Welcoming elected officials

September 04, 2020| Advocacy

By: Marty Kane

In order to fulfill the Lake Hopatcong Foundation’s mission, we continuously reach out to elected and governmental officials to discuss the lake’s challenges as well as to educate and familiarize decision-makers with Lake Hopatcong.  With our partners at the Lake Hopatcong Commission, we believe we are starting to make a difference by bringing necessary attention and resources to address the numerous complex issues that impact our lake. 

Earlier this summer we had the opportunity to help welcome Governor Murphy to the lake for the second time in a year in a visit that allowed our four mayors to air concerns with the Governor.  We also assisted earlier this summer when Mayor Francis hosted Rep. Sherrill on a tour of the Crescent Cove section of the lake and we regularly work with her office on legislative initiatives and federal funding matters. 

We meet regularly with the nine members of the legislative delegation (encompassing the 24^th, 25^th, and 26^th Districts) on a host of state matters.  Both the Morris and Sussex County Freeholder Boards are incredibly supportive of county matters and have been extremely helpful with the ongoing Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) demonstration projects.  And we are very proud of our work with the four local mayors that sees them meeting on a regular basis to discuss lake issues and address them on a united front.  Likewise, we work to ensure good working relationships with a host of state and federal agencies that impact our lake.   

On September 1, in my capacity as LHF Board Chair, I had the opportunity to meet with Sen. Anthony Bucco at the lake and give him an update on matters of interest and ongoing efforts.  Discussions centered on the ongoing HAB demonstration projects and possible short- and long-term measures to eliminate the potential for HABs at Lake Hopatcong and other local lakes.  Safety concerns, weed management, water quality, and the health of local businesses were all discussed.  We were very pleased to welcome Sen. Bucco to the lake as his keen interest always makes for a lively dialogue.  We look forward to hosting additional elected and government officials to the lake in the weeks and months ahead.