Teaneck Mayor Inspires Local Youth

HACKENSACK, NJ – On Thursday, July 10th, 2014 Teaneck Mayor Lizette Parker was honored by youth members of the Hackensack based Ladies Lock and Load – Kid Safety Awareness Program (KSAP) at Votee Park. This event kicked off KSAP’s Summer of Safety classes being offered in Hackensack.

Mayor Parker gave an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of being involved in community local government. The Bergen County children ages 7 to 11 asked questions on  how city government works and the job of being Mayor. They presented Mayor Parker with flowers and a certificate of congratulations.

Mayor Parker invited the children to sit in a session of the City Council either in Teaneck or Hackensack, where many of them reside. To the question of whether or not being Mayor is hard she responded, “I wouldn’t say it’s hard, but challenging. You must meet the needs of varying individuals and families. It’s a balancing act because sometimes the views of your constituents can differ from your own.”

Genesis Liu, founder of KSAP, thanked Mayor Parker for taking the time to motivate her young people. “We are honored to meet with Mayor Parker today. KSAP curriculum focuses on everything from school emergency protocols to playground safety. We teach children to be aware of their surroundings. But a big part of being safe is empowering them to trust their inner voice. Meeting community leaders like Mayor Parker helps give them the confidence to hear that voice, be active civic members and to look out for their fellow classmates.

When questioned about being Bergen County’s first African American Female mayor, Parker encouraged the children to see their life without limitations. “Just because something has never happened doesn’t mean it won’t” Mayor Parker explained. “Never limit yourself, your dreams or your future. And most of all never let others limit what you can be”