VILLAS – Democracy is a messy business. Competing interests among diverse groups with differing ideas on what is important (to them) can create friction and disorder to the process of doing the people’s business.
We have all witnessed the effects of a bitterly divided and dysfunctional U.S. Congress that cannot seem to play nicely together, to the detriment of all.
Analysis
The Delaware Bayshore Council is a far less acute example of a messy democratic process; the diverse interests of this group are much less toxic to say the least. Let’s take a look at the dynamics of this relatively new group to see how well competing interests among environmental and business groups are coming together for residents of Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties.
Council History/Dynamics
Delaware Bayshore Council first met almost one year ago. Conceived by Council member Meghan Wren of the Bay Shore Center and other leaders including Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) and Lower Township Deputy Mayor Norris Clark, the council was formed in the turmoil of post-Sandy coastal damage, and the bureaucratic quagmire of federal regulations that Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) imposed on bayshore communities.
Membership includes representatives of the N.J. Audubon Society, Army Corps of Engineers, N.J. Department of Environmental Protection, Bayshore Center, Stockton University, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Commercial and Downe townships, Middle and Lower townships, the Legislature, and others. Representatives from aquaculture and eco-tourism interests also participated.
The Delaware Bay communities and stakeholders agree on some issues. All believe that the Atlantic coastal communities have received favorable post-Sandy treatment from FEMA at the expense of the Delaware Bay communities in Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties.
All agree in principle that the bayshore is a unique and valuable resource comprised of economic opportunity, environmental treasures and a special quality of life for residents.
All want to protect and preserve the bayshore in an environment of scarce resources and sometimes conflicting parochial interests. The council was formed to create a united front to ensure that the “bayside” receives its fair share of assistance both to remediate Sandy and other storm damage in the short term, and to ensure a united voice to protect and nurture the long term economic and environmental health of the Delaware Bay coastal area.
During the initial meetings, the council collectively identified long term goals such as seeking sustainable economic opportunities for residents, maintaining quality and value of natural resources, 50 year resiliency planning for the Delaware Bay coast, and creating a unified voice for the Delaware Bay shore in Trenton and Washington.
They listed their priorities as “Developing a comprehensive and integrated action plan that supports endangered species, preserves character and protection of property,” as well as to “Gain funding to support eco-tourism,” and “strength through unity.”
Emerging Organizational Dynamics
Based on interviews with several council members, it seems that an emerging internal dynamic among members has illuminated the formation of three somewhat competing interests that should be noted. Whether or not these interests are mutually exclusive has yet to be determined. In general, those interests are:
- Environmental groups which seek to protect the red knot, horseshoe crab, and the delicate ecological balance of the Delaware Bay shoreline, to preserve this resource as a unique eco-system for future generations.
- Economic growth proponents such as aquaculture fisheries which work to renew, sustain and grow the shellfish industries in the bay, as well as those who support the growth of other economic opportunities such as eco-tourism.
- Local and state governments which seek to protect the beaches and coastlines, build resiliency of infrastructure, homes and businesses on the bay coast, and gain favorable rulings and funding from FEMA regarding beach protection projects, newly-established FEMA flood zone designations and dealing with long term funding needs.
In other words, government seeks to accommodate the first two groups, within the constraints of local and state laws, and federal preeminence in the field of coastal protection management.
The Herald spoke to some council members and participants who articulated their priorities, needs and vision for the future of the Bay Shore Council and the shoreline they all seek to preserve and protect.
Members’ Perspectives
Council member Deputy Mayor Patti Gross of Maurice River Township stated that there is a growing feeling on the part of some council members and participants that the original mission of the council was evolving.
Gross stated “After one or two meetings it seemed that a different vision was beginning to emerge that emphasized the environmental issues, while the issue of economic growth faded, and it has been frustrating” to her to see that trend. “It is almost like the council is turning into an environmental group” she added.
Gross was quick to say that she appreciates everything Van Drew has done to help organize and support the council, and she also appreciates the role that environmental groups play along the bay shore.
Joseph Maase of Maase Marina in Heislerville stated that he has attended a couple of meetings of the council with his father, who is also a commercial fisherman on the Delaware Bay.
He stated that there is definitely friction on the Bay Shore Council and other organizations between the environmental groups such as Discovery Project and commercial fisherman. He related that in his opinion, the DEP treats environmental groups differently, and that there is an “agenda” on the part of the environmental groups and that the DEP is supportive of that agenda.
He feels that environmentalists often create problems just to justify their grant applications and permits. “We tried to get permits from the DEP and it takes months and months; calls go unanswered or unreturned.”
He complained that environmental group projects get pushed through right away, in his opinion.
