“Bridging the Divide” Atlantic County Roundtable to Bring Bipartisan Leaders Together for Solutions-Focused Discussion on State Policy

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP — Community members, elected officials, labor leaders and advocacy organizations from across Atlantic County will gather for “Bridging the Divide: An Atlantic County Roundtable,” a nonpartisan public forum designed to foster constructive dialogue around state policy issues impacting local residents.

Hosted by Indivisible Atlantic City: Empathy United in partnership with the Atlantic County Council of Education Associations, the roundtable will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 75 S. Pomona Road, Galloway Township, NJ.

This event will bring together leaders from across the political spectrum to engage in solutions-oriented discussions on some of the most pressing legislative and budgetary challenges facing New Jersey and Atlantic County ahead of the 2027 state budget.

Confirmed Participants Include:

• Senator Vince Polistina
• Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan
• Assemblyman Don Guardian
• Cristian Moreno, Executive Director of El Pueblo Unido of Atlantic City
• Sheriff Joseph O’Donoghue
• Chairman Michael Suleiman, Atlantic County Democratic Committee

Rather than serving as a debate stage, the event is designed to encourage productive conversation centered on policy solutions, collaboration and public engagement. Participants will address major issues including:

• Housing affordability and community investment
• Tourism economy and workforce stability
• Public education funding and policy
• Healthcare access and affordability
• Poverty and rising cost of living
• Immigration enforcement and public safety
• Democratic protections and voting rights

Legislation under consideration in Trenton, as well as broader state and local policy concerns, will serve as the framework for the evening’s discussion.

“Open dialogue and respectful communication are essential in our democratic society. We may not always agree, but when we are willing to listen, learn and engage with different viewpoints, we can build consensus and foster collaboration to address the problems that affect us all right here in Atlantic County and throughout the state,” said Senator Vince Polistina.

"I want to commend Indivisible's leadership for organizing this roundtable. With the local media void being the worst it's ever been, there just aren't enough opportunities to learn about public officials' stances on substantive policy issues,” said Michael Suleiman. “By hosting this roundtable, Indivisible is demonstrating that we can have vociferous policy disagreements without losing our respect for one another as human beings." 

Organizers hope the event will increase civic participation, strengthen understanding of the state government’s role in local issues and model respectful bipartisan engagement.

“This roundtable is about bringing people together across political divides to focus on practical solutions for Atlantic County residents,” said organizer Alice Carcilli. “At a time when polarization often dominates public discourse, we believe communities deserve spaces for meaningful, policy-driven conversations that center the needs of everyday people.”

Residents are encouraged to attend, engage with policy discussions and submit questions in advance to help shape the evening’s dialogue.

Advance registration is available at:https://www.mobilize.us/indivisibleac/event/946995/

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