Volume 10 SPRING 2002 Number 3
An enthusiastic capacity audience of over 300 construction industry representatives turned out for the Alliance for Action’s "Where’s the Work?" forum on school construction on March 27.

Contarctors, engineers, architects, suppliers, attorneys and finance specialists took advantage of the opportunity provided by the Alliance to hear presentations by state-designated project manager firms and to ask questions about the multi-billion-dollar school program.
Another Forum Set
Response to the Alliance's school construction forum was so great that another program has been scheduled for Thursday, September 19. Details of place and time will be announced.
The project managers were able to provide valuable information about were school construction work will take place, the kinds of projects, timetables and how to compete for contracts.
 
Alliance for Action President Philip K. Beachem said the forum was designed to focus on those kinds of specific details for the benefit of the construction industry.

The attendees also heard an overview of the entire school construction initiative by Caren Franzini, Executive Director of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), which is administering the program for the state.

Franzini said: "Eighteen months ago, we (EDA) did not have a school construction division. We have made changes to make the program more efficient and workable. We see it as a growth industry and an opportunity to have a better school system for our children."

New Jersey State Transportation Commissioner James P. Fox has pledged to work "hand-in-hand" with the Alliance for Action on reauthorization of federal transportation funding

Fox’s declaration came before 500 business, labor and government leaders at the Alliance’s annual South Jersey Regional Dinner on April 24 in Cherry Hill.

"Few entities across the state are as involved in improving the quality of life in New Jersey as the Alliance for Action" Fox said.

Fox asserted that the political power climate in Washington has tilted the federal dollars to southern and western states. To be competitive, he stated, New Jersey must work with its Northeastern neighbors on reauthorization of the federal transportation funding program known as TEA-21, which expires next year.

"Based on its record of successes and its experience", Fox stressed, "the role of the Alliance in this battle is vital."

Fox said he also wants to work with the Alliance on developing a dedicated and stable source of

revenues for the State Transportation Trust Fund.

Another highlight of the dinner was presentation of the annual awards for public service honoring the late State Senator Walter Rand to State Senators Wayne R. Bryant and John Adler.

Senator Bryant is known as the architect of New Jersey’s welfare reform law. He was elected to the senate in 1995 after seven terms in the Assembly, where he served as Majority Leader in 1990-91.

Senator Adler, who is serving his fourth term in the Senate, is Democratic Conference Chairman and Co-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He is now leading the fight for a state constitutional convention to reform New Jersey’s tax system.

The Alliance’s Special Recognition Award was presented to Susan Bass Levin, who took office in January as the 13th Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. She served as Mayor of Cherry Hill from 1988 until her move to Trenton and was co-chair of the Alliance’s Camden County affiliate.

Other awards presented were: Labor -- Robert C. Sweeney, President of Ironworkers Local Union 399; Organization -- South Jersey Port Corporation, and Community -- William G. Rohrer Charitable Foundation.

Richard S. Mroz and Steven D. Weinstein are Co-chairmen of the South jersey Dinner Committee.