Democratic gubernatorial candidate speaks to Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce
GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — “The state government has really neglected the transformative investments that Atlantic City and Atlantic County need, particularly in public transit and economic development projects,” U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill told a regional business gathering Aug. 27 at Seaview Golf Club.
“Fixing this is going to involve collaboration with the business community, and I promise I’ll work with you to solve these problems,” the Democratic candidate for governor added.
The event was part of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce’s Policy Impact Series, which is scheduled to continue Oct. 7 with Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciatterelli.
Barbara DeMarco, chairwoman of the chamber, said the discussions are meant to educate and create dialogue with decision-makers and individuals running for office who want to be that decision maker.
She noted the governor of New Jersey is considered to be the most powerful in the country because he or she makes all appointments to the bodies that run the state and has sweeping policy and financial power.
“This is why today is so important. This discussion will give each of you who either works or lives in the south shore region some insight and information as to the policy a Sherrill administration will champion for Atlantic and Cape May counties,” DeMarco said.
Attorney Lloyd Levenson introduced Sherrill to those gathered, outlining her military, educational and governmental experience.
“She has more of those letters at the end of her name than I could possibly memorize,” he said. “And my wife likes to say, most importantly, she’s raised and is raising four children.”
Sherrill represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. The 1994 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy spent almost 10 years on active duty in the Navy, flying missions throughout Europe and the Middle East as a helicopter pilot.
After leaving the Navy in 2003, Sherrill earned a law degree from Georgetown University, eventually joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey.
“I have spent my entire life fighting for this country as a helicopter pilot, a prosecutor, but as you’ve heard, I’m also a mom,” Sherrill said. “So running for governor isn’t just about the fight for New Jersey today, but certainly what the future of our state looks like.”
Sherrill said New Jersey is ranked 49th in the nation for business friendliness.
“For too long, leaders in Trenton haven’t been responsive enough to the challenges facing business here in our state,” she said. “And that’s why I am going to make sure that we’re prioritizing critical investments in Atlantic City and Atlantic County for key priorities like public transit, housing and public safety.”
Sherrill said she prides herself on building coalitions.
“That mindset has always guided my work in Congress. It’s why I’ve been proud to be the most effective member of the New Jersey delegation in only my second term. And it’s how I work alongside the New Jersey business community to continue to solve some of these problems,” she said.
She touted her role in working with Atlantic County leaders to deliver $5 million in federal funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law to Atlantic City International Airport, as well as an additional $5 million for micro-transit across southern New Jersey.
Sherrill said there are three key areas holding up business prosperity: permitting, taxes and fees and energy costs.
“Permitting is too slow. … these delays are costing people an incredible amount of money.
She outlined her plan “to make our state work for business.”
— streamline and simplify the new business licensing process and overall the state permitting process to reduce delays that are holding the major projects back.
“I’m going to create a fast track team at the Governor’s Office to expedite these approvals and make sure that they are your advocate in the permitting process,” she said.
— eliminate the new business registration fee
“It’s just too expensive to operate in New Jersey and it makes it hard for businesses to compete, providing immediate tax relief,” she said.
— freeze energy rate increases
“I’ll massively increase New Jersey’s power generation by eliminating red tape and permitting delays to build an energy arsenal, because more power generation means lower bills,” she said.
Sherrill recognized the need for better public transportation, particularly in Cape May and Cumberland counties.
“I’ll boost state investments into Atlantic City and Atlantic County, offering the best rapid transit lines and service as well as micro-transit options throughout the region to ensure that New Jersey Transit isn’t seen down here as North Jersey Transit,” she said.
She also noted that southern New Jersey is poorly represented at the state level.
“I’ll fight for fair representation on state-appointed bodies like the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority,” she said.
“Each of these challenges will not be easy to solve, but I promise you today that I will work with you and take on anyone that we need to take on to move this state and this county and this city forward,” she said. “I can promise you that Atlantic City won’t be left behind in my administra tion. You’ll be front-center of my efforts to invest in our state’s transit network, housing stock and public safety initiatives.”
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Cape May Star and Wave
