A week from today is officially the first day of summer – but I think everyone here knows that Sea Isle’s summer season is already in full swing. After a fantastic Memorial Day weekend, the City continues to bustle with activity.
We’ve all wished for this return to human interaction over the past two years as we struggled with, and suffered through, the pandemic that changed so many things.
Speaking of change, it’s become apparent that we need to work, as a government and in partnership with those that we represent, to bring about changes to the current laws in our state.
We’ve talked about this before – the laws related to juvenile justice reform — and how recent changes to both the laws and the directives from the state attorney general relative to the application of those laws have in some ways weakened local law enforcement’s ability to maintain public safety.
I was hopeful after our discussions last summer with the attorney general, and after our meeting with state legislators over four months ago in these chambers, that there would be meaningful legislative changes made that would help to swing the pendulum back in the right direction.
While that has not yet occurred, we remain undeterred, and continue to press our legislators for the necessary assistance needed for our police.
I also want to assure everybody that, while we remain concerned about current legislation and press for needed changes, Sea Isle City is still as safe as ever. Our police department is fully staffed and prepared as always for the summer crowds. The measures we implemented last year relative to policing and working in partnership with our citizens and our business community served us well and are procedures that we can build on.
As I did last year, I’m asking everyone who sees or hears anything that they think is a problem to call the police right away. Don’t wait and don’t waste time posting something on social media – call the police. I’m asking everyone to be a part of this – let’s work together.
And I will repeat what I stated last year: I want it to be crystal clear to anyone who comes to Sea Isle – we welcome everyone; and all we ask for is respect.
If you don’t know how to behave, this isn’t the place for you … and I want it to be crystal clear that this City stands together.
Finally, as always, please remember – we’re one Sea Isle City and together we will be stronger than ever.
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
