January 2021 issue is available now

Focus: Leadership

January 2021 NJ Municipalities magazine cover

A Municipal Seat at the Table

Mayor Janice Kovach of Clinton Town begins her term as NJLM President with plans for
outreach and growth

Q: What led you to get involved in local government?

JK: I have always had a passion for politics and the
role that it can, and should, play in public service. My first turn at running for office was when locally there was no race. Three seats were open and three individuals were running. That’s when all of my civics lessons reminded me that people should have a choice when electing their representatives. It doesn’t mean one side is bad; but, when residents don’t engage in the political process, those elected are not always held accountable.

To continue reading this article visit page 6 (with subscription).

To continue reading this article visit page 6 (without subscription).

Featured Article

Towns Honored for Innovation

2020 Innovation in Governance Awards Announced

Wyckoff has been recognized for its Innovation in Governance. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey State League of Municipalities recognized the municipality’s Innovation in Governance through their annual awards program. The award and several honorable mentions were presented as part of the Keynote address on Thursday, November 19, during the Annual League Conference, held Virtually.

The Township of Wyckoff, similar to many other municipalities in New Jersey, is experiencing the challenge of maintaining a volunteer fire department due to the “aging out” of volunteers. That being the case, in 2020, the Township of Wyckoff formed a project team to develop a program that would solicit new volunteer firefighters. A two-prong social media campaign that included social media posts aimed at a demographic of young men and women, often described as millennials, was created to appeal to these individuals

To continue reading this article visit page 26 (with subscription).

In Each Issue

Each month the League's Executive Director Michael Cerra provides an introduction for the issue, as well as a commentary on current events, given from the perspective of the League's leadership.

Resolve to Evolve

Each January, most local governments take a moment to reorganize before moving into the blur of the new year’s activities. Each year there’s an opportunity to try something new, to plan something more, to be something better. At the League we hope to help you evolve into what best meets the needs of your constituents this year,
as we do every year.

The cover of this month’s issue features our new President, Mayor Janice Kovach of Clinton Town. As she observed in her acceptance speech regarding the past year, “It has been a wild ride for so many of us. It’s been an opportunity and a challenge. Each and every one of us has had to step up in ways that we never anticipated. We have become not just local elected officials. We have been individuals for our residents to come to when they’ve needed something.”

To continue reading From 222 West State visit page 4 (with subscription).

About NJ Municipalities

NJ Municipalities serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and information on municipal affairs, new initiatives and changing legislation for public officials in New Jersey. This magazine has been a news source for local government organizations for over 100 years, and is available in print and digital format. Published monthly, with the exception of July, August and September.

Advertise

Do you work with local government in NJ? Put your message directly into the hands of local government officials. Click here for information on placing an advertisement. Contact: Email Taran B. Samhammer

Editorial Inquiries

NJ Municipalities welcomes member articles, information and op eds. Click here for information on submitting editorial. Contact: Email Amy Spiezio

Previous Issue

Have your own subscription delivered to your inbox each month!

Want to read about the current initiatives local governments are taking to solve problems in their towns? Want to stay up-to-date on legislation impacting municipalities? Click here for information on subscribing. Contact: Email Tom Fratticcioli