East Orange City Council Elects New Members and Reelects Others – TAPinto.net

EAST ORANGE, NJ — Citizens of East Orange elected new members of the City Council, and re-elected others.  First Ward Councilwoman Amy Lewis was re-elected, as was Fourth Ward Councilman Casim Gomez and Fifth Ward Councilman Mustafa Al-M. Brent. Also, Councilwoman Tameika Garrett-Ward was elected to a full term after completing the unexpired term of former Councilwoman Tyshammie Cooper, who now serves on the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders.  Finally, two new members of the City Council were elected, Brittany D. Claybrooks was elected to represent the Second Ward replacing longtime Councilwoman Jacquelyn Johnson and Vernon Pullins was elected to represent the Third Ward, replacing longtime Councilwoman Quilla Talmadge.

Council Chairman Chris James said, “Thank you to the citizens of East Orange for re-electing Councilmembers Lewis, Brent and Gomez and for returning Tameika Garret-Ward to the Council representing the Fourth Ward.”  He added, “Thank you also for electing two new members of the City Council –- Brittany D. Claybrooks and Vernon Pullins.  Please join me in welcoming them to the City Council. I look forward to working with my Council colleagues and Mayor Ted Green to move East Orange forward as one city.” Council Chairman James added, “I want to also thank both Councilwoman Jacqueline Jones and Quilla Talmadge for their years of unselfish service to the citizens of their respective wards and to the city overall.  We are a better East Orange because of their leadership and commitment.  Thank you.”

Councilmembers were joined by family members and friends at the campaign headquarters.  Councilman Gomez said “I want to thank the people of the Fourth Ward and my family — especially my daughter Amira who campaigned with me and is joined by me and my wife here tonight.   Councilwoman Garrett-Ward thanked her daughter Nia for campaigning and joining her at the celebration.  Councilman-Elect Pullins said, “The East Orange Democratic victory was a win for new leadership, a win that embraces the core values of transitional leadership, and a win that promotes the pillars that we are one city, one community, and one goal and that goal is progress. Thank you to my wife Rana and two of my three children who joined us, while my oldest daughter is away at college.  This is a special night for me and my family.”  Councilman Brent said, “I look forward to continuing to serve the people of the Fifth Ward.”  Councilwoman-Elect Claybrooks said, “It is an honor to have been elected and to continue my journey of service to the people of the Second Ward.”    Finally, Councilwoman Amy Lewis said, “It has truly been a pleasure serving this great city. My last three years on Council have been amazing. I grew up in this town, and I am looking forward to a new year with new ideas that will benefit my community!” 

Mayor Ted R. Green echoed the sentiments of the newly-elected council team. “Congratulations to Assemblyman Thomas Giblin, Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake, First Ward Councilwoman Amy Lewis, Second Ward Council-Elect Brittany Claybrooks, Third Ward Council-Elect Vernon Pullins, Fourth Ward Councilmembers Casim Gomez and Tameika Garrett-Ward and Fifth Ward Councilman Mustafa Brent,” said Mayor Green. “In East Orange, we have been moving this city forward by working together for the greater good of the entire community. From public safety and redevelopment to property maintenance and public works, we have been focusing on making our city cleaner, safer and healthier. I look forward to working with our newly-elected council body in 2020 to continue the amazing progress we’ve made in the city.”