C OUNTY CONSUMER Affair* Director Mark Dietrich I* currently in the proce** of inveatiRatlng about 60 individual connumer complaint*. Each one reuire* a number of form* to be filled out and filed with the state.

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By Bob Shile* COURT HOUSE - “I’m here to help everyone.” That's how Mark Diederich described his job as Cape May County Consumer Affairs Director at a recent meeting of the county Chamber of Commerce. "Educating the consumer and businessman about consumer rights is my major responsibility,” he said. "Of all my duties that’s what is most important.” MR. DIEDERICH attended the v Chamber meeting to acquaint the board of directors with the functions and responsibilities of the newly created Consumer Affairs Office. The county Freeholder^ established the office in September 1980. "Basically my duties include enforcing the Consumer Fraud Act and its supplements." Mr. Diederich explained. The Corfsumer Fraud Act, enacted in 1960, prohibits businesses from engaging in unconscionable practices, fraud, and misrepresentationr in the sale of goods and services. ACCORDING TO THE statute, it is unlawful to sell merchandise without clearly marked prices, imply that a personal business is a branch of the government, advertise merchan-

dise without intending to sell that merchandise, falsely advertise dBassembled merchandise, and notify a consumer that he or she has vfon a prize and is required to purchase or submit to a srfles pitch in order to receive the prize. Based upon these regulations, a state'certified consumer affairs director, such as Mr. Diederich, has the authority to examine and impound company records or product samples for investigation, subpoena anyone necessary for an investigation, conduct investigative hearings, request the Superior Court to revoke a corporation’s charter or to imfBM limita- . tions on the comfRiy or individuals involved, and fine violators up to $2,000 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for second and subsequent offenses. MR. DIEDERICH explained that the consumer affairs officer serves to protect both the consumer and the hdnest businessman. /, Some of / his responsibilities include handling individual consumer complaints—a task that takes up most of his time—conducting business and consumer education, and serving as a consumer reference source. He emphasized that if he or his office cannot handle a con-

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sumer question or problem, they can usually advise the individual where to^ go for help. Mr. Diederich brings to the position of Consumer Affairs director a great deal of knowledge and expertise. This is because of his past business experiences and his personal knowledge of Cape May County. A resident of Lower Township, he is a graduate of Middle Township High School has lived in the area 20 years. AMONG OTHER activities Mr Diederich has been involved in various sales oriented positions, and before being appointed county Consumer Affairs Director he was employed by the county Department of Weights and Measures. Because of the degree to which Cape May County depends on tourism for its economic livelihood, Mr. Diederich emphasized the need for good businessconsumer relationships. "I’d like to see the county get ahead," he said. "I want to work with the Chamber and other agencies throughout the county to find out about questionable businesses and put a stop to illegal practices." THE CONSUMER official went on to note that most of the complaints he receives deal with home improvements and new cars. He said that most consumer gripes come from people "out of town," and cited that he as received complaints from as far away as Quebec. Although the Office of Corikuirter Affairs serves

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as watchdog for the consumer, it also protects the businessman. Mr. Diederich noted that everyone benefits when disreputable business practices are curtailed. "I don’t treat businesses as enemies,” he said. Although he admits some businesses are uncooperative when he approaches them with a problem he contends most businessmen “bend over backwads" to solve problems that may eventually, affect their business reputation. Open Swimming

CAPE MAY - The Department of Civic Affairs will offer another night of open swim for men and women 18 years old and up from 7 - 9 p.m. every Wednesday beginning tonight. An admission fee will be charged. For further information call 884-8411 extension 20 or 27. MIDDLE TWP. RECREATION VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE April I. W L PCT VANDEGRIFT BLDRS 77 3 .*00 STATE FARM !• 11 .000 KIWANLS II 14 .333 OPTIMISTS 14 II .48* SHOP’n’BAG 11 1* .3*6 MURPHY S MART » 34 .770 Game* are played every Mon. and Frt. nlfhte at 7. », and 9 at the Lockwood Youth Center. Dennlevllfe Rd.

The starting line-up for Middle Township’s opening baseball game against Lower Cape May Regional Included Jim Pickering SS, Ken Johnson, C, Art Cannon, lb, Neal Chase, P, Dan Arenberg, If, Rich Rhinesmith, cf, Hand, rf, Tom Gihorski, 3b and Mike Reardon, 2b. The line-up consists of five veteran performers and four newcomers. Unlike Most CAL teams Middle is blessed with an abundance of pitchers. Besides Neal Chase, who should be the best in the league this year, Coach Chuck Dougherty has Dan Arenberg. Art Cannon and Ken Johnson to send to the mound.

• • •

MARK GARCIA may attend Ursinus College if not Springfield as noted before Neal Chase and Jay Erkert are set at Wesley College in Delaware. If he does not go to Wesley Eddie McLaughlin may choose Glassboro. Dan Arenberg to Springfield and Chris Nichols to Messiah in Penna. have already been announced.

• • •

This weeks’ quiz Old Sports. Identify: 1. Dizzy and Daffy 2. Lew Alcindor 3. The Galloping Ghost 4. The Sultan of Swat 5. Jolting Joe

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