History made in Woodbury as first Hispanic woman takes office

HIGHLAND MILLS — Jacqueline Hernandez will make history in Woodbury on Thursday, Jan. 4, when she will be sworn in as a member of the Woodbury Town Board.
As is tradition, a brief ceremony will be held in early January to install new members on the Town Board. This year, the two people who will also be sworn in have served previously on the Town Council, making Hernandez the new face in Woodbury government.
Although Frank Palermo served on the Town Council previously, he will hold a new title - moving from councilman to supervisor.
The swearing-in will take place in Highland Mills at the Woodbury Town Hall starting at 7 p.m. Friends and family are invited.
Hernandez’s children will be there to present her with her official name plate. After the swearing-in the first town council meeting of the year will follow.
Hernandez represents a growing demographic in the town. The 2016 census shows the Latino or Hispanic population in Woodbury has grown to 17.7 percent, which is the third most of all other places in the area.
“We are very proud of Ms. Hernandez's accomplishments and know she will have an impact on the Town Council,” said Willa Freiband, chair of the Woodbury Democratic Committee. “Given the national political scene, many on the Woodbury Democratic Committee believe we would do better with more women in government.
"Jackie’s credentials go beyond gender, Freiband added. "She will represent an important and growing part of our town residents, both as a young working mother and a Hispanic."
The road to victory was not easy for Hernandez. The Democratic Committee endorsed her early this summer but she was promptly challenged in a primary.
Enlisting the support of her community, Hernandez won her primary by a big margin. She went on to win the election in November, receiving the highest number of votes.
“Jacqueline Hernandez represents the change we need in Woodbury politics," Freiband said. "She has proven that she is interested in the needs of her fellow town residents. We wish her well and believe that when she won, we all won.”
To reach the Woodbury Democrats contact DemocratsWoodbury10930@gmail.com.