Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters will be sworn in November 21 for a one-year term as the president of the New Jersey League of Municipalities during the organization's annual business meeting at the Sheraton in Atlantic City. She has been involved in the League's activities since 1996, when she was first elected as Stone Harbor's mayor.

As head of the League of Municipalities, Walters will meet with the governor and other officials on behalf of the League and local municipalities on issues and challenges facing communities throughout the state.

"It's truly an honor to serve as president of this statewide organization as government enters a very challenging year," Walters said. "There is no doubt that that the number one issue facing local communities in property taxes. We need to work together and share ideas on how we can overcome obstacles, like civil service, that stand in the way of consolidation and shared services. Stone Harbor has successfully negotiated shared services agreements that improve services  while saving money and, statewide, we can do better."

This is the second time Walters has been selected to head a statewide organization. In 2002, as president of the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, she traveled throughout the state to discuss the issues facing other mayors and municipal officials. She plans to make similar trips as head of the League to seek solutions to problems shared by New Jersey's municipalities. 

A special ceremony will be planned in December at the Reeds of Shelter Haven in Stone Harbor where Walters will participate in the ceremonial oath of office as the League's president.