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(Trenton, NJ, Jan. 24, 2012) -- Warren County Freeholder Richard D. Gardner was
sworn in as the 71st president of the
New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC), becoming
the first Warren County official since the group was founded in 1921 to head the
organization.
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Freeholder Richard D. Gardner takes the oath of office as NJAC President, while Union County Freeholder Angel Estrada is sworn in as Secretary-Treasurer by former NJ Governor Donald T. DiFrancesco.
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“I look forward to leading NJAC this year as it continues serving county
governments throughout the State with its progressive advocacy, comprehensive
research and analysis, and solution-driven approach to addressing complex
legislative and regulatory matters,” Gardner said, adding, “It’s also an honor
for me to become the first elected official from Warren County to serve as
President of this terrific organization.”
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Freeholder Gardner, NJAC’s new president, addresses the gathering at his inauguration ceremony from the podium in the Senate Chamber at the NJ State House in Trenton.
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At a ceremony held in the Senate Chamber of the State House, NJAC’s officers for
2012 were administered the oath of office by former New Jersey Governor Donald
T. DiFrancesco. In addition to Gardner, they are Hudson County Freeholder
Jeffrey Dublin, 1st Vice President; Monmouth County Clerk M. Claire
French, 2nd Vice President; and Union County Freeholder Angel
Estrada, Secretary-Treasurer. Immediate Past President Beth E. Timberman, a
Salem County freeholder, rounds out the NJAC Executive Committee.
Following the ceremony, culinary students from
Warren County Technical School in Franklin Township
catered lunch in the State House for invited guests.
As a non-partisan organization that represents the only true regional form of
government in the State with a unified and proactive voice, NJAC is dedicated to
advancing innovative programs and initiatives for the sole purpose of saving
valuable taxpayer dollars. NJAC is committed to advocating for legislation,
regulations, and policy directives that empower county governments to operate
more effectively and efficiently.
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“There are so many issues to delve into,” Gardner said later, noting for example
that rising health care costs is a significant challenge many counties face.
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Freeholder Gardner was accompanied by his wife, Jeannette, and their children, Dan and Stephanie.
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Gardner said NJAC would work to seek “some creative ideas to try to lessen the
impact and expense on counties.”
The organization has a wide variety of issues to look at, Gardner said,
explaining NJAC members will try to come up with plans of approach and
communicate their views to state legislative leaders.
Gardner said NJAC will continue to examine ways that different governmental
entities can reach shared services agreements as a cost-saving move, either
county to county or between the county and municipal level.
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Culinary students from Warren County Technical School, led by faculty members Jennifer Buccino and Pedro Fortun, catered the reception after Gardner’s inauguration, impressing the guests with their skill.
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“I’m honored and pleased to lead the charge of NJAC and our membership for
2012,” Gardner remarked.
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