Somerset, Middlesex, Morris Mayors Push To Reopen Businesses

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Seven more mayors in Somerset, Middlesex, Morris County have joined The Mayors for "Main Street" Alliance to advocate 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.

"The reaction to the Alliance has been overwhelmingly positive, and we're glad to see mayors not just from Somerset County, but from our neighboring communities join together to protect our residents and local businesses," said Bernards Mayor James Baldassare.

The new mayors include:

• Mayor Zachery Bray, Raritan Borough, Somerset County
• Mayor Richard Onderko, Manville Borough, Somerset County
• Mayor Doug Tomson, Hillsborough Township, Somerset County
• Mayor Michael "Mick" Marion, Warren Township, Somerset County
• Mayor Jason Cilento, Dunellen Borough, Middlesex County
• Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, Mendham Borough, Morris County
• Mayor Sarah Neibart, Mendham Township, Morris County

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"I expect that our ranks will continue to grow in the coming days and weeks as elected officials, like us, hear more and more from the struggling business owners and out of work residents in our communities who are demanding action. We can open many facets of our economy in a safe way and help the mental and financial struggles of so many," said Mayor Matthew Moench of Bridgewater Township.

Cilento noted this is not a Somerset County problem or a Middlesex County problem, but a statewide issue.

"I don't believe any of us are advocating for a 100 percent opening, but something that sustains our Mom and Pop Shops is what we are after. If we don't act now, as a group, many of our local businesses may not be around next year. We can do this gradually and do it with the public’s welfare as top priority," Cilento said.

The Mayors for "Main Street" Alliance formed on Wednesday with Moench, Baldassare, Bedminster Mayor Larry Jacobs, Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane Canose, and Far Hills Mayor Paul Vallone. It has since been gaining traction with the new additional mayors coming aboard.

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.

Murphy has slowly made efforts to reopen more businesses and announced Friday that he lifted the limit on outdoor gatherings and also allowed for more reopenings, while also addressing live graduations. Read More: Gov. Murphy Allows Bigger Gatherings, NJ Coronavirus Reopenings

However many feel this is not enough. Some businesses such as a gym in Hillsborough and a shop in Bernardsville were cited for defying Murphy's closure order in order to keep afloat. Read More: Hillsborough Gym Fights For Freedom, Cited For Reopening; Read More: Police Shut Down Bernardsville Shop On Facebook Live Video

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

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