Freeholders Hold First Coffee Chat in Upper Township

MARMORA – The first in a planned series of Coffee Chats with Cape May County freeholders was held at the Marmora Dunkin Donuts Dec. 10.  
The purpose of the chats is to bring interested citizens together in a casual setting to discuss county issues with the freeholders.  
According to a release, there was no agenda, and those attending were able to bring up concerns and ideas that impact them as residents of Cape May County.
Freeholders Jeffrey Pierson and E. Marie Hayes hosted the first chat, and nearly a dozen residents from Upper Township, Ocean City and Sea Isle City stopped to meet and talk about what was on their minds.  The conversation ranged from signage to flooding, dredging, and problems navigating the waterways to Code Blue.  
 “The chats were designed to be informal gatherings that allow for residents to have meaningful conversation and speak to freeholders about local issues. I’m encouraged by the participation and exchange of ideas and the variety of subjects discussed. We anticipate our next Coffee Chat to take place in Ocean City in January with more scheduled throughout the County.  I look forward to continuing the dialogue with our citizens and encourage more people to join throughout the series of chats planned for 2019.  It’s important for us to hear from the residents and understand their concerns, it help us do a better job”, Pierson stated.
Elected officials from Upper Township attended the chat with the freeholders.  
Deputy Mayor Edward Barr and Committeeman John Coggins discussed issues related to county roads and projects that affect the municipality.
“For our first chat, I thought the topics were timely and gave us an opportunity to talk to residents on a one-on-one basis,” stated Hayes. “Many citizens are not able to attend meetings or are uncomfortable talking about issues at a public meeting; others don’t know where to go to get help. Sitting down with a cup of coffee makes the conversations easier and more personal.  As freeholders, we want to talk directly with our residents and help make their lives better.  Sometimes it’s a matter of giving them the information to get assistance for a problem or making a phone call to the appropriate departments, and we are happy to help any way we can,” added Hayes.
The Dunkin Donuts in Marmora hosted the event and offered coffee and donuts to the participants.  As more Coffee Chats with the freeholders are scheduled throughout the county they will be listed on the county government website and advertised in local papers.  
The public is invited to attend any and all of the chats.