I am happy to report that I have an update on our continuing effort to change the existing State legislation that is preventing local police departments from effectively dealing with disruptive juveniles and other issues, such as the pop-up car rally we saw in Wildwood earlier this year.
A resolution to address these issues was submitted during this week’s New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference, and it will be presented to the State Legislature and the Governor’s Office, where we anticipate it will get the attention it deserves – and hopefully it will result in the current law being adjusted, so communities can better deal with these issues, which are primarily a problem during the summer season.
I was very happy to co-sponsor the resolution with other mayors and lawmakers from neighboring communities; however, I want to make it very clear that this is not a partisan issue.
We all feel that this is an important topic that affects Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike – and we welcome anyone who wants to join our continuing effort to give our communities the tools we need to manage the various challenges that many of our towns have faced during the past few years.
As I have said before, we need to work together so the pendulum will swing back in favor of communities that are currently handcuffed because of the existing legislation.
We will remain focused on this issue until we see favorable results occur – and I will keep you informed as new developments take place.
Looking ahead, don’t forget that the Sea Isle City Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual Fall Girls Weekend this Friday, Saturday and Sunday – so please visit their website, https://www.seaislechamber.com, to learn about the many deals and special offers that are being offered during Girls Weekend.
As we all know, the holidays are almost upon us – and so are our annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday evening, November 25 (the day after Thanksgiving).
The parade will once again feature a variety of “characters,” fire engines, and, of course, Santa Claus, who will help me light Sea Isle’s Christmas tree at Excursion Park after the parade.
Then, once our tree is illuminated, the Chamber of Commerce will keep the holiday fun going strong throughout Thanksgiving Weekend thanks to the numerous events and activities that will be waiting for you at businesses throughout town, including a Christmas Village, a Wreath Decorating Contest, and other fun happenings during “Shop Small Weekend.”
We all know that there is no better place to enjoy the holidays than in Sea Isle City – and that has never been truer than this year.
In addition to the events taking place during Thanksgiving Weekend, we have also added a bevy of new holiday decorations to our town, and there are many events taking place through the month of December that will put everyone in the holiday spirit.
Plus, don’t forget that Sea Isle City is home to some of the best restaurants in South Jersey – so plan on enjoying dinner out with your family and friends at one of our many local eateries so you can celebrate the holidays in grand style!
Another seasonal event that is near and dear to my heart is my annual Holiday Food and Toy Drive, which will soon be underway.
If you can help us spread holiday cheer to families in need this Christmas, we will have collection sites at many local businesses and city buildings throughout town, where you can make a donation that will help us reach our goal of helping others.
Any and all donations of new toys and non-perishable food items will be greatly appreciated, so please see the special section in this newsletter for more details.
As we have said many times before, we don’t just honor our veterans on Veterans Day – we honor them every day of the year here in Sea Isle City.
With that in mind, I want to once again thank all of our nation’s veterans for their service to our country – and special thanks goes to all of the veterans who participated in our annual Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, and all of the spectators who were there to honor them!
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to Dante Edwardi, a Sea Isle City native and Ocean City High School student who recently accepted a scholarship to play Division 1 baseball at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Congratulations, Dante – we are all very proud of you!
I hope everyone has a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving!
Smile … You’re in Sea Isle,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
