Watson Coleman Swears-In Historic Slate of Elected Officials in New Jersey
Ewing, NJ (January 8, 2024) – Last week, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman swore in an historic slate of diverse elected officials across New Jersey. Among those the Congresswoman administered the oath of office to were Highland Park’s first Black woman mayor, New Jersey's first Sikh woman mayor, and the first Haitian-American to serve on the Plainfield City Council.
“I was honored last week to administer the oath of office to an historic array of elected officials who reflect the diversity of New Jersey’s 12th Congressional district and beyond,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “I am confident these dedicated public servants will make their communities, constituents, and families proud as they carry out their duties with diligence and integrity. I look forward to working with them.”
Last Tuesday, Congresswoman Watson Coleman rang in the New Year by administering the oath of office to Highland Park Mayor Elsie Foster, the first Black woman elected to the post. Mayor Foster previously served as the Council Chair for the Department of Public Safety, where she oversaw Highland Park’s first responders. She was a strong proponent of the de-escalation and cultural sensitivity seminars that are now routine components of Highland Park PD’s annual training, and she has long been an advocate for more transparency, accountability, and responsibility in law enforcement.
On Wednesday, Congresswoman Watson Coleman swore in Hillsborough Township Committeewoman Samantha Hand. Committeewoman Hand is a volunteer officer with the Hillsborough Township Volunteer Fire Company and the HHS Girls Lacrosse Booster Club. Previously, the Committeewoman volunteered with the HHS Girls Field Hockey Booster Club, Hillsborough Junior Raiders and the Hillsborough Township Life Skills Committee.
Congresswoman Watson Coleman swore in Montgomery Township Mayor Neena Singh, the first Sikh mayor in the township’s history and the first Sikh woman mayor in New Jersey history, on Thursday, along with Deputy Mayor Vincent Barragan, a first generation American and the first Latino to serve on the Montgomery Township Committee. She also administered the oath of office to Committeewoman Patricia Taylor Todd, a Black woman, to serve a full three-year term after being appointed to fill a vacancy in 2023.
Over the weekend, Congresswoman Watson Coleman rounded out this groundbreaking series of firsts by swearing in Dr. Darcella Sessomes to represent Plainfield’s 2nd Ward on the City Council, the first Black woman to do so, and Julienne Cherry to represent the 1st and 4th wards. Mrs. Cherry is the first Haitian-American to serve on the City Council in Plainfield history.