By Debra DeHaney-Howard
May 10, 2004

More than 350 mayors from across New Jersey gathered in Atlantic City April 21-23 for the New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCM) 41st Annual Conference entitled, "Mayors and the New Economy... Property Taxes and More."

As President of The United States Conference of Mayors, Hempstead (NY) Mayor James A. Garner spoke at the opening luncheon April 22, telling the New Jersey mayors that, "nationally our 319 metro areas produce over 85 percent of the nation's gross domestic product, labor income, and jobs. It's clear our cities and metro areas are the economic engines that drive our nation's economy, and that if our economy is to experience sustained economic growth, our metro areas must lead the way," said Garner.

Although cities across the nation have been struggling with tough economies and budget shortfalls, Garner noted, "cites and metro areas are still major contributors to state economies." Citing a recent economic report by the Conference of Mayors, Garner said, "As the nation's most urban state, almost all of the State of New Jersey's economy is generated from the state's nine metro areas. For New Jersey to grow, cities and metro areas in New Jersey must grow and thrive and the best way to do this is through smart investment in transportation, housing, education, job training, and public safety."

Speaking on the issue of Homeland Security, Garner told the audience "Congress has now provided over $7 billion nationally for new first responder funding, however most of this money has been sent to the states."

Reporting on the Conference of Mayors recent Homeland Security survey, Garner said, "In many areas, funding is not reaching cities, and too many cities are not being included in the consultation process." Garner noted that the Conference of Mayors is working with the Department of Homeland Security on improving the system and ensuring that funding already in the pipeline reaches our first responders. "Our cities are still at risk and must be ready to both prevent attacks and respond if necessary," Garner said. He stated that as mayors we must make sure that the more than 600,000 local police on our city streets are provided the detailed intelligence they need to prevent attacks before they occur. He concluded his remarks stating, "only when our cities are safe and secure can our citizens continue to prosper and live out the American Dream."

At the conclusion of the 3-day conference, the gavel was passed from Tinton Falls Mayor Ann McNamara to Woodbine Mayor William Pikolycky. NJCM members also elected U.S. Conference of Mayors Trustees Trenton Mayor Douglas Palmer and Newark Mayor Sharpe James as Vice Presidents.