June 23, 1998
JERSEY COAST ANGLERS ASSOCIATION
Working For the Saltwater Resource and Marine Anglers
1201 Route 37 East, Toms River NJ 08753
Phone 732-506-6565 Fax 732-506-6975
web site http://www.jcaa.org
NEW JERSEY FEDERATION OF SPORTSMEN'S CLUBS
Working For The Sportspersons Of New Jersey
190 Oberlin Road North, Lakewood NJ 08701
Phone 732-905-0755 Fax 732-905-5261
Web Site http://www.njsfsc.org/
Today Assemblyman Anthony Impreveduto withdrew as the prime cosponsor of A2165. Assemblyman Impreveduto has also stated that he no longer supports this bill. I met with Assemblyman Impreveduto and was impressed by his willingness to discuss this matter. He received many phone calls, letters and faxes from groups and individuals associated with Jersey Coast Anglers Association and the NJ State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. He was clearly impressed by the amount of interest generated by this legislation. In my conversation with Assemblyman Impreveduto, it became clear that his intention was not to create controversy about Striped Bass. Once he was fully informed about the ramifications of this legislation, he was eager to take steps to withdraw his support. The PCB contamination and the current health advisories on Striped Bass were of particular importance to him.
He expressed his thanks to the many clubs and individuals who contacted him to voice their opinion and provide information. He was particularly impressed with the calls and letters from members of the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association and Saltwater Anglers of Bergen County. In addition, he hopes to work with JCAA and clubs in his district on future legislation.
Today’s success is the result of a group effort by Jersey Coast Anglers Association, the NJ State Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the Recreational Fishing Alliance and the many individuals and clubs who contacted Assemblyman Impreveduto. It is simply another indication of the political power we have when we act together, delivering a clear message to our legislators. It is easy to organize around Striped Bass since so many of us feel so strongly about gamefish status. But it is essential that we continue to show the same type of concerted effort on other issues.
Tom Fote
Legislative Chairman
Jersey Coast Anglers Association
New Jersey Federation of Sportsman's Clubs
Phone 732-270-9102 Fax 732-506-6409 Email tfote@jcaa.org
