By Debra DeHaney-Howard and Kevin McCarty
May 24, 2010

U.S. Conference of Mayors Trustee Elizabeth (NJ) Mayor J. Christian Bollwage addressed more than 300 mayors and hundreds of other public and private officials during the 47th Meeting of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCM) in Atlantic City, focusing his remarks on the national Conference's Congressional agenda, notably continued funding for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.

In his April 29 luncheon address, Bollwage praised members of the state's Congressional delegation, especially Senator Robert Menendez, for his leadership in establishing the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, a top priority of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “During the debate on what became the 2007 energy law, Senator Menendez stepped forward and told his colleagues that we need to support our cities and counties in their energy and climate efforts,” Bollwage said.

As the lead sponsor for the legislation, Bollwage explained that Menendez worked closely with Senator Frank Lautenberg, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, to help secure $3.2 billion in initial funding for the EECBG program as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“Because of Senators Menendez, Lautenberg and Representative Pallone's strong leadership on the Energy Block Grant program in the House, funds are now being put to work in cities and counties throughout New Jersey,” Bollwage said.

“Securing additional funds beyond what was provided in the Recovery Act for the energy block grant program is a top priority for The U.S. Conference of Mayors. We are urging Congress and the Administration to help us continue to build a new, green economy that provides real job opportunities for both high'skilled workers and the chronically unemployed. This means investing further in the energy block grant program,” he stated.

Bollwage also praised his mayoral colleagues for their support of the EECBG program and for their continuing leadership on climate protection. “We now have more than 1025 mayors who have signed the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, and that only California exceeds New Jersey in the number of mayors who have signed onto the agreement. Many of you are in this room.”

Speaking to the broader economic messages, including the national recession and its devastating impact on city budgets, he explained that, “Cities - in all parts of the nation - have been forced to institute layoffs, furloughs, service reductions, and fee increases, among other actions. And, as we heard yesterday at the special legislative hearing, our own state government - like others throughout the U.S. - is adding to the financial burdens we face in our cities and local areas.”

Bollwage cited the Conference of Mayors leadership on the critical issues before America's cities, reviewing key elements of the Mayors' 2010 Metro Agenda for America that was set forth by Conference President Burnsville (MN) Mayor Elizabeth B. Kautz. “It was critical for Congress to move quickly to pass a comprehensive jobs bill that is now being debated in Congress.” Known as the Local Jobs for America Act, the legislation, if enacted, would provide cities direct funding to save or create jobs, Bollwage explained.

“We know we must also do more to help our vulnerable youth access the labor market. Again, the recovery act provided critical funding for the Summer Jobs program. This summer will be even tougher for our youth seeking employment opportunities, and so we are continuing to work Congress to find additional resources for the Summer Jobs program,” he said.

Bollwage also talked about sustained funding for the Community Development Block Grant program, COPs and public safety, and the revamping of our nation's surface transportation programs to strengthen our cities through smarter transportation investments and urged continued close cooperation between the two mayoral organizations. “To make progress, the U.S. Conference and New Jersey Conference of Mayors need to continue to work together to make sure Washington hears us and acts upon on priorities.”

At the same session, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie delivered lengthy remarks, stressing that his budget will protect taxpayers and empower local governments to manage their budgets more effectively. “We can no longer sweep our problems under the rug, nor can we avoid the hard decisions that must be made following years of spending beyond our means,” he said.

After explaining several proposals he believed would help mayors curb the growth in local spending, Christie said, “This set of reforms will empower municipalities and counties to manage budgets more effectively, without placing ever more burdens on the taxpayers of New Jersey.” Christie also highlighted other areas of his budget, including capping property taxes, collective bargaining/civil service reform and no unfunded mandates.

Menendez Honored for Leadership on EECBG Program

At the April 30 luncheon session to close the three-day conference, Bollwage introduced Menendez, reminding his colleagues of his leadership on the EECBG program and other issues. At the beginning of the session, NJCM President Piscataway (NJ) Mayor Brian Wahler joined with Bollwage to present Menendez with the organization's Excellence in Government Award.

“We would have had a global financial meltdown had we not acted on thee economic package. The Recovery Act was needed to help get the economy going again. In this context, we included funding for the EECBG program, as advocated by The U.S. Conference of Mayors,” Menendez said.

“This was an opportunity to change the paradigm and stop sending billions of dollars out of the country to purchase energy … by working with local communities, with direct grants, to work toward energy efficiency,” he said.

“Working with The U.S. Conference of Mayors, I authored the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. And, now, we are working to continue it. I am proud of the grants that are coming to New Jersey under the program. I think these revenues are going to make a big difference, and not only put people back to work but help communities with these challenges,” he said.

Menendez spoke on the need to move to different energy sources, and registered his longstanding opposition to offshore drilling. “We are going to do everything we can to stop offshore drilling offshore,” he said.

During his farewell remarks, outgoing NJCM President Wahler talked about the organization's efforts and thanked his colleagues for their strong support. “While we made some progress on number of issues, including implementing the energy block grant program, but we have much more to do. We must continue to push our agenda in Trenton and advocate with one, strong united voice.” He reminded his fellow mayors that, “We know that investment in our local efforts is crucial to the nation's economic recovery.”

He also acknowledged New Jersey Congressional leaders for their strong leadership in enacting and funding the EECBG program, describing it as “a great investment in New Jersey cities and in cities across the nation.”

“Our Congressional leaders - Senators Menendez, Lautenberg and Congressman Pallone - believe in us and the power of local action, and how important it is to any national strategy to reduce our energy use, shift toward greater efficiency and promote renewable energy supplies,” he said.

“For many years, we have held a close partnership with The U.S. Conference of Mayors, and we thank them for their work on the energy block grant and other major issues and will continue a partnership with our national organization, the Conference of Mayors,” Wahler said in pledging to continue the strong partnership with the Conference of Mayors.

Wahler, who also serves as Chair of the Conference of Mayors Membership Committee, encouraged his colleagues to join the national mayors' organization. “The Conference of Mayors is our voice in Washington. Because of the Conference, you don't have to hire a Washington consultant, you have it in the Conference of Mayors.” Wahler also urged the mayors to attend the upcoming 78th U. S. Conference of Mayors Annual Conference in Oklahoma City.

Prior to the official opening of the 47th NJCM Annual Meeting, members of the organization testified before the State Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, which held a special field hearing at the convention site to solicit the views of mayors on the governor's proposed budget. Wahler led a panel of mayors who offered initial testimony on the impact of proposed budget cuts and how they would create an undue burden on all cities. “We don't want to be left out of the discussion,” Wahler said. “At the end of the day, what the governor and legislature does is going to have to be implemented by the local governments.”

White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Deputy Director David Agnew also addressed participants at the closing sessions, praising New Jersey mayors for their efforts in implementing the energy block grant program and also for working with the Administration on passage of health care legislation. Reporting on the progress under the Recovery Act, Agnew pointed out that recent economic numbers indicate that the economy is moving in the right direction, but “there's much more work to be done.” He also discussed several of the Administration's priorities, including financial regulatory reform, reauthorization of the nation's surface transportation law, and the 2010 Census.

Before adjourning, the new slate of NJCM officers for 2010-2011 was sworn in, with Neptune City Mayor Thomas Arnone becoming the organization's new President, taking the gavel from outgoing President Wahler. Assuming positions as Vice Presidents were Lambertville City Mayor David M. DelVecchio and Port Republic City Mayor Gary B. Giberson.