Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises Springfield residents that Vote-by-Mail ballots for the upcoming Special Election in Springfield will be mailed to voters beginning on Wednesday, February 15.
The Special Election will be held on Tuesday, March 14.
“We encourage all voters to use a Vote-by-Mail ballot,” said Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi. “Vote-by-Mail enables voters to cast their vote at their convenience, and avoid any last minute Election Day rush.”
Under New Jersey state elections law, any voter can use a Vote-by-Mail ballot for any reason. Voters have the option of receiving their Vote-by-Mail ballot automatically, for each election.
Voters who have not chosen to receive their Vote-by-Mail ballot automatically can apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot online through the County Clerk’s elections website, unioncountyvotes.com.
Voters can also apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot by mail. The deadline to apply by mail is Tuesday, March 7.
Voters can also apply for a Vote-by-Mail ballot in person at the County Clerk’s Annex Office beginning on Thursday, February 16. Voters who apply in person may vote their completed ballot while at the office.
A Vote-by-Mail ballot drop box is available at the Chisholm Community Center at 100 South Springfield Avenue in Springfield.
The Annex Office is located in the Colleen Fraser Building at the Union County Complex, 300 North Avenue East in Westfield. The hours are Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 .pm.
For more information about the County Clerk’s election services visit unioncountyvotes.com or contact the Election Division at 908-527-4996 or ucvote@ucnj.org.
For more information about all County Clerk programs and services, visit online at ucnj.org/county-clerk or call 908-527-4787.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
Kean University and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office invite you to join them for a joint law enforcement recruitment event on March 8th at the STEM Building at Kean at their Union Township campus. Attendees should bring copies of their resumes. Parking is available behind the STEM building. Please email lsacca@ucnj.org with any questions.
On Wednesday, January 25, 2023, The Union County Board of County Commissioners through our Department of Human Services kicked off our annual Point-In-Time (PIT) Count and Survey of the Homeless population throughout the cities in our jurisdiction.
The PIT, also known as NJCounts, takes place every January and asks for a count of unsheltered and sheltered individuals experiencing homelessness. This program ran through Tuesday, January 31st, is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and for the tenth year, Monarch Housing Associates coordinates the statewide effort, along with Continuums of Care.
“The Point-In-Time Count is an important initiative that gives our Department of Human Services a more accurate count of persons experiencing homelessness and gathering information on what resources are needed, “said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados, who also serves as liaison to the Human Services Advisory Council. “At the end of the day, these individuals are members of our community and understanding the scope of homelessness in our County is vital. It also helps us assess what caused them to become homeless; how long they have been on the streets and what is preventing them from becoming or staying housed and most importantly providing them with the resources to get out of homelessness.”
In 2022, due to the effects of the pandemic, Union County altered how they conducted the count versus previous years. Teams of Union County staff, government officials and local nonprofit organizations banded together in smaller groups of 4-6 people during a seven (7) day period in the morning, afternoon and late evening hours. Smaller groups surveyed people throughout the County who “sleep outdoors, in parks, alleys, under bridges, or places not meant for human habitation, such as cars, abandoned buildings, garages, or other structures without electricity or water.”
For the 2023 unsheltered count, which took place at 3:00 a.m. on January 25th, thirty three (33) volunteers gathered at Social Services in Elizabeth and Plainfield and surveyed the areas of Elizabeth, Plainfield, Summit, Roselle, Roselle Park, Garwood, Linden, Rahway, Hillside and Union. The five groups that went identified fourteen (14) unsheltered homeless persons that were further assessed for services at the Union County DHS/Division of Social Services office. Over 200 adults and children were provided shelter through the County’s Code Blue program. The group also provided materials for the homeless, including blankets, coats, clothing, toiletries, socks, hats, gloves, sandwiches, provided by Be the Change from Kean University, scarves, soup, provided by Mo’s Café and hot coffee.
On Wednesday, January 25th and Thursday, January 26th, service fairs were held by the City of Plainfield and the Plainfield Action Services at the Plainfield Performing Arts Center and the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless at the Mickey Walker Center in Elizabeth. Plainfield’s service fair had a total of sixty-one (61) persons in attendance and Elizabeth’s service fair had a total of two-hundred and seven-nine (279) persons in attendance. Both service fairs offered resources from over eighteen (18) social service providers. The Union County Office of Health Management also provided forty-three (43) individuals with the COVID-19 vaccination; of which sixteen (16) of them either received their first dose or completed their primary series. All forty-three (43) persons received a gift card from NJDOH for $25.
