Coronavirus: Westwood Assembles Economic Recovery Task Force

WESTWOOD, NJ — As unemployment rates in New Jersey soar to record levels, spurred on by shutdowns mandated in the wake of the new coronavirus, Westwood's mayor is already thinking ahead. Last week, Mayor Ray Arroyo announced he is working to form a COVID-19 Economic Recovery Task Force.

The task force, Arroyo said in a statement, is geared toward aiding local stakeholders most impacted by the new coronavirus.

"This is going to take a united Westwood, and an all-hands-on deck approach," Arroyo said in a statement. "It is going to be about Westwood, nothing more and nothing less. Every elected official will be part of this organized recovery effort."

Read more: NJ Unemployment Claims Surge To Record High In Coronavirus Crisis

The task force has been charged with developing and implementing strategies and using governmental and private resources to stabilize the economy and pull the town out of the economic recession it's facing.

"...it will work to pull the rest out of the wreckage," Arroyo said.

The following representatives comprise the task force:

Council President Chris Montana — liaison to the Westwood Chamber of Commerce — and councilwoman Jodi Murphy, who are working with merchants in the Central Busienss District to promote businesses that are permitted to remain open.

Councilwomen Erin Collins and Cheryl Hodges — liaisons to the Westwood Chamber and the Board of Health, respectively — are working with the Westwood House, the Riley Center and a group of resident volunteers to provide meals, maintain the food pantry and schedule shopping trips for seniors.

Councilman Rob Bicocchi is using his experience as a procurement/facilities manager and on the Planning Board to aid recovery.

Councilwoman Beth Dell, finance liaison, is working with federal, state and county representatives to lock down legislative programs that could help the city.

"Rather than succumb to the divisive and destructive partisanship that infects our national politics – Westwood’s current, bipartisan group of elected representatives is, I think, uniquely poised to demonstrate what mutual respect and cooperation can achieve in serving the interests of the people WE were elected, or appointed, to represent," Arroyo said in a statement.