New 9th District Legislators Share Top Priorities

9th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT, NJ — The new representatives of the 9th Legislative District have a busy year ahead of them, but they want constituents to know that taking care of them is their top priority.

Sen. Carmen Amato, Jr., Assemblyman Brian Rumpf and Assemblyman Greg Myhre said in a news release that their top priorities are "providing effective constituent services" and that the new delegation should be used as "an active resource for assistance with State-related matters including, but not limited to, property tax relief programs, veterans’ services, E-ZPass issues as well as unemployment and temporary disability cases."

Amato, in his time as mayor of Berkeley, often made himself accessible to constituents, which he said positioned him to be more effective in addressing the needs of residents. He aims to do the same thing at a larger level as state senator.

"With that same approach to governance, our legislative delegation will welcome feedback from those we have the privilege of representing, which includes being responsive to requests for assistance with State programs and service," Amato said.

"The 9th Legislative District has historically been home to large numbers of seniors and veterans who, collectively, are enrolled in various State programs and in certain cases require consistent access to State-offered services," Rumpf added. He said that the delegation will work with any constituent who is having issues with state agencies.

Myhre emphasized that they want feedback from constituents. "To be effective, our respective voting records must accurately reflect the views held by our constituents," he said.

He said that residents in the area often feel like the powers in Trenton do not align with their interests.

"High taxes and a rigged school funding formula are two prime examples of government mismanagement which infuriate residents of the Garden State," Myhre said. "In working to reform these failed policies, we will start with being a receptive and responsive Delegation that actively engages with our constituents."

"This will be consistent with the overall approach that I and my 9th district colleagues have taken in our respective tenures in public service to promote good government that embraces common sense policy making," he said.

The district consists of Barnegat, Barnegat Light, Beach Haven, Beachwood, Berkeley Township, Eagleswood, Harvey Cedars, Lacey Township, Lakehurst, Little Egg Harbor, Long Beach Township, Manchester, Ocean Township, Ocean Gate, Pine Beach, Ship Bottom, Stafford Township, Surf City and Tuckerton .