Millburn, America and COVID19

(Maggee is a mom, small business owner and one of two Democratic candidates for Township Committee along with her running mate Sanjeev Vinayak.)

In March, my son Dan was scheduled to move to New York City. He contracted coronavirus, was quarantined and is now living at home similar to millions of young men and women across America.

My niece also contracted Covid-19 at the hospital where she works. Between shifts on the front lines, she often stayed with us and we gladly helped nurse this fine young nurse back to health.

My family's circumstances are not unique. Covid-19 has dramatically impacted every family in Millburn/Short Hills. It continues to be an emergent and life-threatening pandemic.

And, as we speak to residents in every neighborhood of our township, all caring people with a wholesome generosity of spirit, we hear the same concerns, mostly all about present and future dangers.

Is their family safe? Are their jobs secure? Can they safely now shop for food and supplies? When can we get our children back in school? Will they be able to stay in their homes? Will the virus rebound in the fall and coincide with the seasonal flu?

COVID-19 may be “fake news”, something not real enough to Donald Trump that he would abrogate his responsibilities with his failure to level with the American people, but our neighbors know it's real.
Most Important Election

This being a presidential election year it necessitates wide ranging attention be paid to national issues. But, politics can and should have local importance, as well.

I’m motivated, like thousands of women, to step up and help to resolve issues and make contributions to our community’s welfare.

The ramifications of the pandemic will have long lasting impacts on our way of life especially in the areas of health care inequality, income inequality, the effects of which are now in plain view.

Tax issues, land use issues and the ability to be able to negotiate settlements, legal and otherwise, are also going to be important and needed expertise for future town leaders.

Both of our Republican opponents support Donald Trump who, as was recently revealed on tape, “played down” the pandemic or, to put it politely, was less than straight with the American people.

Somehow, Donald Trump forgot that we don’t work for him. He works for us. In Millburn, 174
and possibly more of our neighbors have been sickened by this novel coronavirus; seven have died.

Now, nearly 200,000 Americans are dead. What we needed and what we should continue to demand is honesty and transparency. And, it won’t hurt to start on a local level.

On the Township Committee, my running mate, Sanjeev Vinayak, and I will:

• Work to make sure our first responders have the necessary tools and personal protective equipment to do their difficult jobs and to keep us safe.

• Work with our schools to help smooth the way for our young people recognizing that their lives have been severely disrupted.

• Assist small businesses and restaurants. As a small business owner, I know what it’s like to manage a business and make a payroll. I understand our merchants' struggles.

• Work with our faith-based communities and social service agencies, at the very least, to make all of our residents food secure.

The challenges we'll face in the coming months and years will be difficult. The right leadership will make all the difference to Millburn's future. If we work together we'll emerge an even stronger community. Please don’t forget to vote.