On April 7, 2018, I had the opportunity to meet the mayors of Essex County at the eighth annual “Meet the Mayors” event. Featuring guest speakers Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, PSE&G President David Daly, NJ Transportation Acting Commissioner Diane Gutierrez Scaccetti and Clara Maas President Mary Ellen Clyne, some of the hot topics over breakfast were discussed including energy, healthcare and infrastructure.

The event this year was held at the Westminster Hotel in Livingston where about 200 guests gathered to hear the mayors’ plans for the future and join them for a hot breakfast. The event is an ongoing tradition that is held in April as a way to gather the general public and discuss local concerns in the West Essex County. This event is an informative way to learn about local issues and also reflect on the successful deeds of the mayors. The event this year was very insightful and helped me learn more about popular topics such as infrastructure, namely. The discussion also informed me of various ways the mayors are hypothesizing to fix some issues and what they have done thus far to benefit the Essex County area. At the end of the discussion, there were several photo opportunities and I had the privilege to actually meet my own mayors, which was a humbling experience. This event has not only made me more aware of local issues but a more informed citizen and I am very excited for the next event in 2019.