President's Report

(from Jersey Coast Anglers Association April 2006 Newsletter)

By the time this issue is printed and distributed, Governor Corzine will have unveiled his 2006-07 budget proposal.  The bleak picture that was painted by the administration at the recent budget summit and regional budget forums was a precursor to the main event and obviously intended to soften the blow.   Unfortunately, this reflects on several administrations and years of robbing Peter to pay Paul fiscal mismanagement.

I cannot presume to foretell the final proposal as always, the devil will be in the details. 

Hopefully, the Division of Fish and Wildlife, the Division of Parks and Land, will come out of this strengthened to fulfill their missions. To their detriment and the public they serve, these divisions have been under funded, understaffed, overworked and micromanaged during a period in which their responsibilities have increased.  Instead of further cuts in funding and staffing, these divisions need a stable source of fair and adequate funding to enable them to manage and maintain public parks and lands and to provide quality of life opportunities for the citizenry and guests of the state. 

It is my opinion that the state should recognize the significant contributions to the economy of the state provided by those citizens and non-residents who utilize our vast assets which include, in addition to parks, land and historic sites, public beaches and marine waters. With adequate funding, the divisions can manage, maintain and enhance state assets resulting in increased utilization and increased revenue generation.      

Volunteers Needed

The JCAA is a volunteer organization and we need your help!  Can you spare one day a week to help in the office in Toms River for March, April and May?  This is the time we need help with our Fluke tournament.  No special talent is needed, just a willingness to help.  Some of the tasks which you might be asked to perform are as simple as answering the phone or mailing out Fluke Tournament T-shirts which have been ordered.  We do a few mailings so help is needed manning the folding machine and stuffing envelopes.  No, you don’t have to lick the stamps.  Luckily the post office has solved that problem for us.  Every month we print the newsletter so you might be asked to help keep the copy machine filled with paper.  If you have the time and a willingness to help please give either Phil Celmer or Tom Siciliano a call.  The office number is 732-506-6565.  Leave a message if a volunteer doesn’t answer the phone!

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