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10/28/2008
QPA Bill, A-1645 StatusOctober 27, the General Assembly approved A-1645. This bill would provide that local government purchasing agents, who oversee the spending of billions in State and local tax dollars, have the training and education commensurate with this responsibility. To this end, A-1645 requires government entities governed by the"Local Public Contracts Law" to appoint at least one purchasing agent who has been certified as a Qualified Purchasing Agent (QPA) pursuant to the criteria set forth in the bill.
It is unfortunate that the NJ State League of Municipalities who proclaim that they"support professionalism in all aspects of municipal operations" are opposed to this bill. It is time for them to "walk the talk"and support this bill which simply states that whomever is doing purchasing must be trained and certified. Is this too much to ask!
I want to thank the many GPA members who contacted their representatives and encouraged them to vote for our bill. I now urge all members to contact their State Senators and encourage them to vote for the Senate version S-770 which is identical to A-1645.
You can locate your State Senator on the following website: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/
Sincerely,
Robert T. Sforza, RPPO Purchasing Officer Joint Meeting of Essex & Union Counties 500 South First Street Elizabeth, NJ 07202 908-353-1313 ex 1298 fax: 908-353-7925 |
