Archer & Greiner's Government Affairs e-Newsletter: Environmental Rule Waivers in N.J.; Gov. Christie Signs LLC Law; New Philly Zoning Code; and More...

Government Affairs e-Newsletter September 2012

A&G Offers Regulatory & Public Affairs Assessment, Plan

In today's highly complex and competitive business climate, understanding the political, regulatory and public affairs landscape in which your company or organization operates can mean the difference between success and failure. The members of Archer & Greiner's Governmental Affairs Group are experts at analyzing the factors that affect your business and at recommending ways to maximize your effectiveness, as demonstrated by your bottom line.

These professionals will sit down with you and/or your executive team, assess your present status and provide a deliverable - a written plan to guide you on the path to improved success. This affordable foray into better management of government and public affairs is available to businesses and organizations of any size and in any industry.

If you would like to discuss how an assessment can benefit your enterprise, please contact Vincent P. Sarubbi in New Jersey, Carlton L. Johnson in Pennsylvania, Richard S. Mroz in Delaware, or Thomas J. Herten in New York.

N.J. Department of Environmental Protection

Now Accepting Applications for Waiver of Rules

In response to Gov. Chris Christie's Executive Order No. 2, which directs state agencies to implement common sense principles of government reform, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has begun accepting applications under a new rule that gives the agency flexibility to modify compliance with rules in certain limited circumstances.

As detailed in this Archer & Greiner Client Advisory, the waiver provision allows DEP to waive strict compliance with a particular regulation on a case-by-case basis if it determines that the rule conflicts with other rules, strict compliance creates an undue burden, a waiver creates a net environmental benefit, or there is a public emergency.

If you have questions about the DEP waiver process or other development-related issue, please contact Jack Fisher of Archer & Greiner's Government Affairs Group.

A&G Clients Benefit from Attorneys' Government Experience

Linda D. Perkins: Former Longtime Chief Asst. Philadelphia D.A.

For more than 20 years, Linda served as an Assistant District Attorney in Philadelphia where she gained extensive experience in appellate practice, criminal trials and investigations. For 12 years, Linda also served as Chief of the Philadelphia District Attorney's Insurance Fraud Unit, securing over $30 million in state funding for unit operations. She also led a team of experienced attorneys and investigators, handling over 2000 investigations and over 1000 prosecutions for insurance fraud and related offenses valued in excess of $23 million.

Linda specializes in complex civil litigation that draws upon her experience as trial attorney and investigative attorney. She has also developed expertise in issues surrounding e-discovery and, in particular, negotiations with the federal government regarding federal subpoenas for corporate or business materials and electronically stored information.

Read Linda's Bio

Gov. Christie Signs N.J. LLC Law Update,

Drafted with Assist from A&G's Pietrafesa

N.J. Gov. Chris Christie

signed the Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act (RULLCA) last week. RULLCA modernizes New Jersey law, making the state more attractive to businesses.

Gianfranco Pietrafesa of Archer & Greiner's Corporate Department played an important role in the drafting and adoption of this significant, business-related legislation. Click here to read Mr. Pietrafesa's advisory on the law

Al Burstein: Ex-Assembly Majority Leader is an N.J. Statesman

Albert Burstein is one of New Jersey's most respected attorneys and public servants. Having practiced law for more than four decades, he is experienced in all aspects of estate planning, commercial real estate and business contracts and litigation relating to business matters. Mr. Burstein counsels clients on estate planning and probate matters including wills and trusts in complex estates. By court appointment he has been administrator of estates where controversies have arisen among potential beneficiaries. Mr. Burstein is also experienced in commercial real estate matters and has represented developers in their financing and leasing needs.

Because of his many years in government, Mr. Burstein is exceptionally knowledgeable about New Jersey statutes and regulations as they affect businesses. He was a member of the New Jersey General Assembly for 10 years and served a term as Majority Leader. During his public service, he was instrumental in the study and passage of legislation concerning education, probate law reform, tax code changes, codes of ethics, capital budgeting and planning, and employer-employee relations.

Read Albert's Bio

Pa. Gov. Corbett Signs Bill Designed to Protect

Small Businesses from Higher Regulatory Costs

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has signed legislation designed to protect small businesses from unnecessary red tape and costly mandates.

The Small Business Regulatory Reform Act amends Pennsylvania's Regulatory Review Act to require state agencies to consider the impact of any proposed regulations on small businesses. If a proposed regulation is determined to have an adverse impact on small businesses, an Independent Regulatory Review Commission must provide a less intrusive or costly alternative. The Act provides for small business involvement in the regulatory process.

Click here for a news release on the Small Business Regulatory Reform Act.

Click here for the text of the Act.

New Philadelphia Zoning Code Now in Effect

Stella M. Tsai

The City of Philadelphia recently enacted its first new zoning code in more than half a century, a comprehensive reworking of development policies and regulations based on a thorough civic engagement process.

The engagement process by the City's appointed Zoning Code Commission (ZCC) was led by Stella M. Tsai of Archer & Greiner's Government Affairs Group. Ms. Tsai served as ZCC Vice Chair and Chair of the Commission's Civic Engagement Committee, which coordinated public outreach. The ZCC worked with neighborhood groups, government, business, professional and civic leaders to update the Code to make it easier for developers to get projects approved and create jobs, while providing greater opportunity for citizens to become involved in the growth of their neighborhoods.

Click here for a news release on the new Code.

Click here for a Philadelphia Inquirer article quoting Ms. Tsai.

Unions Lead Political Action Committee Contributions, N.J. Agency Reports

Special interest political action committees (PACs) contributed more than $18 million to New Jersey campaigns last year, with labor union PACs accounting for the largest chunk, according to a new analysis by the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC).

For the second year in a row, the New Jersey State Carpenters Non-Partisan Political Education Committee was the top PAC spender in New Jersey. Seven of the top 10 PACs ranked by spending were unions.

Click here for an ELEC news release about PAC fund-raising.

Archer & Greiner Government Affairs: Experience, Know-How

The Archer & Greiner Government Affairs Group also includes:

(Click on name for additional information)

Vincent P. Sarubbi, former Camden County Prosecutor & Group Co-Chair

Carlton L. Johnson, former Chief Deputy Philadelphia City Solicitor & Group Co-Chair

Lynne M. Abraham, former longtime Philadelphia District Attorney
Jack Fisher, former longtime Gloucester County Administrator

Steven B. Harz, former Mayor, Borough of Closter, N.J.
Robert J. Fogg, former Director of Licensing & Certification, N.J. Department of Health

Richard S. Mroz, former Chief Counsel to New Jersey Gov. Christie Whitman

William P. Isele, former New Jersey Ombudsman for the Institutionalized Elderly