While the NJOA Council is an organization that is separate from the NJOA itself, it will act in concert with the NJOA in order for hunters, anglers and trappers to present an ongoing, united front to the legislature in Trenton.
The council is presently composed of 15 individuals who serve as leaders in statewide and county-based outdoor sporting and conservation organizations. Additional council members are expected to be added by the next scheduled meeting. The council will advise and inform the NJOA of current legislative and political issues that impact the outdoor sports and those who participate in them.
The council was stared with those sportsmen and women who were instrumental in the formation of the NJOA-PAC and has now expanded to include others. A delegate/representative who casts one vote represents each participating organization on the council. A one-vote representative also represents the NJOA itself on the council.
The NJOA and council remain committed to a grassroots base that incorporates an extensive communications network. Three region managers and 30 representatives are now in place to advance the organization’s mission with legislators at the district level throughout the state. These representatives will also initiate fund-raising activities and coordinate voter registration campaigns.
After reviewing the election results in New Jersey 12th Legislative District (where anti-sporting activities Senator Ellen Karcher and Assemblyman Michael Panter out-spent but were defeated by NJOA-endorsed candidates Jennifer Beck, Caroline Casagrande and Declan O’Scanlon), the NJOA-PAC and council remain dedicated to the concept that actual votes are more important than money. Funding, however remains an important issue and all sportspersons are strongly encouraged to continue donating to the NJOA.
NJOA and the council are now reviewing a list of legislative bills that relate to hunting, fishing, trapping and associated conservation issues including youth programs. The bills are being prioritized so that they can be addressed I order of importance. Legislative issues with high priority include, but are not limited to, a state constitutional amendment to guarantee the right to hunt, fish and trap in New jersey; the use of commercial fishing pots on artificial reefs; clarifying and maintaining the Fish and Game Council’s authority to regulate freshwater fishing, hunting and trapping; and establishing and appropriating funds for a Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs Program within the Department o Environmental Protection.
Legislators Thank Alliance
Despite the fact that many media outlets ignored the reality that the sporting community, specifically the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, played a significant role in the election of Senator Jennifer Beck and Assemblypersons Caroline Casagrande and Declan O’Scanlon, a letter of appreciation from all three District 12 Legislators was received by NJOA. The following is the text of that letter:
December 17, 2007
Mr. Anthony Mauro
New Jersey Outdoor Alliance
Dear Anthony:
We would like to thank the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance for your support in this year’s State Legislative elections. It is fair to say that the hard work, phone calls, emails and (most importantly) votes of your members were a very big factor in our victory at the polls on November 6th.
We would also like to congratulate you on the successful birth of your organization. Pulling together so many groups which, by many people admissions, had worked at cross purposes I the past, and turning them into an organized and effective group, able to speak with one voice within a matter of months was truly an amazing eat. We look forward to working with you in the future on issues affecting sportsmen, land conservation and preservation.
Keep up the great work.
Sincerely,
Senator-elect Jennifer Beck
Assemblywoman-elect Caroline Casagrande
Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon
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