5 Somerset County Mayors Join Forces To Reopen Businesses

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Five Somerset County Mayors are joining forces to advocate to Gov. Phil Murphy for the swift and safe reopening of businesses within their communities that continue to be shut down as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

"America was built on a spirit of entrepreneurship that is best represented by our small businesses across our communities. We must stand up for our businesses, our business owners, and their employees now," said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench.

The Mayors for Main Street Alliance include Moench, Bernards Mayor James Baldassare, Bedminster Mayor Larry Jacobs, Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane Canose, and Far Hills Mayor Paul Vallone.

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"Mayors are more connected to the community they represent than any other official, and it is incumbent upon us as mayors to advocate for the needs of our communities," said Baldassare.

The coordinated advocacy are reaching out to federal, state, and county officials are asking for immediate action to do more for the businesses and residents suffering.

"Businesses throughout our communities continue to suffer because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting shut down of the economy. The time has now come to move quickly and responsibly towards a reopening for our resident businesses," said Jacobs.

Murphy has slowly made efforts to reopen more businesses and also provided the "blueprint" as he signed an executive order allowing in-person sales at automobile and motorcycle dealerships to resume at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Read More: Gov. Murphy: Here's What Will Reopen Next Amid NJ Coronavirus

However many feel this is not enough. Some businesses such as a gym in South Jersey continue to defies Murphy's closure order in order to keep afloat. Read More: NJ Gym Reportedly Opens For Third Day Despite Murphy Warnings

"In towns across New Jersey, local businesses and main streets have shuttered their doors and may never fully recover. Every day that goes brings these businesses closer to the financial cliff," said Canose.

"It is vitally important that we allow our small businesses to go back to work. Our "mom and pop" businesses are the cornerstone of our American workforce and need to have the opportunity to support their families and our communities. Let’s open for business and support our local businesses," said Vallone.

• Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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