Representatives From All Levels Of Government Speak At Town Hall
By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
On Oct. 22, community members and stakeholders attended a town hall meeting at Camden County Technical Schools – Pennsauken Campus. During the event, attendees interacted with Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista, Camden County Commissioner Al Dyer, State Assemblyman Bill Spearman, and U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross, all of whom shared updates on what was happening at all levels of government.
“It’s great to be back in Pennsauken for my first town hall,” said County Commissioner and Township resident Al Dyer. “These town halls are extremely important because it gives us the opportunity to hear directly from our constituents.”
“We are proud to have an opportunity to have Camden County bring this event to our town, because we, like the county, care about the people we serve,” added Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista.
Prior to remarks from the public officials, Army veteran and Pennsauken resident Lou Morales was recognized for his service in both the military and his community with several proclamations.
“We get to say ‘thank you’ to someone who wore the uniform. Less than one percent of our country has done that,” said Congressman Norcross. “Today, we have the privilege of honoring Lou Morales.”
“I thank Lou for the service you gave to this country, and I thank you for being a Pennsauken resident,” added Mayor DiBattista. “Lou is a great guy. You want him to live next door. He’s the guy people call when they have a problem. That’s what makes him special.”
Morales served in the Army from 1979 until 2006 and was involved in major military campaigns Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. During his service, Lou earned several honors and medals, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He is now a member of the VFW and American Legion Post 68 and has volunteered with Stand Down South Jersey, an event that provides necessary services to homeless veterans, for 30 years.
“Thank you. I’m very humbled,” said Morales. “I do it for my country. I do it for my family. For my fellow veterans and anyone who served, I salute you.”
In his remarks, Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista welcomed attendees to Pennsauken and spoke about 2024 being the “Year of Development” for the town. Pennsauken’s state-of-the-art library and municipal complex is rapidly being built next to the site of the current Pennsauken Free Public Library, as well as a “Welcome Home Jake’s Place” playground for children of all abilities. At the Pennsauken Country Club, a new deck with a four-season room is being added to the facility, and a golf simulator has been installed. Pennsauken’s Municipal Pool Complex has already seen several upgrades to the facility, including upgrades to the pickleball court, street hockey rink, and tennis court, and the addition of a parkour obstacle course.
“We have dedicated resources and time to build up assets in our community,” explained Mayor DiBattista. “It isn’t just about building buildings. It’s about the development of people. When people get outside, they get to know who each other are; they get to be healthy and strong.”
Commissioner Al Dyer shared some updates that reflected the county’s commitment to improving our community, including road work improvements throughout Pennsauken, replacing the second deck at the driving range on Rt. 130, and upgrades to various parks and playgrounds in the county’s park system. The county also proudly marked the 10th anniversary of the addiction awareness taskforce, which has taken significant steps in preventing overdoses, while also supporting addiction recovery programs; as well as updates on health care initiatives assisting school age families, senior citizens and veterans.
“The progress we’ve made isn’t just about infrastructure and programs; it’s about strengthening our community and improving the quality of life for all residents,” said Dyer. “I encourage you all to stay engaged, share your thoughts, and participate in upcoming events and forums.”
State Assemblyman Bill Spearman spoke of the importance of partnering with all levels of government to help improve communities.
“Our job in the state is to support your local mayor, your council people, and your county. We work with the federal government to bring more resources to your town to address your concerns. All of these things are made possible by us working together.”
“Talk to your mayor, talk to your council people, talk to your commissioners,” encouraged Spearman. “Whatever we can do at the state, we will be there for you.”
Congressman Norcross, who grew up in Pennsauken and lived about a block from the vocational school where the town hall was being held, said that his focus as a public servant was to help develop jobs, promote and improve education, and maintain security, both at home and abroad.
“There’s a huge difference between politics and public service,” explained Norcross. “As John McCain once said, ‘Find something greater than yourself and be committed to it.’ That’s why I’m here.”
Norcross touched on the importance of maintaining social security, as well as building up a strong economy by making it easier for businesses to manufacture products domestically. Giving a local example, the Congressman spoke about Velocity Ventures Partners, who purchased the former Aluminum Shapes building in 2022, and resumed operations, partnering with two prominent manufacturers. Aluminum Shapes had shuttered in 2021; today, Western Extrusions and ALMAG Aluminum have hired back a great deal of staff who previously worked at the facility.
“It’s a great example of what Pennsauken is so good at: bringing in businesses and making sure they can keep their taxes low. Buying American is so important for our economy.”
After the meeting, Pennsauken Mayor Marco DiBattista encouraged residents, not just in Pennsauken, but throughout Camden County, to regularly attend these ongoing town halls.
“These town halls are great events held by Camden County on just about a monthly basis,” explained Mayor DiBattista. “You’ll be able to talk to representatives of all levels of government; it’s a unique opportunity not too many people get. As residents of this community, these events are something you should really take advantage of.”
For more information on upcoming town halls, visit CamdenCounty.com.
