Cape May County Freeholders E. Marie Hayes, right, and Jeffrey Pierson, in blue sweater, talk with some of the residents who showed up for the first Coffee Chat.
The first in a planned series of Coffee Chats with the Cape May County Freeholders was held at the Marmora Dunkin Donuts on Dec. 10.
The purpose of the chats is to bring residents together in a casual setting to discuss county issues with the freeholders. There was no agenda and those attending were able to bring up concerns and ideas that impact them as residents of Cape May County.
Freeholders Jeffrey Pierson and E. Marie Hayes hosted the first Coffee Chat. Close to a dozen residents from Upper Township, Ocean City and Sea Isle City stopped by to meet the freeholders and talk about what was on their minds. The conversation ranged from signage to flooding, dredging and problems navigating the waterways to Code Blue.
“The chats were designed to be informal gatherings that allow for residents to have meaningful conversation and speak to freeholders about local issues,” Pierson said in a press release. “I’m encouraged by the participation and exchange of ideas and the variety of subjects discussed.”
The next Coffee Chat is expected to take place in Ocean City in January, with more scheduled throughout the county.
Pierson said he hopes more local residents will join the series of chats planned for 2019 “to continue the dialogue” with the freeholders.
