By Lee Goldberg
The Morris Township Committee concluded 2023 with a remarkable bipartisan sendoff for Cathy Wilson, who is stepping down from the governing body after two terms.
Wilson, a retired schoolteacher who played pivotal roles in getting videos of municipal meetings posted online and in flipping an all-Red Committee to all Blue, was lauded for 90 minutes last week by a congresswoman, a state senator and assemblywoman, Township officials, and mayors from neighboring towns.
“It seems like just yesterday in 2018 when I was swearing in Cathy Wilson, and I have to say a huge thank you to her for what she has accomplished in the five years since she took office,” Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.) said in a pre-recorded video from Capitol Hill.
The congresswoman, who delivered a proclamation via an aide, praised Wilson’s efforts as deputy mayor and mayor during the pandemic, and for fostering transparency prior to her election by organizing –at her own expense at first–the recording and posting of meeting videos.
Another proclamation came from state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, Republicans representing the 25th legislative district.
Wilson showed courage, leadership and grace in entering a political arena dominated by men, Bucco said.
“It’s not often we have bipartisan cooperation. Cathy has worked closely with me on many issues, and I am grateful and thankful for that,” continued Bucco, adding that Wilson’s imprint on the Township will last “a long, long, long time.”
Dunn described Wilson as a role model and “a sister in service.
“It was an honor to be here tonight to thank you personally for making me a better candidate, a better public servant, for inspiring me, and for all that you’ve done for the Township,” the Assemblywoman said.
In Morris Township’s form of government, committee members rotate the mayoralty among themselves. In 2020, Wilson became the first woman Democrat chosen for that role. She was named deputy mayor in 2019 and 2022, and this year the title of deputy mayor for public outreach was created for her, to reflect her experience.
Speakers at last Wednesday’s livestreamed meeting credited Wilson with recruiting members for, and strengthening, the Township’s Environmental Commission. Wilson also was instrumental in the Township recently obtaining Sustainable Jersey Bronze level certification. She promoted citizen engagement on land-use and transportation issues, and advocated for creation of a Senior Citizens Advisory Committee and a new Transportation Advisory Committee.
Committeeman Jeff Grayzel, the Township’s next deputy mayor, called his former running mate “a living example of what hard work can yield,” thanking her “for making Morris Township a much, much better place for all of us.”
Former Mayor Peter Mancuso, a Republican, participated via Zoom. In prepared remarks read aloud by Deputy Mayor Bud Ravitz, Mancuso praised Wilson’s initiatives on the environment, energy, sustainability and seniors. “She will be missed by all of us,” leaving a difficult void to fill, Mancuso said.
Ravitz, Mayor Mark Gyorfy and Mayor-Elect Donna Guariglia weighed in, too, as did Madison Mayor Robert Conley.
Morris County Democratic Chairperson Amalia Duarte; Township Democratic Chair George Quillan; former Township Democratic Chair Noel Robinson, who recruited Wilson to run for office; and Meghan Lynch, chair of the Morris County Democratic Women’s Caucus, also spoke.
Wilson expressed pride in never missing a meeting over the last decade–first, from the audience as a private citizen, and then as a committeewoman.
Expressing gratitude for all the kind words, she acknowledged that leaving felt bittersweet. Yet Wilson also said she looks forward to new chapters with her kids, grandkids, and writing projects.
Stiff opposition from prior committee members to video recordings “had a truly profound impact on me,” she said.
“It showed me what happens when elected officials don’t really get civics. It taught me what it feels like from a resident’s perspective when you attempt to exercise good citizenship, and the officials on the other side of the dais are not so happy with your efforts,” Wilson recounted.
“Having served for six years now as an elected official myself, my north star has always been to do everything possible to support good, active, informed civic participation on the part of our residents. To me, the residents, the citizens, are the life blood of our democracy.”
Lee Goldberg, a Morris Township resident for 30 years, is serving his second term on the Township zoning board.
Well written article Lee. An appropriate sendoff for a great public servant!