly list under "Datelines" in New Jersey Municipalities magazine.

Please take advantage of this year-round valuable service the League provides to help answer your questions and provide solutions to local issues. Sign up for the above-mentioned seminars, and help get your administration off to a running start. I look forward to meeting you at some of these key sessions.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

THANK YOU CONFERENCE VOLUNTEERS
-Contact Bill Dressel, ext. 22

Many conference delegates wonder how the League is able to conduct the country's largest municipal conference with a full time staff of just 17. The answer is you! In the back of the conference program, you will see a listing of mayors who served on various committees. Although the list is extensive, it cannot possibly include all the mayors who work to make our conference successful every year. Mayors play an integral role by helping to produce sessions, moderating, working on committees and auditing important sessions. Your dedicated service enables nearly 22,000 attendees to come together for one week of invaluable learning and networking each year. Thank you for making the 90th Annual Conference a great success.

SAVE THE DATES
-Contact David Harkness extension 18 or www.njslom.com

Save these important dates on your calendar. These League seminars will offer you and your staff valuable information and continuing education credits. Be sure to share this list with all your department heads. As soon as full topics and details are ready they will be mailed and posted on www.njslom.com For now, Save These Dates!

2005-2006 ELECTED OFFICIALS HANDBOOK
-Contact Becky Wright

This important League publication is now available. Order your copy today at just $10 per handbook!

2006 SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
-Contact Michael Darcy ext. 16

Recently, the League mailed information to all mayors concerning the Annual Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition. Mayor Phyllis Marchand of Princeton Township chairs the Scholarship Competition. This popular competition is open to all high school juniors and seniors throughout the state. The top three winners each receive $1,000 scholarships from the League.

Mayors play an integral role in the success of this program because your office publicizes its availability, judges the local entries, and distributes the checks and certificates supplied by the League. You should publicize the scholarship to your local schools and judging committee. Your local winning entry must be submitted to the League office by April 3, so we can announce the three statewide winners by May 5.

NEW MAYORS RECEIVE LEAGUE PINS
-Contact Marie Johnson at mjohnson@njslom.com

Newly elected mayors are mailed unique "Mayor" pins from the League in early January. The specially commissioned pins have a gold rim and blue logo with " MAYOR" imprinted on a white background. These pins identify you as a mayor and supporter of the New Jersey League of Municipalities. Wear the "Mayor" pin with pride.

MUNICIPALITIES EXEMPT FROM 9-1-1
LINE ASSESSMENT COSTS
-Contact http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2004/bills/pl04/48_.pdf

Municipalities are, as of Jan 1, 2005, exempt from paying the 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Assessment of $0.90 per line. The exemption is found in section 2 of PL 2004 Chapter 48. If municipalities have been paying this assessment, they are eligible for a refund from their carrier. Get a copy of the PL 2004 Chapter 48 at the above web site.

2006 MUNICIPAL DIRECTORY
-Contact Dee Kotch, ext.15

The League's handy 2006 Municipal Directory will be available for purchase by late February/ early March. Information forms were sent to all municipal clerks regarding your listing in the directory in late December. The forms should be updated to reflect any changes in your administrative staff for 2006. Contact Dee Kotch at the League office with any questions regarding the directory or listing forms.