Are you one of those people who think New Jersey politicians need a crash course in ethics? If you are, you're certainly not alone.

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Garden State Assemblywoman Betty Lou DeCroce is one of only 50 legislators from around the country to be selected to participate in The State Legislative Leaders Foundation's (SLLF) "Emerging Leaders Program" at the University of Virginia. The forum will focus in part on the importance of ethics in public service.

"Being in government for almost 30 years, being ethical was something I thought would always get me the furthest," says DeCroce. "Being honest, forthright and doing all the right things for all the right reasons."

The program features a variety of presentations from leading political leaders combined with cutting-edge leadership concepts.

One of the primary criteria for DeCroce's selection is her long-term commitment to public service and keen interest in self development. DeCroce is a Republican, but it was Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver who recommended she be selected to take part.

The awareness of the importance of values and ethics in governance and public service is one of the key areas of focus in the four-day event.

"I think that (ethics) is something that's very important and a value that all elected officials should have within themselves," says DeCroce. "It's a subject that should be an open discussion and everybody should be made aware on a regular basis."

The four-day highly interactive program, designed to develop the leadership potential of emerging political leaders for the challenges of the 21st century, to be held in July, will focus on:

  • Analysis and feedback on elements of personal leadership style.
  • Awareness of the importance of values and ethics in governance and public service.
  • Gaining perspective on the importance of the role of the state legislature in contemporary American politics.
  • Recognition of the importance of legislators as consensus builders and facilitators of compromise.

"I am honored to have been selected to participate in this prestigious program which will afford me the chance to learn from and network with fellow legislators from around the nation," says DeCroce.

"I fully intend to make the most of this challenging opportunity to further enhance my leadership skills and gain new perspectives so that I may better serve my constituents and the residents of New Jersey."

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