By VASHTI HARRIS
Staff Writer
After discussing their views and hearing the opinions of the public, members of the Red Bank Borough Council passed the 2017 Inclusive Community Resolution in a 4-3 vote with Mayor Pasquale Menna delivering the tie-breaking vote.
The 2017 resolution urges all members of the community to be open, welcoming and inclusive regardless of where someone was born, what they look like, how they love or how they pray.
Council members stressed that the resolution states that it is the obligation of the federal government to enforce the nation’s immigration law and that the Red Bank Police Department will comply with all federal, state and municipal laws, according to the borough’s website.
Before officially voting to pass the resolution at the borough’s semi-monthly council meeting on April 12, the council members had an open workshop discussion where they made the point that the Borough of Red Bank is not a “sanctuary city.” Council members addressed misconceptions held by some members of the public about the newer version of the Inclusive Community Resolution.
In 2007, the borough council adopted a resolution affirming its commitment to inclusion. However, at the request of the borough’s Human Relations Advisory Committee, the council considered an updated resolution this year, according to a statement by Borough Clerk Pamela Borghi. The statement is on the Borough of Red Bank website.
Councilman Michael Whelan was opposed to passing the resolution, stating that he felt that the Borough of Red Bank was already a diverse community and that the newer version of the Inclusive Community resolution was not needed.
Councilwoman Linda Schwabenbauer was against passing the resolution, stating that she was proud of the borough for creating the 2007 version of the Inclusive Community Resolution, but that she was worried that people may misperceived it as, “[offering] something that we do not.”
Mayor Menna approved passing the latest version of the resolution, saying that it can be used as a “educational and administrative tool for residents.”
Council Democrats Kathleen Horgan, Erik Yngstrom, and Edward Zipprich voted “yes.” Republicans Schwabenbauer, Whelan and Mark Taylor voted “no.”
Mayor Menna voted “yes” to break the split council vote.
Before discussing the Inclusive Resolution, the council members held a brief presentation where they honored Red Bank Charter School Internship students, Makenzie Loudin and Millie Guerrero.
Loudin received a certificate of appreciation for her work in the Red Bank’s Parks and Recreation Department. Guerrero also received a certificate of appreciation for her work at the Red Bank Police Department.
For more information on the 2017 Inclusive Community Resolution visit www.redbanknj.org.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
