A Message From Our Mayor

Dear Califon residents,

Two months have past since Governor Murphy declared and proclaimed that a public health emergency and state of emergency exists in the state of New Jersey. Two very tense, anxiety-producing and frustrating months due to a virus that is overwhelming our medical resources and wreaking havoc on the world economy.

There is a glut of media coverage from all levels of government and news agencies, 24×7. Scientists, medical doctors, disease specialists, and politicians from every level of government speak out, some with facts, others with opinions. Sometimes it is difficult to separate the two. Personally, I rely on scientific facts and common sense to make my decisions.

I have attended weekly county, state, and federal teleconferences regarding the interpretations of their executive orders and guidelines. In particular, the following offices and officials have provided exemplary service during this crisis.

• Hunterdon County’s Economic Development team, headed by Marc Saluk, and the Hunterdon Chamber of Commerce – providing local businesses with resources necessary to survive during the pandemic. (website: https://www.hunterdon-chamber.org/covid-19-business-resources.html )
• Hunterdon County’s Division of Emergency Management, headed by Brayden Fahey – Daily communication and support with the borough’s OEM. (website: https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/oem.html )
• Freeholder/Director Sean Van Doren – Hosting weekly teleconferences with the county’s municipalities, receiving questions and expediently providing answers. Also, instrumental in setting up the Covid-19 testing site at Raritan Valley Community College. (website: http://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/index.html )
• Congressman Tom Malinowski – Supporting H.R. 6467, the Corona Virus Community Relief Act. – This bill provides funding for FY2020 for units of local government with a population of 500,000 or less. Without it, most N.J. municipalities would receive nothing. (website: https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6467?s=1&r=16 )

At the local level – Califon – what can we do? Three simple acts. You have heard them many times.

(1) Maintain social distancing.

(2) In public spaces, wear a mask.

(3) Wash hands often with soap and water. (I know – I sound like your mother.)

Be positive. Have hope. Help those who can’t help themselves. We’ll get there.

Stay safe, stay healthy, and wash your hands!

Mayor Charlie Daniel (cell phone 908-310-0289)

Last modified: April 3, 2022