As Mayor, last Friday, I declared a Local State of Emergency within Mendham Township. I
closed all municipal buildings and fields to the public and called for all events over 50
people be postponed or canceled. Last night, I went a step further and amended Friday’s
proclamation to postpone or cancel events or gatherings of more than 10 people in the
Township. I also aggressively encouraged social distancing practices.
I absolutely hate the idea of restricting or limiting people's movements,
interactions, and economic activity but this situation is unprecedented. We are dealing
with historic health and economic challenges, challenges that will have a profound impact
on our world for decades to come. This situation requires decisive and bold temporary
government measures. Measures I would have never supported under any other circumstance.
This global pandemic has already brought incredible stress to our healthcare system and
everyday lives. I believe, if we work together we can prevent it from getting worse.
It is my job as mayor of Mendham Township to protect our residents, volunteers, and
township employees. It’s important for people to understand that social distancing is not
just standing six feet away from someone while being in large group gatherings.
Social distancing is…
* Taking personal protective measures (stay home when sick, proper hand washing,
respiratory etiquette, cleaning frequently touched surfaces daily).
* Limiting your movement in the community unless absolutely necessary (bank,
playground, grocery store, post office)
* Preventing or limiting visitors from coming into your home (extended family,
friends, or contractors)
* Not hosting or going to playdates or hanging out
* Limiting being in public spaces where you could come into contact with another
person
Social distancing is way more than six feet out. It is less about the distance between me
and you and more about the possibility of one of us exposing someone…a loved one or a
stranger…who can’t fight this illness. I know social distancing is difficult and
inconvenient but we are all in the same boat and we all need to follow the direction of
our health professionals which is being communicated through the federal, state, and local
governments for the good of our society.
Most of the time, as an elected official, I try to fix problems and find solutions by
working with staff, residents, and other elected officials. At this time, this problem
affects us all and the outcome is dependent on all of us working together for the greater
good. No one is above social distancing. Please do your part to protect your loved ones,
neighbors, and the most vulnerable in our community. Help us deal with it now, so we
aren’t dealing with it later. #FlattentheCurve
Show replies by date