The following subject was not on my radar to be discussed in this week’s newsletter, however, a former member who dropped membership seven years ago called me very angry because an official from the Department of Weights and Measures stopped in to inspect his location. Weights and Measures was there at my request as another long-time member called me with a complaint. The former member expressed his anger that I would call the authorities and inquired why I did not notify him first to correct any perceived violations. I informed the non-member that we always afford these types of courtesies to current members, however, since he has not been a member for seven years, he is not entitled to this service. I explained to the former member the terms of our Membership Fairness Doctrine, where NJGCA guarantees in writing that non-members will not receive the same assistance as paying members that support the organization. It is just that simple! We run into situations like this regularly, but since this happened shortly before sitting to write this newsletter, I’m still angry that this person thinks he is entitled to the same courtesies that I would extend to any of you who pay your dues. I will remind you every now and then that you are entitled to this as an NJGCA member.
 
The Assembly Transportation Committee held an open hearing last week and invited NJGCA to testify on any issue that we would like to see the committee undertake. The hearing was called at the last minute and as I had a previously scheduled commitment, Eric Blomgren testified in my absence. We decided since we had already made a presentation to the new governor’s administration asking for consideration to close all central inspection lanes and have inspections conducted at private facilities, that it was a good idea to make a similar presentation to the Transportation Committee. The new governor announced several weeks ago the name of his choice to head the Motor Vehicle Commission, but I just learned that his nominee has declined the position. I will let you know when a new Motor Vehicle Chief is in place, as we will have to work with him on all aspects of the inspection system.
 
Next, I want to thank all of you that responded to our last minute request on Monday to contact your member of Congress regarding the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act (HR 772). Even for those of you who do not operate convenience stores, we appreciate the support for your fellow members. This is a burdensome issue for convenience stores; the passing of this legislation will keep convenience store owners from having to make cumbersome regulations that deal with excessive menu labeling. These regulations were part of President Obama’s healthcare legislation efforts. The House of Representatives passed this relief for convenience store owners on Tuesday by a vote of 266-157. NJGCA members from all over the state participated by contacting their member of Congress. We noticed every member of Congress in New Jersey heard from NJGCA members, but for some reason, Congressman Payne, representing Essex, Hudson, and Union counties did not receive any emails on this legislation. Just as a reminder, we rely on your participation to move our policy goals forward and be able to best represent your interests in Trenton and Washington. Legislators depend on the voice of their constituents in order to make decisions in your best interest. For the next special alert we send, do not hesitate to reach out to your member of Congress and let them know where you stand on issues that affect your business!

Sal Risalvato
Executive Director