By John Tredrea, Special Writer
LAMBERTVILLE — Mayor David Del Vecchio has been re-elected by his peers in the New Jersey League of Municipalities to serve as deputy vice chairperson of the League’s Taxation and Finance Subcommittee.
In that role, he will continue to lead statewide discussions among local officials on all pending state legislative initiatives that would impact local finances and property taxpayers.
”We are at a tipping point in our state, and the fiscal decisions being made in Trenton are impacting the budgets of communities and residents more than ever,” said Mr. Del Vecchio, who recently began his eighth term as Lambertville’s mayor.
Mr. Del Vecchio has been the city’s mayor since 1992.
”Even the most well-intentioned bills that may benefit one community can have an adverse effect on towns and taxpayers elsewhere,” he said. “Our job is to make sure all taxpayers benefit, and that all lawmakers know our communities are united. We cannot move forward as a state unless all of our cities and towns move forward together.”
”Mayor Del Vecchio has been a leader among mayors for years, and I am pleased his service to our communities and state will continue,” said William Dressel, the League’s longtime executive director. “Dave not only understands municipal finance, but he is also a consensus builder who ensures the League will always speak in one strong voice. I look forward to continuing to work with him this year.”
Mayor Del Vecchio served as president of the League of Municipalities in 2007. He also has served as president of the state Conference of Mayors and is only the second mayor in the state who has led both organizations.
In April of last year, Mayor Del Vecchio was named “Mayor of the Year” by the New Jersey Conference of Mayors.
At the event honoring the Lambertville mayor, Timothy McDonough, mayor of Hope, said, “There is no finer example of how a mayor is supposed to conduct himself and the business of his town than Mayor Del Vecchio . . . one of the most respected mayors in the state of New Jersey. He is constantly looking for ways to help his town and to improve the quality of life for all his residents.”
Mr. McDonough noted Mayor Del Vecchio had been credited with enacting policies that have preserved the historical integrity of buildings in the central business district, developed an innovative traffic-calming plan, revitalized abandoned factories for new businesses and created a redevelopment area in the city.
Created by statute in 1915, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities serves as the voice of local officials throughout New Jersey with more than 13,000 members representing elected and appointed local officials from all 565 municipalities among its ranks.