During the seven (7) day count, which took place from January 25 through January 31, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, a total of five (5) groups, representing a total of sixteen (16) volunteers went out to survey the homeless throughout Union County in: Elizabeth, Plainfield, Summit, Roselle, Roselle Park, Garwood, Linden, Rahway, Hillside and Union. The five groups that went identified twenty-four (24) homeless persons.
The data collected during NJCounts also helps determine how much McKinney Vento Homeless Assistance HUD funding Union County will receive and provides crucial resources for the homeless and housing insecure living in Union County.
DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: Under direction, recommends local public health policies; plans, develops, coordinates, & directs the work program of a municipal health department or agency & directs the enforcement of public health within the municipality concerned; does related work as required.
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION: Possession of a valid Health Officer License issued by the NJ Department of Health.
SALARY RANGE: $86,499 – $135,155
PRINT NAME:Andrew F. Moran
TITLE: Director, Department of Public Safety
INTERESTED APPLICANTS MAY CONTACT THEDEPT. OF PUBLIC SAFETY @ 908-518-5640
UNION COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
In celebration of Black History Month, the Union County Board of County Commissioners invites the public to view Black History Month – Notable People of Union County, a special exhibit of Union County residents who have distinguished themselves as inventors, artists and athletes. The unique exhibit pairs portraits and biographical information of notable residents with maps of the public parklands in their vicinity.
“Our parks are the crown jewel of Union County – and the Black History Month – Notable People of Union County’s gallery provides a detailed insight into the roles that African Americans played as an inspiration to some of these outdoor spaces,” said Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “I am proud to have these photos on display to give more awareness to the outstanding achievements many African Americans residents of Union County played in our community and beyond. I encourage all residents to come out and visit the gallery.”
“This exhibit illustrates the linkage between access to open space and recreation, and the principle of equal respect and dignity, while raising awareness of the remarkable achievements of our most notable residents,” said Commissioner James E. Baker, Jr.
“Black History Month – Notable People of Union County spans a wide range of accomplishments in many different fields. It inspires us to keep striving to build a community that supports the dreams and aspirations of our youth, and it reaffirms our duty to preserve and protect our public parks for all to enjoy,” said Commissioner Dr. Angela Garretson.
“With each Black History Month, we recover the hidden figures who have enriched Union County as a community, and who have made their voices heard in the wider world. This exhibit is a wonderful opportunity to refresh out knowledge of the past and renew our appreciation for the natural heritage preserved in our parks,” said Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams.
More than a dozen notable Union County residents are featured in the exhibit, including the artist and printmaker Robert Hamilton Blackburn, who revolutionized color lithography, and James Edward Maceo West, an inventor and Bell Laboratories Fellow who holds more than 250 patents.
The Commissioners gallery is open during regular weekday business hours, and on Thursday evenings when public Commissioner meetings are in session. To view the schedule of meetings visit ucnj.org/commissioners/schedule.
Exhibits at the Commissioners Gallery are coordinated by the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation.
For more information about the exhibit, the Commissioners’ Gallery, grant programs and other activities, e-mail culturalinfo@ucnj.org or call 908-558-2550(NJ relay users dial 711), or visit online at ucnj.org/cultural.
For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
Beginning March 1, SNAP households will see change in monthly benefit amounts
Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman today announced that beginning in March, all households eligible for the NJ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive a minimum $50 monthly benefit following the end of federal SNAP emergency allotments in February. Throughout the COVID‐19 pandemic, SNAP households have benefited from emergency allotments from the federal government, which provided households with higher monthly food assistance benefits and totaled more than $2 billion. Starting in March, SNAP households will only get their regular SNAP payment loaded to their EBT card.
Recognizing the challenges families continue to face affording healthy and nutritious food and groceries, Governor Murphy signed legislation in June to establish the State SNAP Minimum Benefit Program and to set a SNAP minimum benefit ensuring all SNAP recipients will receive at least $50 per month in assistance now that the federal emergency allotments are ending. New Jersey is the first state to set a minimum benefit, which required an $18 million investment in state funds.
“We are immensely grateful to Governor Murphy, Speaker Coughlin and the legislature for providing this critical funding to help New Jerseyans with the rising cost of groceries as federal SNAP emergency allotments come to an end nationwide. We understood the extra SNAP benefits were temporary, but we also recognize the impact this will have on New Jerseyans who have benefitted from greater assistance over the last three years. I urge SNAP households to check their benefits, so they are prepared before heading to the grocery store. Those that need additional assistance can visit nj211.org to learn about other available resources,” said Commissioner Adelman.
