Mayor Colleen Mahr and members of the Borough Council participated in raising a Pride Flag at Borough Hall on Monday, June 19th, in observance of Pride Month recognizing LGBTQ members of the community.
The event was suggested by Caden Swiatek, a Fanwood resident and rising senior at the Newmark School in Scotch Plains, about celebrating Pride Month.
Swiatek remarked, “As a gay transgender student, I’m very aware of the struggles and problems in my community. I’ve faced a lot of them. I wanted this flag raising to be a symbol of hope.”
Caden Swiatek with Mayor Mahr. Police Director Mike Bramhall and Councilwoman Kathy Mitchell observe.
Mayor Mahr reaffirmed the Fanwood governing body’s commitment to diversity and a welcoming environment for people of all gender orientations. Joining her at the event was Councilwomen Trisha Walsh, Erin McElroy Barker and Kathy Mitchell, Police Director Michael Bramhall, Environmental Commissioners Sandy Redder and Lin Vlasaty, Borough Engineer Antonios Panagopoulos and Public Works foreman John Piccola.
The flag now flies with the other flags in front of Borough Hall, 75 N. Martine Avenue.
