Download as Word document here CJREC Minutes 7-26-2006

MEETING MINUTES

Central Jersey Regional Equity Coalition

Legislative District 15 Public Meeting Planning Committee

July 26, 2006, 7 p.m., Diocese of Trenton Pastoral Center, Lawrence Township.

Present: Pamela Chambers (Shiloh), Marlene Lao-Collins (St. Joseph’s & CJREC), Richard Morgan (Presbytery of New Brunswick and CJREC), Alex Allen (Isles), Karen Siracusa (LWV), Nicole Plett (CJREC & LWV).

I. Marlene Lao-Collins opened the meeting with a prayer.

II. Scheduling

A. Marlene gave an update on scheduling the District 15 meeting. Marlene spoke to Janet at Bonnie Watson Coleman’s office about the August dates. August is looming close. Members doubt they could get meeting prepared for August 15 and stated a preference for Wednesday, August 22 date. However, two members present noted that they personally would be away on vacation during the week of August 22.

Marlene asked for opinions about pushing the meeting later. The last week in August runs into the long Labor Day weekend, and seems like a difficult week for turnout. Early September will also be a busy time for families, with Back to School nights, etc. The group decided to select the August 22 date.

IIB. Meeting flyer. Alex Allen volunteered to produce a flyer for the meeting modelled on the one used by SJREOP in South Jersey.

Marlene volunteered to have the flyer translated into Spanish.

IIC. Press coverage. Nicole Plett volunteered to write and distribute press released to all area newspapers, TV, and radio.

III. Public Meeting agenda

A. The meeting will touch on three issues:

1. Fair Housing: Elimination of the RCA (Regional Contribution Agreement)

2. Fair Tax Reform through Regional Tax Base Sharing

3. Fair Treatment for Immigrants: Pass the In-state tuition bill for undocumented graduates of NJ high schools.

B. Leaders will present our case for each issue and present the question we want to pin them on. The legislator will also be invited to speak to the audience (limited time).

C. Proposed questions to be posed (especially to Coleman and Gusciora who have already publicly stated their support): What is your next step in getting this policy implemented? What legislation will you introduce? Can this group help you introduce and pass legislation?

D. The planning group expressed the wish to have this Public Meeting include an educational component. Alex Allen noted that Isles has a Power Point presentation focused on Trenton and Mercer County. He will ask Marty Johnson of Isles if he would be willing to present this at the public meeting.

E. Legislators will be asked to grant a follow-up meeting with CJREC leaders.

Legislators should also be pinned on making a commitment to attend the NJRC state-wide public meeting in Atlantic City on November 16, 2006.

IV. Who else needs to get involved?

Rev. Darrell Armstrong – Meeting will be at Shiloh (if we can get permission);

Dr. William Ball, TCNJ & member of Lawrence LWV;

Dianne Brake, Regional Planning Partnership, Trenton;

Rev. Jeffrey Vamos, Lawrenceville Presbyterian Church

Rev. Charles Stephens’ congregants at UUC in Titusville (some of whom have already attended planning meetings).

Carlos Avila for Immigration issue.

SAVE THE DATE: Marlene proposed August 15, 16, or 17 for dress rehearsal for the District 15 meeting.

V. Conclusion. Prayer.

Next meeting date was set for: Wednesday, August 9, location TBA.

Minutes submitted by Nicole Plett