Two weeks ago, I wrote about the undeniable lack of opportunity that currently exists in our county, which has resulted in a declining population over the last decade.
Now, it is time to look at solutions and how, as a county, we can give the available opportunities to our residents, as well as prepare future generations with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in our great county.
Cape May County has a burgeoning tourism industry that creates thousands of jobs. Unfortunately, a sizable portion of these opportunities are not filled by our residents, but rather by foreign students through the J-1 visa program.
This must change in order to establish a healthy local economy, and possibly, extend our tourism season.
On the Board of Chosen Freeholders, I will work to strengthen our Workforce Development Board and the services offered by our county’s “One-Stop” Career Center. Our county’s career center is a valuable asset to unemployed residents, and we must do better in pairing our county’s unemployed with existing employment opportunities.
By law, businesses do not have to advertise positions intended to be filled by J-1 students. As a freeholder, I will work tirelessly to ensure our residents are considered first for tourism-related positions and that these positions are being advertised to our career center, because I will not stand for this form of legal disadvantage against county residents.
Additionally, it is essential to upgrade public transportation throughout the county, because a lack of transportation presents an obstacle for county residents. Expanding our county’s public transportation enables unemployed youth and adults to more easily access employment opportunities throughout our county.
Finally, we must invest in future generations by establishing new programs at our community college, especially in the technical trades. Danielle and I believe a program in marine mechanics would serve our community well, and be utilized by marinas and yacht companies located throughout the county.
Much can be done to improve the opportunities for our residents, and Danielle and I look to do just that as county freeholders.
Please follow us on Facebook @DaviesandWallforFreeholder and don’t forget to vote!
Ordered and paid for by the Cape May County Regular Democratic Organization, P.O. Box 104, S. Seaville, NJ 08246
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