Booker to Visit Coast Guard, Mall, Fishery Jan. 11

CAPE MAY – Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) plans to visit this National Historic Landmark City Jan. 11.
According to Mayor Edward Mahaney Jr., Booker was invited to the area so that he might know how vital federal government and aid is to the residents here and in the county.
A three-hour time has been arranged, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when Booker will be in a three-block section of Washington Street Mall accompanied by Sen. Jeff VanDrew and Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak (both D-1st), Mahaney and local leaders. According to a release, Booker will be in the vicinity of Congress Hall, 200 Congress Place about 11 a.m.
While on the mall, the mayor said the senator will be available to speak with merchants, shoppers and residents.
Also on the agenda will be a visit to Victorian Towers, for which the city has applied to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for a $5 million grant and to the city’s Convention Hall, on Beach Avenue.
After 1 p.m. Booker is scheduled to tour the Lobster House, Cold Spring Dock, and Lund’s Fisheries.
“We wanted him to see the three prongs of our community, how important tourism, the Coast Guard and commercial fishing are to the local economy, and they all will need his support,” said Mahaney. “We felt if we gave him a tour of the facilities here in Cape May he would have a mental image when he is voting.”
VanDrew was tasked with making the arrangements, said Mahaney. He cited the Coast Guard Training Center, which Booker will visit at 8 a.m. for a run with the service members, and will then meet with U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd), Capt. Todd Prestidge, commanding officer, and top staff members of the base.
“That is the second prong, the Coast Guard base,” said Mahaney. “It is also important from a Homeland Security perspective. They help protect the country and also fishing industry.”
Mahaney said the commercial fishing industry is a vital part of the not only the city, but also the county. The port of Cape May is reportedly the second in importance to commercial fishing on the East Coast. The Lobster House alone employs over 600 workers.
The senator will also be made aware of the restrictions commercial fishermen must abide as they ply the seas for their livelihood. There are also safety factors of their vessels that come under federal jurisdiction, the mayor said.
“We hope many people will come to Cape May Saturday to meet the senator,” said Mahaney.