His impression of Delaware Bay Shore Council is that it is a great idea, but that it is not practical because of the strong influence of environmental groups.
Business Administrator Connie Mahon for Middle Township and council co-chair sees the mission of the council as shedding light on the unique issues that challenge all communities on the bay.
Mahon acknowledged that there are competing interests on council that include environmental concerns for the red knots, and the oyster industry that struggles to achieve economic strength along the bay.
“This is an environmentally-sensitive area and we must all learn to work together to achieve environmental as well as economic goals,” she stated. Mahon cited the arrival of Rick Brown, a planner with the DEP Office of Coastal and Land Use Planning as a contributor to the planning process that will benefit all communities as a big step forward.
Mahon also noted that their mission must include projecting the economic value of the coastal region to grantor agencies and to ensure that all funds are used wisely to benefit all interests along the bay.
Mayor Robert Campbell of Downe Township was unaware of any friction between environmentalists and business interests. He commented that he has not been able to attend any meetings of the council for quite a while due to township business.
Campbell indicated that he does question whether the concept of the council members pulling together to apply for grants is a viable goal. He suggested that his township has little trouble obtaining grants and he is not in favor of splitting up grant money with other townships because he feels that his first loyalty must be with his own township residents.
Executive Director Tim Dillingham of American Littoral Society is also a member of the council.
He supports the idea of the Delaware Bay Shore Council because a regional approach to issues of economic growth and environmental protection of endangered species such as the red knot is always best.
He stated that the first couple of meetings established a foundation of a working relationship between members. He also admitted that conflicts between environmental groups and shell fisheries have emerged because fisheries want to expand their aquaculture in areas that are critical to the red knot and other species that need protection.
From his perspective, this conflict, though natural, is not necessarily inevitable.
He believes any feeling that environmentalists have more influence at the council than aquaculture representatives is not accurate.
He pointed to a recommendation by environmentalists to designate beaches in Lower and Middle townships where shellfisheries could employ their oyster racks so that they could expand their business while leaving the existing habitats in the upper regions of the bayshore protected.
Dillingham further related that there is currently legislation proposed by Assemblyman Robert Andrzejczak (D-1st) to give industry the upper hand in the permit application process on the bay shore. He feels that when the industry works unilaterally with the Legislature to achieve its goals, the Bay Shore Council’s effectiveness is undermined.
Clark of Lower Township and interim council chair stated “There’s been a lot of friction between the aquaculture business and the environmental concern for the red knots.”
“The Delaware Bayshore Council asked Sen. Van Drew and the Assembly delegation to convene a meeting with representatives of the aquaculture / environmental communities together with Fish and Wildlife, DEP and Army Corps of Engineers.
As an advisory group with no jurisdiction on this matter, the council simply wanted to foster understanding and accommodation on this important issue affecting the Delaware Bayshore.
Everyone who spoke at the meeting expressed encouragement and optimism about the direction of the discussion.
When asked to comment on the proposal mentioned by Dillingham of the Littoral Society concerning use of Middle and Lower townships’ beaches for expansion, Clark stated “We cannot speak to any proposed compromise regarding the shellfish folks.”
Van Drew made a point to say that the problems and issues of Delaware Bay communities in Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties are often overlooked in comparison to the more widely publicized issues and concerns of the ocean beach communities and resorts.
The Delaware Bayshore Council will work to focus more attention to the bay beach areas to ensure that both environmental and small business economic concerns are addressed for the benefit of all communities.
Van Drew also discussed the relationship between environmental interests in protecting the red knot and horseshoe crab populations along the Delaware Bay shoreline, and the commercial interests that seek to further develop shell fishing opportunities that have been struggling to rebound after decades of economic problems in their industry.
“We are starting a good level of communication between aquaculture and environmentalists looking to do more with the economy and small businesses,” he said.
Van Drew stated that the Delaware Bayshore Council will “bring these two groups together.” He added that the issue of the shellfishing process and equipment on the beaches and waters of the bay disturbing the red knot and horseshoe crab populations came up during recent council meetings. Van Drew is confident that conflicts can and will be resolved.
Going Forward
It has been stated that democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms. Yes, the competing interests and points of friction that exist between stakeholders on the Delaware Bayshore Council are a little messy. Despite the inclination for most stakeholders in any political or public policy arena to promote their own opinions and priorities to the exclusion of others, this council is an example of one venue where continuous dialogue can defy that tendency through the give-and-take of the democratic process, and creative leadership that can foster mutual trust.
It was clear that all participants, regardless of their short-term priorities, sincerely care about the future of the Delaware bayshore.
As mutual trust and respect is established and nurtured among council members, the democratic process will win out, as will the people and stakeholders of the Delaware bayshore communities.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.
