The New Jersey League of Municipalities is holding it’s 99th annual conference in Atlantic City. Executive Director Bill Dressel told NJTV News Correspondent David Cruz that the convention in Atlantic City is going to break records.
“Not only mayors and governing body officials and appointed officials that work for the town, but anybody that really wants to get involved in the local policy issues that really have an impact on the quality of life for all of our state’s citizens. They’re here to learn more on how to govern their communities,” said Dressel.
Dressel said that the convention has been held every year in Atlantic City. He said with this year’s convention, the League of Municipalities has been impressed with Mayor Don Guardian and his administration and how the city has opened up to all opportunities to help turn New Jersey around.
Dressel also said that the convention is like a normal work day because it consists of three days of sessions between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
“I can assure you that between the hours of 9 and 5 — the normal work day — that there are sessions, 125 sessions, over three days and they are packed full of people that are trying to learn more,” said Dressel. “Continuing education units, saving the taxpayer dollars because all of the affiliated organizations of the League that need certifications for their license, can get those certifications and their CEUs here rather than making appointments to try to find the agency and Trenton to do that, it takes time, considerable more money not only in gas mileage, but $150 for a class when they can get the whole class for $55 for the whole week.”
According to Dressel, the convention allows for people to go eye to eye with officials who make decisions and it can allow for answers from people who govern communities. He said it’s difficult governing in New Jersey today with pressing issues like high property taxes, the drying up Transportation Trust Fund and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.
“We’re bringing together the folks that are responsible for those programs to go eyeball to eyeball with the local officials and give them the answers they need,” Dressel said.
With this year’s convention, there has been talk about who is going to run for governor if Gov. Chris Christie decides to run for president and resigns. Dressel said that the conference is oriented to elected officials and that the League of Municipalities represents policymakers and about 3,000 elected officials around the state. He said that if there are people vying for governor or a federal job at the convention, he knows that it will come up.
This year marks Dressel’s 41st League of Municipalities convention. He said that he does not know how much longer he will continue to attend, but he doesn’t expect it to end soon.
“I don’t know, I’m having so much fun,” said Dressel. “I’ll be doing it a while.”
Related: 99th League of Municipalities Convention Draws Over 15,000 to AC