Mayor Forming Multicultural Advisory Committee

Mayor Michael Reina (Photo by Micromedia)

  JACKSON – Township Mayor Michael Reina reported recently that he plans to form a multicultural citizens committee that would include various religious leaders of all faiths, law enforcement representatives and first responders along with other organization leaders.

  The mayor noted in the township’s online newsletter that during January he had been busy visiting various community organizations that he had been invited to.

  “The Mayor and Council Members of the Township of Jackson work hard every day to ensure that Jackson is the best place to live, work and raise a family. Over the last month, I have been invited to a series of outreach and resilience meetings with various groups and individuals.”

  Reina said, “we discussed multicultural and religious information from around the county. These meetings included members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and the Office of the Attorney General. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with the diverse contingent of residents, local leaders and members of religious faiths.

  “What I took away from these hours of workshop groups, discussing all sides of cultural importance is that we as the Township need to do much more. We need to do more to get to know each other, to understand each other, and to appreciate each individual’s point of view.”

  Reina said his plan was to “form a Citizen’s Multicultural Advisory Committee here in Jackson to do just that. Community leaders and residents, folks of different religions and ethnicities, will be able to come together and discuss amongst each other the truth, that by living together as one community we improve everyone’s quality of life.

  “The well-being of all can be one of the most important lessons and gifts that we pass on to our children and grandchildren,” the mayor added.

  Outlining what the committee would do and seeks to accomplish, Reina explained that the Citizens Multicultural Advisory Committee will have participation from interested parties. This would include religious leaders from all faiths, law enforcement, first aid and fire representatives, local organizations, clubs, committees “as well as anyone else who has a genuine desire to contribute their knowledge and life experience to help Jackson continue to be a leader in community development and cultural understanding.”

  Reina said he already has support from the council. “I’m happy to say that Council President Barry Calogero wholeheartedly supports this committee in helping Jackson better understand the needs of all those living in and around Jackson Township.”

  The first meeting of the new group will be announced shortly according to the mayor.

  Reina said those individuals interested in volunteering for this committee should email officeofadministration@jacksontwpnj.net.