History will show that the position of New Jersey Poet Laureate became a reality in 1999 when the Senate approved PL 1999, Chapter 228. Gerald Stern was appointed first New Jersey poet laureate on April 17, 2000, by Gov. Christie Whitman and, at that time, his appointment was hailed as a turning point in building awareness and appreciation of poetry and the arts and humanities through public readings, workshops, lectures and presentations in communities, schools, colleges, universities and other public settings in geographically diverse areas of the state. In 2003, legislation to eliminate the position was signed by Gov. James McGreevey in the wake of controversial, anti-semitic writings by then Poet Laureate Amiri Baraka, who refused the Governor's request to relinquish his position as the state's top poet. Now, nearly a decade later, New Jersey remains without someone to lead the cause for arts and humanities in our state. And, in this void, we are falling behind other states in recognizing the talent within, even as poetry undergoes its own renaissance across the globe, with individuals using this form of the written word to reach a new generation of men and women who are anxious to embrace the culture. It is time to move on ... time to reinstate this valuable position ... time for New Jersey to be at the forefront of a new era in poetry and the arts. Please sign this petition for your support of the reinstatement of the Poet Laureate position and, through your efforts, help recognize the incredible talents of the men, women and children who use the written word to reach a new generation of poetry lovers.