BOARD OF CHOSEN FREEHOLDERS

Paul Galletta of Hammonton has been nominated by County Executive Dennis Levinson as the Atlantic County representative to the New Jersey Pinelands Commission. The Pinelands Commission serves as the planning entity of the Pinelands National Reserve in New Jersey. 



Galletta has been nominated to fulfill an interim term, from April 17 to June 30, 2007 and a subsequent three year term to expire June 30, 2010. The position was previously held by Edward Wuillermin, Jr. 



"I am pleased to nominate Paul Galletta to represent Atlantic County in this capacity. He is a lifelong resident who is dedicated to preserving our agricultural heritage and understands fully the impact the Pinelands regulations have on our growth communities. He will serve the citizens of Atlantic County well," stated Levinson. 



Galletta is the owner of Atlantic Blueberry Company, the largest cultivated blueberry farm in the country. He is a member of the Atlantic County Board of Agriculture, vice chairman of the Hammonton Parks and Recreation committee, chair of the Hammonton Lake Water Quality subcommittee and vice president of the Hammonton Italian Sons and Daughters' board of trustees. 



"I gladly accept the responsibility and am anxious to serve," said Galletta. 



The New Jersey Pinelands Commission is responsible to preserve, protect, and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the Pinelands National Reserve, and to encourage compatible economic and human activities consistent with that purpose.



Wuillermin thanked the county executive for the opportunity to serve on the board. "I have enjoyed the experience," he said. "It has been very rewarding and educational. I am grateful to Dennis Levinson for having been given this opportunity." 



Galletta's nomination will require the advice and consent of the Atlantic County Board of Freeholders.