League Mourns the Passing of James Perry, Past President and Former Mayor of Hardwick
The League Executive Board, Past Presidents, and staff expresses its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Jim Perry, Past President of the League, and the former Mayor of Hardwick.
Mayor Perry served as League President from November 2019 through November 2020. He came into the office with a very ambitious agenda on several policy issues. But of upmost importance to him was addressing the opioid crisis that runs through our communities. Jim knew the pain of the crisis personally as he was very open about the tragic loss of son Jesse in 2015. During his acceptance remarks, he commented that he was taking this on as a priority because he didn’t want anyone to go through what he did. To him, it was personal, and he willingly shared his loss and his pain when bringing his message to State leaders.
Jim’s term as President was not a typical year. Then League Executive Director Michael Darcy announced his impending retirement and Jim oversaw the transition process that resulted in the hiring of current Executive Director Mike Cerra and Deputy Director Lori Buckelew. Also, during his term, COVID hit the State and resulted in a shutdown. It resulted in virtual advocacy from Jim, which he embraced. The League Conference could not be held in-person and Jim made the ultimate decision to transition to a virtual Conference in 2020 and played a vital role in that Conference.
Jim’s advocacy went beyond our State. Before the shutdown (barely), Jim joined League staff at the Lobby Day for the National League of Cities in Washington. There he met with leaders across the country on issues like broadband access in urban and rural areas, preserving the tax exemption for municipal bonds, and investments in infrastructure. He embraced the fact that he was speaking not just for Hardwick, but for all of New Jersey’s municipalities.
Shortly after his term as League President ended, he left public office and moved to Florida for a fresh start. Unfortunately, health issues hindered that fresh start, and we lost him far too soon. But his work and legacy continues. The League continues to prioritize a comprehensive response to the opioid crisis, working with Legislative Leaders and the Administration. The League worked hand-in-hand with the Attorney General’s office and helped achieve 100% participation from eligible municipalities in the recent opioid settlements. That funding can help make a difference; the type of difference Jim envisioned when he asked that his son’s loss not be in vain. Jim and Jesse are together again and may they both rest in peace.
Services were private but the family plans a celebration of Jim’s life at a future date. The League will share those details. The League’s October issue will have more on Jim Perry’s life and legacy.
Contact: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120.
State Issues
SHBP Plan Design Committee Meets
The State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) Plan Design Committee met for its regularly scheduled meeting on August 23.
Read more: SHBP Plan Design Committee Meets
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.
New Rules and Amendments Proposed for NJ Historic Trust Grants
The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has published proposed rules and amendments related to the Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grants.
Read more: New Rules and Amendments Proposed for NJ Historic Trust Grants
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
NJBPU Proposes Rule Amendments Applicable to Municipalities
The NJBPU has published proposed rule amendments related to the extension of the Winter Termination Program to water and wastewater residential customers, infrastructure project notice requirements, and certain accounting practices.
Read more: NJBPU Proposes Rule Amendments Applicable to Municipalities
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.
NJDEP Publishes Proposed Rules for Advanced Clean Cars Program
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued proposed new rules and amendments to the Air Pollution Control rules, related to the state’s Advanced Clean Cars II Program.
Read more: NJDEP Publishes Proposed Rules for Advanced Clean Cars Program
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
DLGS Emergency Rulemaking for Solid Waste Collection Contracting
DLGS has adopted on an emergency basis and concurrently proposed rule amendments permitting municipalities under state oversight to award multi-year emergency contracts for solid waste collection and/or recycling collection.
Read more: DLGS Emergency Rulemaking for Solid Waste Collection Contracting
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
DCA Issues Proposed Rules Regulating Third-Party Inspectors
The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has published proposed rules amending the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) to expand the use of private on-site inspection agencies, in accordance with the law adopted last year.
Read more: DCA Issues Proposed Rules Regulating Third-Party Inspectors
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
State to Host Opioid Summit
The State of New Jersey and the Department of Human Services are hosting the Opioid Summit 2023, Revitalizing Communities: Healing Together from the Opioid Crisis on September 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Read more: State to Host Opioid Summit
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.
Update on Special Reemployment List & Temporary Seasonal Workers
An update on Special Reemployment List and Temporary Seasonal Workers was provided during a recent meeting with the New Jersey Civil Service Commission (CSC) & New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC). The League thanks NJAC for sharing this information.
Read more: Update on Special Reemployment List & Temporary Seasonal Workers
Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.
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