Message from Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Stamler | 3/2/21

It was 60 years ago when former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt met with President John F. Kennedy to discuss the lack of women in government. In response, he appointed her as head of a new commission to address the status of women in America and to use her powerful influence to address discrimination in all of its forms.

As I look at the Township Council – where three of the five members are women – there is no doubt that significant process has been made since Mrs. Roosevelt first expressed her concerns.
That is because of the commitment of generations of women who have insisted that the contribution of women and girls be respected and that they earn their rightful place in society.

As we mark Women’s History Month in Scotch Plains, this is our time to celebrate the achievements over the past few decades, but also to redouble our efforts to ensure that women have full representation in government at all levels. In our efforts to recruit volunteers for our many boards and commissions, we have made a strong effort to ensure Scotch Plains is guided by civic-minded individuals who represent all corners of our township. We now have more women on these boards and commissions, and they are also more ethnically diverse, better reflecting our town.

During Women’s History Month, let us honor the women who contribute their time and energy to making Scotch Plains a better place to live and to raise families. And let us extend our deepest appreciation to the women before us, who have served in local office, run for local office and continue to volunteer all around our community.

You have all set a tremendous example for the next generation of women and girls who will live in Scotch Plains, who will find their own ways to give back to our community and make it an even better place to live.