The Highlands legislation was created to protect the water of the Highlands region. The Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council, made up of both elected officials and public members is the body responsible for implementing the protection.
The members are appointed by the governor, and in the past have all demonstrated, for the most part, an understanding of their role as protectors of our water supply. Governor Christie recently appointed seven new members to the Council to fill vacant seats. Two of these appointees Michael Sebetich, an aquatic biologist and Professor at William Paterson University, and Tim Dougherty, the Mayor of Morristown, have backgrounds advocating for the protection of Highlands resources.
We are concerned that the remaining appointees have in the past called for the repeal of the Highlands Act and/or the disbanding of the Council. These are not the characteristics that we want in Council members charged with protecting the water supply of 5.5 million New Jersey residents. The Governor makes it clear by these appointments that he does not appreciate the work of the Council, and wants to cripple its effectiveness.
Take a stand with URWA. The Senate Judiciary Committee must approve all of these nominations to the Council. We urge you to reach out to the Committee Chairperson Senator Nick Scutari at senscutari@njleg.org 908 587 0404 or the Vice Chair, Senator John Girgenti at sengirgenti@njleg.org 973 427 1229. Urge them to oppose the appointments of Highlands Act opponents Roxbury Mayor James Rilee, former West Milford Planning Board Chair Michael Tfank, Sussex County Freeholder-elect Richard Vohden, and White Township Committeeman. Tell them that you want people who will honor the intent of the Highlands Act and who will protect our water supply appointed to the Council.
Learn more about this issue and other Highlands news at http://www.njhighlandscoalition.org/
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