Garden State Times

Senator Michael Testa (R-1) held a virtual independent hearing on Wednesday to receive testimony from business owners, elected officials, and local law enforcement about safety concerns along the Jersey Shore after several incidents caused disturbances since Memorial Day Weekend. Panelists offered unique insights about their local shore town communities and engaged in dialogue about legislative and community-based solutions to address the unruly behavior that has impacted these areas.

"To find solutions, we need to have an open dialogue where ideas flow freely without barriers. When we heard reports of what has occurred since the Memorial Day Weekend, we took immediate action to bring people to the table. Unfortunately, but predictably, Democrats refused to participate in our open, transparent discussion with local leaders and law enforcement who have first-hand experience with the disruptions taking place along the Jersey Shore," said Sen. Testa. "With or without Democrats, we will continue to listen to and work with our shore town leaders to ensure the safety of our vibrant and historical communities."

Senator Testa was joined by Assemblyman Antwan L. McClellan and Assemblyman Erik K. Simonsen from Legislative District 1, as well as Assemblywoman Claire S. Swift and Assemblyman Donald A. Guardian from Legislative District 2.

Multiple Democrat legislators were invited to participate in the non-partisan hearing but all declined.

You can view the full hearing online on the New Jersey Senate Republican's YouTube page.

To speak with Senator Testa about the hearing, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at [email protected].