Atlantic City, NJ – Ken Mosca, NJ External Affairs for Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind Project 1, welcomed a gathering of South Jersey’s esteemed business leaders and prominent elected officials to the Southern New Jersey Development Council’s (SNJDC) Sound Off for South Jersey Legislative Conference at Resorts Casino Hotel - an opportunity to hear the views and plans from State policy makers on issues that impact the South Jersey region.
The program began with guest remarks from New Jersey's Republican candidate for U.S Senate, Curtis Bashaw. Bashaw, a South Jersey native, highlighted his redevelopment work throughout Cape May for more than 35 years and the economic growth he has brought from his successful hospitality group Cape Resorts. “I got involved in this race because I believe New Jersey can do better”.
Fresh after the House passage of a government spending bill, Congressman Andy Kim, Democratic candidate for U.S Senate, spoke in a pre-recorded video message. “I’ve tried focusing on what we can deliver to our communities to help them grow”. Kim highlighted the success of the Chips and Sciences Act, which will make the supply chain more resilient, and the need to invest in infrastructure and public transit.
Shifting the program to address the 2025 New Jersey budget, Dr. Brigid Harrison of Montclair State University, welcomed a panel of legislators to discuss the economic impacts on South Jersey. The panel of speakers included Senator John Burzichelli (LD3), Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (LD6), and Assembly Majority Whip Carol Murphy (LD7).
“South Jersey is the growth region of the state. Where we are focused is on public transportation funding, infrastructure, the transportation trust fund, and investments in public transit,” said Greenwald. He continued, “what is exciting about the Philadelphia 76er’s opportunity is the commitment that the state of New Jersey is making to them in these areas.”
Regarding improving South Jersey’s broadband access, Murphy commented “wireless cells need to be utilized – places that can’t be reached through the ground. The longer we wait to improve speed, the more we fall behind in opportunities for smart cities.”
Shifting the conversation to renewable energy in the state - already a leader in offshore wind development - Senator John Burzichelli, whose district includes the Hope Creek generating station and New Jersey Wind Port in Lower Alloways Creek, and EEW’s monopile manufacturing facility in the Port of Paulsboro, stated “We can’t ignore wind and the opportunities to harness it for the production of electricity, as well as the need for further investment in nuclear. We have an opportunity to be a leader in this area – we have to collectively work to bring this industry to fruition.”
A point-counterpoint debate on the upcoming Presidential election then followed, led by Dr. Benjamin Dworkin, Director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship. Michael Muller, Democratic Strategist and President of Muller Public Strategies and Mike DuHaime, Republican Strategist and CEO of MAD Global Strategy Group, delivered sharp insights and analysis on the election and delved into important political topics.
Asked what the deciding factor for each candidate in the upcoming Presidential election will be, Muller said “the big difference will be who can control the dialogue in the swing states. He added, “what it comes down to is can you build real coalitions in communities. We aren’t a swing state, however we align strongly with issues at the forefront of the national conversation, including clean energy and public transit.”
On the impact of the presidential election on next year’s gubernatorial race, DuHaime said “it absolutely matters which party wins the presidential election, but I wouldn’t expect a guaranteed win for either party. If Trump wins, you may see strong Democratic turnout for the election. If Harris wins, Republicans will have a better shot in a state that has become harder to win.”
Photography and Recording courtesy of Stokes Creative Group!
Thank you to all of our sponsors!
Title Sponsor:
Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind
Presenting Sponsors:
AT&T
Atlantic City Electric
Comcast
PSEG Nuclear
Rowan College of South Jersey
Rowan University
Lanyards Sponsor:
ELEC 825
Closing Reception Sponsors:
GEI Consultants
South Jersey Port Corp
Volunteers of America Delaware Valley
Supporting Sponsors:
Atlantic Cape Community College
AtlantiCare
Bellia Print & Design
Conner Strong & Buckelew
Digneo Engineering
First Harvest Credit Union
First National Bank of Elmer
Fulton Bank
Greenman-Pedersen
HBK CPAs & Consultants
Hopeworks
Hutchinson Mechanical Services
Inspira Health Network
Integrated RCM Services
Maryville Integrated Care
Mints Insurance Agency
NJ American Water
NJ Manufacturing Extension Program
PCH Technologies
Performance Marketing
PS&S
Stokes Creative Group
TD Bank
Triad Associates
Visit South Jersey