Burzichelli Bill to Require Governor to Appoint Head of State Agriculture Development Committee Clears Assembly Panel

Legislation Would Set Term Limit on SADC Executive Director

(TRENTON) – In an effort to invigorate fresh leadership into the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) after a period of time, the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee approved a measure sponsored by Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D-Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem) to require the Governor to appoint the executive director of the SADC for a term not to exceed six years.

Under the bill (A-2774), the executive director would serve until the end of the appointing Governor’s term, regardless of whether or not his or her successor has been appointed. The executive director would be prohibited from representing any person or party other than the State before or against the SADC or registering as a governmental affairs agent for two years after they exit their role.

Assemblyman Burzichelli released the following statement:

“Appointing a new SADC executive director after predetermined time will help bring in new leaders with fresh ideas to promote change and growth within a department or agency. As it currently stands, the same individual has held the office of SADC executive director for over 16 years. Shifting appointment power from the SADC to the Governor and setting a term limit will create a more fair and democratic process, and ensure new faces have a chance to lead.”