SNAP emergency allotments were authorized by the U.S. Congress beginning in March 2020 to help individuals and families with low‐incomes deal with the hardships of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 recently signed by President Biden ends SNAP emergency
allotments on February 28, 2023. This means that, by March 2023, benefits for all SNAP households in New Jersey will return to normal amounts.
“We are working with stakeholders to raise awareness about these changes and ensure SNAP
households are informed and know ahead of time what their monthly benefit will be starting in March, so they can budget accordingly. While it does not replace the extra emergency benefits, the new $50 minimum benefit means no one eligible for SNAP will receive less than $50 in food benefits,” said Deputy Commissioner of Social Services Elisa Neira.
Under the new minimum benefit program, if a SNAP household was approved for less than $50 in SNAP benefits ($23 is the minimum federal SNAP benefit), they will receive their regular monthly benefit plus an additional state supplement to bring them to $50.
For example, if a single‐person household was determined eligible for $23, they will receive their regular monthly benefit of $23 and an additional state supplement of $27 to bring them to $50.
“New Jersey’s policies that advance food security are some of the strongest in the country thanks to
Governor Murphy, Speaker Coughlin and the Legislature.,” said Director of the Office of the Food Security Advocate Mark Dinglasan. “These policies will matter even more as federal SNAP emergency allotments come to an end. We will continue to work together to ensure individuals and families are equipped with the information and resources they need to navigate the changes ahead.”
The Department will mail notices in February to all SNAP households advising them of the benefit reduction along with a reminder of their regular benefit amount resuming in March.
The Department has also developed materials in multiple languages about the end of the SNAP emergency allotments and what it means for SNAP households, as part of its public awareness campaign. Materials are available for download at NJSNAP.gov
“The notice will indicate the household’s regular benefit so recipients will know what their benefit will be starting March 1. We encourage SNAP recipients to also check their benefit detail any time online at www.njfamiliesfirst.com, with the Connect EBT mobile app or by calling (800) 997‐3333,” said Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson, who directs Human Services’ Division of Family Development, which is responsible for the SNAP program.
Currently, the benefit detail indicates their regular benefit and the extra emergency benefit separately. SNAP recipients who remain eligible for the program will only receive their regular benefit of at least $50 beginning in March.
SNAP recipients worried about the overall reduction in benefits should check their eligibility for other
food assistance programs including WIC for women and children under 5, free or reduced school meals, or the commodity supplemental food program for older adults over 60 years of age. For more information about additional food resources, visit nj211.org/food‐programs‐and‐community‐resources or text your zip code to 898211.
As of November 2022, there were approximately 769,000 individuals enrolled in SNAP from 397,000 households.
SNAP Recipients as of November 2022
County
Households
People
ATLANTIC
19,488
37,583
BERGEN
22,640
38,181
BURLINGTON
10,341
20,180
CAMDEN
37,516
73,110
CAPE MAY
4,142
7,906
CUMBERLAND
12,686
26,350
ESSEX
66,961
125,443
GLOUCESTER
8,336
15,847
HUDSON
49,337
92,143
HUNTERDON
2,037
3,367
MERCER
19,310
35,512
MIDDLESEX
27,933
51,693
MONMOUTH
16,265
28,557
MORRIS
8,620
14,380
OCEAN
20,036
57,140
PASSAIC
35,847
73,576
SALEM
4,042
8,437
SOMERSET
5,772
10,525
SUSSEX
2,138
4,096
UNION
20,164
37,408
WARREN
3,752
7,150
NJ TOTAL
397,363
768,584
The Department will continue to update SNAP households about any changes to their monthly benefits.
Individuals and families can apply for SNAP online, in‐person or by calling their local board of social
services, or through a SNAP Navigator. For more information about SNAP, visit NJSNAP.gov.
The Murphy Administration has made fighting hunger and strengthening food security a top priority. The NJ Department of Human Services last year distributed more than $2 billion in additional monthly SNAP payments to help low‐income families afford food and other essentials. The Department has also modernized the SNAP application and expanded SNAP navigators in every county as part of a broader effort to make SNAP more accessible to all New Jerseyans facing hunger.
The Union County Board of Elections advises Springfield residents that Tuesday, February 21 is the deadline for voter registration for the March 14 Springfield Special School Board Election. The election will take place from 8am to 8pm.
