NJ Association of Counties ED Meets with Emerging Leaders
Advocacy on a Local Level
Executive Director of NJAC, John G Donnadio, Esq and ABCD’s Jeanne Ashmore met with the Emerging Leaders at their July meeting to discuss advocacy on a local level. Between their combined 50+ years of experience in local and state government, valuable information and advice was passed on to our industries leaders of tomorrow. Highlights included:
- NJ has 564 municipalities (all incorporated and ranging in size from 311,000 to 7 residents) and 21 counties which are extremely distinct. Compared to other states, NJ government is very complicated and very diverse which makes it particularly tricky to navigate.
- Many policies, funding opportunities and programs run through the counties. Counites are very involved on an ongoing basis with the State Administration and Commissioners.
- You are always better off approaching an elected official such as your Mayor, County Commissioner and County Executive, before you need them. And when you do approach them, let them see you not only as a constituent, but as a resource.
- County governments have Human Services Directors and Office of Disabilities, to name just 2. They also have Human Service Advisory Councils which are chances for agencies to network and find out what is happening on a local/county level.
John also shared that while he was putting himself through NY Law School, he was employed by Hudson County working at their sheltered workshop to help individuals find jobs. He loved the work. John is a long-time friend and colleague of both Jeanne and ABCD’s ED – integrity, kindness, smarts, experience, and great success and achievements NJAC. We are honored to have hosted him. It was a great meeting.
To learn more about NJAC go to https://njac.org/
