At the first official township council meeting under her leadership — a little less than a month since her installation ceremony — new Cherry Hill Mayor Susan Shin Angulo expressed her admiration for the work of dozens of employees who keep the township running.
“It’s great to be back home. I’ve been in lots of department head meetings, community leader meetings as well as residential in order to hit the ground running. I’m extremely impressed with the professionals that staff this great town. It is so encouraging that we have such a dedicated team that’s committed to moving Cherry Hill forward as a safe, stable and welcoming community where we can all live and thrive,” she said.
“I would like to thank all the professionals for their participation and for their hard work in joining us in the mission of keeping Cherry Hill moving forward. Thank you and I hope to continue this effort.”
Brian Bauerle, who was voted council vice president on the same night Angulo was sworn in, added his warm welcome for the new township leader.
“I just wanted to thank the Mayor for being here tonight. This is your first full meeting. I know for myself, and I think I can speak for my fellow members of council, we look forward to working with you and your administration. We wish you the best,” he said.
Members of council expressed admiration and thanks to the community at large for their participation in various events during the MLK Day of Service on Jan. 20, with two in particular noting the larger picture involved when honoring King’s life, work and sacrifices.
“I was really inspired last weekend with all the events in the community; people volunteering their time to help those in need, people coming together like the Unity Choir over at Congregation M’kor Shalom from all backgrounds to sing joyfully and to honor Dr. King and his message,” said council member Michele Golkow.
“I think that’s an important message today, as it’s the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp, the worst camp where 1.1 million people perished, many of them being Jews. It’s important to remember the atrocities and the message that it never happens again.”
Councilwoman Carolyn Jacobs, who watched a live stream of the ceremonies at Auschwitz, added a philosophical touch to Golkow’s sentiments.
“One of the things which struck me was, if you think about the Judeo-Christian religions, we all believe in the Ten Commandments. And there were people there that stressed, there really ought to be an 11th Commandment, and that is ‘Do Not Be Complacent.’ Stand up against all forms of hatred and intolerance, bigotry and discrimination.”
In closing, Council President David Fleisher called upon Cherry Hill to act throughout the year with the similar intent as they do on the third Monday in January.
“I think it was at the community trail clean-up at Croft and as wonderful as the day of service is, it’s incumbent on us to remember that there’s something we can all contribute every day of the year,” he offered.
“We’re very fortunate to live in a community that values education and values our neighborhoods. We can all double our efforts this year (in honor of Dr. King), and it’s a terrific lesson for all of us, especially kids.”
In other news:
• Council issued proclamations in honor of two members of the community who were honored at the Camden County Freedom Medal ceremony on Jan. 22: Abe Karetny, a Freedom Medal recipient for his creation of the “What’s Up in Cherry Hill (Official)” Facebook page, along with MLK Congressional Medal winner Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi and The Cherry Hill Free Clinic Team.
• Council additionally passed resolutions to staff more than 30 positions within various branches of township governance, including naming tax assessor Michael T. Raio to file appeals on the township’s behalf and also recognizing Angulo and Cherry Hill Public Schools Superintendent Joseph Meloche as members of the Cherry Hill Public Library Board of Trustees.
