By: Richard L. Smith
As a recent graduate of William Paterson University in New Jersey back in 1999, I remember the excitement of stepping into adulthood, and Bloomfield was the first place that welcomed me as a new resident.
Yes, my first apartment on Belleville Avenue (a tiny studio) sat just a block from the Garden State Parkway, right on the border of Belleville and close to Newark and Glen Ridge.
The walkable streets, the small-town charm, and the warmth of the people quickly made Bloomfield more than just an address; it became a piece of my heart.
Back then, as a young educator, my first teaching job was as a substitute at Bloomfield High School.
I adored the students and cherished the short walk back to my apartment after school. Those days shaped my early years, and even after moving on to purchase a home in a nearby city, Bloomfield has remained deeply woven into my emotional landscape.
And since I left, Bloomfield has only grown stronger.
This week marked a proud moment for the township, as The Honorable Mayor Jenny Mundell delivered her first State of the Township Address inside Bloomfield Council Chambers — a historic occasion as she became the first woman elected mayor of Bloomfield.
It wasn’t just a speech; it felt like the unveiling of a new civic chapter.
With Councilwoman Sarah Cruz emceeing and Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. offering opening remarks, the event attracted an enthusiastic crowd of residents, community leaders, and public officials.
For those unable to attend, the address was livestreamed on Facebook and WBMA-TV, ensuring the entire community could be part of the moment.
Under the banner “Building a Better Bloomfield Together: Green, Clean, and Strong,” Mayor Mundell reflected on the township’s accomplishments over her first six months and laid out an ambitious, forward-looking vision.
She spoke with honesty about the challenges of managing a budget where 93% is tied up in fixed costs — a reality that leaves little room for flexibility in a shifting economic climate. Yet, her message was one of hope and determination.
Mayor Mundell announced the relaunch of the Clean & Strong Bloomfield citizen complaint system, which is now integrated into the upgraded SDL Portal.
This improvement will help residents report issues, track solutions, and stay connected — whether anonymously or through an account — all without adding costs to the township.
The system also gives local government a sharper view of recurring problems, allowing proactive solutions before small issues become major headaches.
Beyond technology, the mayor highlighted the power of people. With 90 new advisory committee members and a focus on inclusion, accessibility, and multilingual communication, Bloomfield is making sure every voice is heard.
She also praised the new Regional Flood Mitigation Committee, launched alongside neighboring towns and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, to address climate-related flooding — proof of the innovative partnerships Bloomfield is building.
As I reviewed the mayor’s message, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own time in this township — the place where I first learned to navigate adulthood, community, and civic pride.
Bloomfield has always been a compassionate, determined town, and though it’s not perfect, it's still a masterpiece in the works.
“Although we have some difficult decisions and times ahead of us, I am confident that Bloomfield will come out stronger because that is what we do, that is who we are,” Mayor Mundell told the crowd.
“We are a compassionate community of doers and fighters. And we will succeed because we will work together and accept nothing less.”
For me, Bloomfield will always be more than a memory — it’s a town I continue to cheer for, and one whose future looks brighter with each step forward.
I will see you all over at my FAVORITE Bloomfield restaurant, Holsten’s❤️.