Article by TAPinto Morristown Staff
Assemblywoman Aura Dunn hosted municipal leaders from Legislative District 25 with representatives from state agencies at her district office last week during what has become an annual meeting to build relationships and address local issues.
“These meetings began after Covid as a way to finally bring people together in person to discuss challenges and opportunities. The first one proved so valuable that I have sort of started a tradition of getting everyone in the same room to facilitate problem-solving and relationship building,” Dunn (R-Morris) said.
Dunn explains the meeting as a proactive session that crosses party lines and shines a spotlight on issues municipal leaders are facing in the upcoming year.
“Every town is unique, so I wanted to hear what challenges the mayors are experiencing and their priorities,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “It helps me be a better public servant and allows me to gain a deeper appreciation of the people and places I have the honor of representing.”
Nearly a dozen municipal leaders from Morris and Passaic counties met with officials from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Department of Community Affairs, the state Economic Development Authority and state Department of Environmental Protection. Agencies provided informational material about resources available to municipalities and answered specific questions about programs.
Mayors included Mayor Joe Hathaway from Randolph, Mayor Michele Dale from West Milford, Mayor Jim Freda from Kinnelon, Mayor Bob Conley from Madison, Mayor Donna Guariglia from Morris Township and Mayor David Holeman from Victory Gardens as well as Deputy Mayor Jeff Grayzel from Morris Township, Councilwoman Britni Orcutt from Butler, Committee woman Rita Chipperson from Harding, Councilwoman Ada Erik from West Milford and Borough Administrator Matthew Guilder from Butler. Officials asked about municipal infrastructure repairs, employment resources for residents and opportunities to help local businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We are all here to help the residents we represent, so we need to be able to work together and communicate. Creating personal connections and tackling issues collectively helps us better serve our communities. It is something I wish all elected officials would do,” Dunn said.
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