By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
At the beginning of the Feb. 2 meeting of Pennsauken’s Township Committee meeting, Mayor Vince Martinez was surprised by acknowledgements from representatives at the county, state, and federal level, recognizing the first Hispanic male mayor in the history of the town. Martinez was sworn in as mayor during the Township Committee reorganization meeting in January.
“The reason we’re here to pay this tribute is because [Mayor Martinez] is the first Latino male elected mayor in Pennsauken Township,” said Virginia Betteridge, Camden County Board of Commissioners. “That’s something to be very proud of and to know that the community is well served.”
“We are so happy and proud to have you as the new mayor,” added State Assemblyman William Spearman, serves South Jersey in the 5th Legislative District alongside Senator Nilsa Cruz-Peréz and Assemblyman Bill Moen. “It’s good to be here to say congratulations to you.”
Township Committeewoman Jessica Rafeh, who was Pennsauken’s first Hispanic and Middle Eastern female to serve as mayor in 2022, also shared a proclamation on behalf of Pennsauken native Congressman Donald Norcross.
“It’s an honor for me to present this proclamation,” said Rafeh. “Being the first Latina elected as mayor, I couldn’t be more proud.”
After the reading of the proclamations, Mayor Martinez was at a loss for words.
“I’m speechless. I wasn’t expecting that,” said Mayor Martinez. “I appreciate everyone coming. Thank you again, I will do my best to represent the Hispanic community and the town.”
