S2427

20 Jan: Van Drew Bill Giving Mayors Veto Power Over Municipal Authorities Clears Committee

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Van Drew to give mayors veto power over proposed actions by municipal authorities in order to prevent irresponsible spending or other decisions that could negatively impact local residents was approved today by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

The legislation (S-2427) would provide mayors the ability to veto minutes of authority meetings, similar to the veto power held by county freeholder directors and county executives. A veto would require the consent of the majority of the members of the municipality’s governing body.

“We need to ensure that all spending by municipal authorities is accounted for and that decisions made by these authorities are subject to strict oversight by officials who understand the needs of the community,” said Senator Van Drew (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland). “This bill will give mayors a real mechanism to control costs for residents, by empowering them to veto spending or other proposed actions that could have a detrimental impact on residents.”