Politics & Government

Fressola Elected to Another Term on NJ League of Municipalities Executive Board

Manchester's mayor is the only Ocean County representative on the organization's executive board

Manchester Mayor Michael Fressola was elected to another term on the New Jersey State League of Municipalities executive board when the group met in Atlantic City last week for its Annual Business Meeting. 

Fressola, the lone Ocean County representative on the 21-member executive board, said that the League is "an unbelievable source of information for mayors."

"There isn't a day that goes by that we don't get mail and email from the League," he said. 

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In addition to the executive board, the League has positions for president and first-through-third vice president.

Fressola has served four years on the executive board. During that time, he and the other members have examined proposed legislation that would affect the state's 566 municipalities and made recommendations to lawmakers on how they can be improved, or whether they would burden local governments. 

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"We decide as a group what legislation we should oppose and what we should support," Fressola said. 

Fressola said that the League is currently exploring ways to reduce what he called "the high cost of education" and the impact that schools have on property taxes. He said that the League plans to have its recommendations ready by January or February.

"We have a very active legal staff operating at the League," Fressola said. 

League members are elected based on the diversity of the municipalities which they represent, as well as political affiliation, according to the nominating report presented by officials. 

"The Nominating Committee also takes into consideration whether an individual nominated has demonstrated an interest in League affairs through active participation on League committees and by support the League policies and programs," the report states.

Fressola said that he fits within those criteria and is an asset to the organization.

"I'm pretty active," Fressola said, adding that he has served as a moderator for League programs and serves as part of the welcoming committee. 

Though Fressola is the only Ocean County representative on the board, he said that it would be possible for another mayor from the county to join if the League saw fit. 

The League is "a voluntary association created to help communities do a better job of self-government through pooling information resources and brain power" which has been authorized by state statute since 1915, according to its website. 

The group's annual conference is held each November in Atlantic City. Members are invited to attend panels, clinics and workshops to learn about issues involving municipal government. 


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