Old Bridge Mayor: Let Small Businesses Open Now

OLD BRIDGE, NJ — Old Bridge Mayor Owen Henry, a Republican, is joining a chorus of New Jersey mayors who are demanding Gov. Phil Murphy allow small businesses to reopen.

"Without any consideration to the rights guaranteed by United States and New Jersey Constitution,businesses were abruptly closed and improperly deemed non-essential by Governor Murphy," said Henry. "His tyrannical behavior has resulted in an uncertain and difficult future for these businesses and their employees.”

Earlier this week, five Somerset County mayors formed a coalition to call on Murphy to reopen small businesses. The Mayors for Main Street Alliance include Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench, Bernards Mayor James Baldassare, Bedminster Mayor Larry Jacobs, Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane Canose and Far Hills Mayor Paul Vallone.

The group is reaching out to federal, state, and county officials asking for immediate action to do more for the businesses and residents suffering. So far this week, a Hillsborough gym was cited for reopening, and police shut down a Bernardsville shop owner who they say was selling goods out of her country-style home furnishings store.

Murphy said Thursday he "hopes" gyms, restaurants and hair salons/barbershops can reopen in "in a matter of weeks."

Old Bridge is starting a Business Advisory Committee that will be working directly with the Old Bridge Township business community, said Henry.