Thursday, November 19, 2020
News of the county’s plan to consolidate the municipal courts into a single countywide system was first reported by the media on November 16 in the Press of Atlantic City, however, it was not the first time the information was shared with state, county and local officials despite some claiming they were blindsided.
“Each of our state legislative representatives, mayors and freeholders were provided the information. Whether or not they chose to read it is beyond my control,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson.
Levinson formed a committee last July to examine the feasibility and potential cost savings of a countywide court system.
Each of the county’s 23 mayors were notified in writing, at least seven of whom actively serve on the bipartisan committee that also includes Superior Court Judges Julio Mendez and Mark Sandson.
Written notice was also shared with the eight assembly members and four senators who represent Atlantic County as well as the nine members of the Atlantic County Board of Freeholders.
The plan would require a statutory amendment to allow for a county-based municipal court in our county. Senate President Steve Sweeney, who shared his enthusiasm for the plan, has vowed to introduce the necessary legislation.
“Any of our local elected officials who claim to have been blindsided by our plans are either not doing their job or not telling the truth,” Levinson concluded.