Bridgewater Mayor Calls For End To Outdoor Limits For Graduation

BRIDGEWATER — An alliance of 22 New Jersey mayors, called the Mayors for "Main Street," are calling on Governor Phil Murphy to eliminate the 200-person outdoor gathering limit in advance of school graduation ceremonies.

"Our lives are marked with a few seminal moments," said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench. "I would include an academic achievement, like graduation, among those moments. We need to allow our children to experience these moments as we did, or as close as we can possibly can."

The alliance noted that the State of New Jersey guidance states "there is no limit for outdoor gatherings for wedding ceremonies, wedding receptions, funerals, memorial services, religious activities, or political activities."

Mayor for "Main Street" want the same designation for school graduations at the end of the academic year.

"We have taken so much from our students in the last year but the class of 2021 deserves a graduation," said Washington Township Mayor Matthew Murello. "It's time for the Governor to permit our schools to hold outdoor graduations this Spring. Schools are planning now and we cannot wait any longer for action from the State."

"Gatherings should follow a consistent protocol. If there can be larger gatherings for both indoor and outdoor events, including church services, weddings and political events, it only stands to reason that graduation ceremonies should also fall under this same umbrella," said Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani.

"Graduation ceremonies for students and their families are cherished memories," said Chester Borough Mayor Janet Hoven. "In a year where so many positive memories were taken from our residents, allowing outdoor graduation ceremonies could help change the course and bring so much joy to our communities."

The Mayors for "Main Street" alliance was founded in May 2020 by five Somerset County mayors. The alliance has since grown to include more than 20 mayors representing towns spanning several New Jersey Counties. Read More: 5 Somerset County Mayors Join Forces To Reopen Businesses

The group's mission is to advocate for the swift and safe reopening of businesses within their communities — businesses that have been drastically and negativity impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This alliance consists of the following New Jersey Mayors:

• Larry Jacobs, Mayor, Township of Bedminster
• Janice Fields, Mayor, Bernards Township
• Mary Jane Canose, Mayor, Borough of Bernardsville
• Matthew Moench, Mayor, Bridgewater Township
• Janet Hoven, Mayor, Chester Borough
• Marcia Asdal, Mayor, Chester Township
• Jason Cilento, Mayor, Dunellen Borough
• Paul Vallone, Mayor, Far Hills Borough
• Brian Tipton , Mayor, Harmony Township
• Shawn Lipani, Mayor, Hillsborough Township
• Jim Mengucci , Mayor, Lopatcong Township
• Richard Onderko, Mayor, Manville Borough
• Christine Serrano Glassner , Mayor, Mendham Borough
• Sarah Neibart, Mayor, Mendham Township
• Al Morgan, Mayor, New Providence
• Greg Skinner, Mayor, Peapack Gladstone
• Todd Tersigni, Mayor, Phillipsburg
• Zachery Bray, Mayor, Borough of Raritan
• Michael Marion, Mayor, Warren Township
• Al Smith, Mayor, Scotch Plains
• Matthew Murello, Mayor, Washington Township
• Jeff Herb, Mayor, White Township

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