Proclamation elicits powerful emotions from Morristown’s first Hispanic councilman

Councilman David Silva chokes up recounting his journey to citizenship, Sept. 27, 2022. Screenshot by Kevin Coughlin
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Mayoral proclamations are a routine part of Morristown council meetings. But Councilman David Silva became emotional this week while receiving one on behalf of the town’s Latino community.

“One of the greatest moments in my life was when I was sworn as a citizen. Today, I can say that my dream has turned into reality,” Silva said, choking up as he accepted a proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month.

“I came from Colombia 33 years ago with my young wife and my two little daughters, and I was seeking a better life. I was fleeing from violence,” said Silva, pastor of the Centro Biblico Church and Morristown’s first Hispanic council member.

He praised Hispanics as “unsung heroes…doing the work that most of average citizens in United States won’t do,” in restaurants, hotels and housecleaning.

Hispanics don’t want handouts, Silva said. But they need more educational opportunities, for adults as well as youths.  Proudly, he cited their accomplishments, from sports to politics, and he predicted great things as their economic power grows.

Latinos now comprise nearly 19 percent of the U.S. population, up from 4.5 percent in 1968, with an annual purchasing power of $2 trillion, Silva told Tuesday’s hybrid meeting.

“Likewise, there are more Latin American entrepreneurs than Asians and African Americans in the last decade,” he asserted.

“Hispanic and Latino Americans will be our teachers, our doctors, lawyers, and engineers, and business leaders and entrepreneurs, and our elected officials and community leaders of tomorrow. There is no doubt that young Hispanic Latin Americans will continue to contribute in greater numbers to the success of this nation,” Silva said.

He acknowledged audience member Nohemy Zabala, a Morristown Housing Authority commissioner who is pursuing a law degree.

Now in his second at-large council term, Silva pledged to continue working to break down barriers and stigmas — while serving all residents.

“I’m not here to serve only Latinos. I’m here to serve all communities in Morristown,” he said.

NO CANNABIS LICENSE BUT…

Earlier this year, Marisa Sweeney got passed over for a cannabis dispensary license.

But she has gotten a proclamation.

Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, will be Marisa Sweeney Day, declared Mayor Tim Dougherty.

He recognized Sweeney, a registered dietician and yoga instructor, for promoting healthy lifestyles during her decade as owner of Be Well Integrated Health Solutions

Marisa Sweeney of Be Well thanks Mayor Tim Dougherty for proclaiming ‘Marisa Sweeney Day,’ at Sept. 27, 2022 council meeting. Screenshot by Kevin Coughlin

Sweeney has volunteered at health fairs, created community nutrition programs, established a “Mayor’s Wellness Campaign,” and even trained the mayor’s wife as a yoga instructor, Dougherty said. Sweeney also serves on the town planning board.

“Now those who are in small business know how difficult it is to stay open two years, versus 10 years and 20 years and 30 years,” the mayor said.

“So one, it’s an inspiration for people who are just starting up their businesses. And … we love to recognize people that invest in Morristown and and continue to invest in our town.”

ALTA AMFI, Sweeney’s proposed cannabis dispensary, was ranked third among six applicants by the town’s Cannabis Advisory Board. The license was awarded to a Massachusetts-based entry, Uma Flowers NJ, LLC.

Sweeney appealed, unsuccessfully, in July, contending the town’s request for proposals had been vague about whether it was soliciting a vendor for medicinal or recreational cannabis.

But Sweeney thanked the mayor for Tuesday’s recognition.

“This is really an honor…Be well, on Oct. 1, as Tim said, is our 10-year anniversary, and Be Well is my heart and my soul and my whole being, and I’ve put all of my time and my energy and my effort and everything that I have into Be Well,” Sweeney said.

“It wouldn’t be half of the success that it’s really grown to be– far more than I anticipated– in the past 10 years, if it wasn’t for the Morristown community and the support and the love that we’ve gotten from everybody,” she said. Volunteer efforts by herself and her staff amount to “just giving that love right back.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS…

The council unanimously gave school crossing guards a raise, to $50 per day. The meeting was chaired by council Vice President Sandi Mayer in President Stefan Armington’s absence.

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