RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN & DIVERS ARE LOSING THE BATTLE!
Monday the NJ Senate was scheduled to vote on our “Pots Off the Reef” Bill S2635. It was supposed to pass easily. Instead, once again we were “blind sided” by commercial fishing industry and the Bill was put aside. NO VOTE WAS TAKEN! THE BILL WASN’T EVEN MENTIONED!
Tuesday we found out why. A well known, very influential lobbying firm, contracted by the commercial sector, flooded the Senate floor with faxes proclaiming that Senate Bill S2635 would be devastating to (a handful of) commercial fishermen. If passed, most potters would go out of business and there would be a major shortage of lobster and reef fish for the general public to consume. The faxes must have had clout and obviously coerced Senate Speaker Codey to abandon the vote.
It was also rumored that this lobbying firm contributes substantial amounts to political campaign funds and that might be the real reason Bill S2635 was passed over.
Is this the way the democratic system is supposed work? Why isn’t the majority being heard? Aren’t they listening to New Jersey’s 1.3 million saltwater anglers? I THINK NOT!
The Senate has (3) more voting sessions before the legislative year end: December 17, January 3 and January 7. If Bill S2635 is not voted on, we go back to square one in 2008. IT IS TIME TO MAKE A CALL! Or, WE LOSE!
The same thing holds true for the General Assembly. They have only a few voting sessions left. Assembly Bill A3986, which is identical to S2635, has not been posted for a vote. WE NEED BOTH BILLS POSTED NOW, VOTED ON AND APPROVED! Or, WE LOSE!
MAKE A CALL NOW! Below is the list of Senators and Assemblymen. The main targets are Senate President Richard Codey, General Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts and especially Assistant Majority Leader Jeff Van Drew. They have the ability to push the bills to a vote. When you call, an administrative assistant will answer. Just mention the bill number and ask why it’s not being voted on, what is the hold up, do they realize how many fishermen and divers want to see these bills passed, that sportspeople paid for the reefs while a few commercial potters are allowed to dominate them and blanket them with gear! Make sure you mention your club affiliation and how many people you represent. Ask that the Assemblyman or Senator call you back.
MAKE THAT CALL TODAY! BEFORE IT”S TOO LATE!
Thanks & good luck to all,
Captain Pete Grimbilas
REEF RESCUE
www.njreefrescue.comSenator Richard J. Codey, (D) 449 Mount Pleasant Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052 (973)-731-6770
Assemblyman Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., (D) Brooklawn Shopping Plaza, Rt. 130 South & Browning Rd., Brooklawn, NJ 08030 (856)-742-7600
Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew, (D) 21 North Main Street, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 (609)-465-0700
District Office: 223 East Main Street, Millville, NJ 08332 (856)-293-8353 District Office: 1028 East Landis Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360 (856)-696-7109
Senator John H. Adler, (D) 1916 Route 70 East, Suite 3, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003 (856)-489-3442
Senator Diane B. Allen, (R) 11 West Broad St., Burlington, NJ 08016 (609)-239-2800
