Invited Two very effective, efficient and beloved public service groups and one Artist of the month were honored at last night’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands Mayor and Council.
But only the Artist of the Month was invited to speak and possibly the only one invited to attend the meeting in which all three were honored.
Councilman Jose Pujols read a deeply appreciative proclamation honoring the EMT workers during this week set aside to honor all EMTS in New Jersey.
A second proclamation was read honoring all Public Works Department employees during this week and month honoring public works employees throughout the state.
While both proclamations were read, no one from the audience who may have been either an EMT or a public works employee was recognized, asked to comment, or asked to come forward to be recognized. No member of the governing body made any comment after the proclamations were read.
Public Works Director James Phillips was in the audience. First Aid Member and former Councilman Brian Boms was in the audience.
Local resident Morgan Spicer was recognized as the Artist of the Month and had a magnificent display of many of the 50 books she has created the artwork for lined up on the railing, creating it difficult in not impossible for those attending and the members of council to see each other.
Spicer came forward to accept a certificate honoring her, not only for her artistic talent and success but also for the many activities in which she is involved and volunteers for so many programs and activities that improve the borough.
During the public portion later in the meeting, Boms stood to ask the Mayor and Council why no member of the First Aid Squad was made aware any proclamation would be honoring the volunteers. He briefly outlined what the EMTs do for the borough, how dedicated they are to saving people when needed and added, “you don’t do anything for us. We raised the funds ourselves to purchase our ambulance.”
Mayor Lori Hohenleitner apologized and said it was an oversight.