Voting will take place at the regular polling locations, which can be found on the Election Board website, ucnj.org/ucboe or by calling the Election Board at 908-527-4123.
The secure ballot drop box located at the Chisolm Recreation Center, 100 South Springfield Avenue, Springfield, will be open for this election for voters wishing to return their mail-in ballot by using the drop box.
For all Union County Board of Elections information visit online at ucnj.org/ucboe, email ucboe@ucnj.org, or call 908-527-4123.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that the annual Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award will be conferred upon the President of Kean University, Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, Ed. D., in a ceremony at the Union County Performing Arts Center at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, January 31. The Performing Arts Center is located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway.
The award presentation is part of a celebratory evening in honor of Black History Month presented by the Commissioner Board, featuring a live performance of Langston & Beethoven: Black & Proud created and performed with musical guests by WQKR radio host Terrance McKnight.
Admission to the event is free of charge and open to all the public. Online registration is suggested to save a seat, at ucnj.org/black-history-month.
“Dr. Repollet exemplifies all that we honor in our community as someone who is continuously breaking barriers in education. Dr. Repollet was the first African American President for Kean, as well as the first African American Commissioner of Education of the State of New Jersey,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Sergio Granados. “He is someone that embraces inclusion, diversity and social learning and his efforts to make higher education available, achievable and affordable to all contributes to the spirit of the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award.”
“It is a real honor to welcome Dr. Repollet to Rahway, in celebration of his many contributions to Union County and beyond,” said Commissioner James E. Baker, Jr. “He embodies the best of us, and he inspires us to keep building a strong, diverse and thriving community.
“Dr. Repollet has inspired thousands of students to advance in their careers, and go on to touch the lives of many thousands more,” said Commissioner Dr. Angela Garretson. “He is a true change maker and innovator, and his leadership presence uplifts the black community and all individuals he encounters.”
“Dr. Repollet is a powerful champion for public education as the bedrock of our democracy, and for instilling a culture of inclusion and respect each student. We look forward to working with Dr. Repollet and Kean University for many more years to come,” said Commissioner Rebecca L. Williams.
Dr. Repollet was appointed President of Kean University in July 2020, building on his extensive experience in public education. With a focus on equity in higher education, Dr. Repollet has overseen the University’s successful application to be named as New Jersey’s first urban research university by Governor Phil Murphy in 2021. Last year, Kean was also accorded the status of Professional/Doctoral University by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. The school is also in the process of achieving an R2 research Carnegie classification to reflect its focus on both research and transformational teaching.
Among the numerous honors and recognitions received by Dr. Repollet are the 2022 Leadership and Vision Recognition Award from EdgeCon, the 2022 Whitney M. Young Service Award Presented by Urban League of Union County and the 2022 Whitney M. Young Service Award from Greater New York Councils Boy Scouts of America. He also was honored in 2019 with the Medal of Excellence for Distinguished Service from The College of Education at Rowan University, the 2019 Trailblazer Award from the Innovation for Equity Summit, the 2019 Conclave Image Award from Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and a 2018 Outstanding Human Rights Educator by Kean’s Human Rights Institute.
Among many partnerships with the Commissioner Board, Kean University has served as the flagship location for Union County’s COVID-19 pandemic response including testing, vaccinating, emergency food distribution, volunteer recruitment and the establishment of the first County based laboratory for testing COVID-19 samples.
The Commissioner Board established the Chester Holmes Humanitarian Award in 2012, in honor of the former County Commissioner and Rahway resident Chester Holmes, who passed away earlier that same year. An accomplished civic leader who loved the Union County community, Mr. Holmes was a former police officer, community volunteer and member of the Army National Guard.
Langston & Beethoven: Black & Proud is a rare chance for Union County audiences to preview a Lincoln Center performance in the intimate environment of the Main Stage, a beautifully restored former vaudeville theater that serves as Union County’s cultural centerpiece. The show will move to Lincoln Center in February.
For more details about Langston & Beethoven: Black & Proud, and for more information on all Black History Month events hosted by the Commissioner Board, visit ucnj.org/black-history-month.
Langston & Beethoven: Black & Proud is presented through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, a division of the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For more information about the Office visit ucnj.org/cultural, email culturalinfo@ucnj.org, or call 908-558-2550.
For information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including free vaccination, free testing and other support services, visit ucnj.org/covid19. General information about COVID-19 is available through the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
