Assemblywoman Aura Dunn brought together municipal leaders from Legislative District 25 and representatives from state agencies at her district office this week during what she described as an annual meeting to build relationships and address local issues, according to an April 9 announcement.
The event is intended to help municipal officials access state resources and strengthen professional connections. Dunn said the gathering started after Covid as a way for people to meet in person and has since become a tradition. “What began as a way to finally bring people together in person to discuss challenges and opportunities after Covid has evolved into an annual tradition, because getting everyone in the same room is often the best way to form professional relationships and solve problems,” Dunn said.
A dozen municipal leaders from Morris County met with Dunn and officials from several state departments, including Veterans Affairs, Community Affairs, Labor, Environmental Protection, and the Economic Development Authority. The agencies shared information about available programs for municipalities. Topics discussed included affordable housing, small business loan opportunities, veteran benefits, and other resources for residents.
Dunn emphasized that every municipality faces unique challenges. “This meeting is a very proactive session. It breaks down barriers, erases party lines, and shines a spotlight on the issues municipal leaders are facing in the upcoming year,” she said. “Every town I represent is unique; no challenge is exactly the same. As much as I host the gathering for the benefit of local officials, it also helps me gain a deeper appreciation of the people and places I have the honor of serving.” Officials present represented Boonton Township, Harding Township, Jefferson Township, Madison Borough, Mendham Borough, Morris Township, Mount Arlington Borough, Randolph Township, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens Borough and Wharton Borough.
Dunn concluded by saying that collaboration among elected officials benefits residents: “We are all here to help the residents we represent so we need to be able to work together and communicate. Creating personal connections and tackling issues collectively helps us better serve our communities. It is something I wish all elected officials would do.”
In related legislative news outside this event: John DiMaio has been involved with Warren County Board of Freeholders from 2000 to 2009 according to his official legislative roster. DiMaio represents District 23 which includes areas such as Hackettstown according to his official legislative roster. He held roles like Appropriations Officer (2012-2017) and Budget Officer (2018-2019) in New Jersey’s General Assembly as per his official legislative roster. DiMaio has worked as a legislator as noted by his official legislative roster, joined New Jersey’s General Assembly in 2009 and served as Minority Leader starting in 2022 according to his official legislative roster. He was also mayor of Hackettstown from 1991 through 1999 according to his official record.
