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Middletown honors Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther; council credits her with millions in local funding
Summary
The council presented a proclamation and recognized Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther for more than two decades of service and funding that officials say helped pay for multiple local projects, including partial funding for a splash pad at Maple Hill Park.
The Middletown Common Council on Tuesday presented a proclamation to Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, who has represented the area since 2003 and chose not to run for re-election this past year.
Mayor Joseph DeStefano and other officials credited Gunther with securing more than $8 million in state and federal funding for Middletown projects over many years, including renovations at the senior center, acquisition of the municipal parking lot, construction of a multi-use ball field, installation of walking tracks and light poles, surveillance cameras, the purchase and rehab of the Middletown and M&NJ rail station, and funding for a splash pad at Maple Hill Park.
Why it matters: Council members said Gunther’s advocacy brought grants and project funding to the city that officials said would not otherwise have come to Middletown. The council read a proclamation declaring Dec. 17 “Aileen Gunther Day” in the city.
Splash pad: City and recreation department officials said the new splash pad project at Maple Hill Park is estimated to cost about $1.2 million to $1.3 million. Council members said roughly half the project’s funding is coming from grants secured through Assemblywoman Gunther’s office; exact funding sources were described as state and CDBG grants in council remarks.
Gunther’s remarks: Gunther, who said she worked as a registered nurse before running for office and has long focused on mental health and children’s services, thanked local staff and officials and said she loved serving Middletown.
Context: City officials also announced plans for a nicer commemorative plaque at the splash pad site recognizing Gunther’s role. The council and the mayor also presented the ceremonial “key to the city” during Tuesday’s recognition.
