On Jan. 23, 2013, a historic moment took place in Edison Township. Mayor Antonia Ricigliano, Edison’s first woman mayor, attended the Planning Board meeting during which the board appointed Michelle Tullio of Lanfrit & Tullio as its first woman Planning Board attorney, and elected me, Sherri Ruggieri, professor at Berkeley College, as its first woman Planning Board chairperson.
Lisa A. John, the female attorney for the applicant at the time, from Genova Burns Giantomasi & Webster, completed the group and reveals a changed perception about the roles of women.
When I began my community service with the Edison Township Library Board in 1999, I could never have imagined this day. When I was appointed to the Planning Board in 2004, this seemed a significant step into the maledominated world of land use and construction. While it was acceptable for the library board to consist of the “Library Ladies,” the Planning Board meetings were intimidating.
My early days were spent watching and learning. Later, when then-Councilwoman Antonia Ricigliano (now mayor) joined the Planning Board as the council representative, I began to feel like a visible member of the board. Her presence gave me the confidence to find my voice at meetings.
For many years, I worked, and continue to work, behind the scenes on Edison’s Technical Review Committee and Master Plan Committee. Much of my writing is incorporated into Edison’s tree ordinance and much of my efforts have gone toward Edison’s tree inventory and Environmental Commission. I’m still more comfortable hiding away from the glare of the local television camera. Sometimes, however, an opportunity to ignite change requires visibility.
I’m proud that women have the chance to display their skill and experience in land use, as well as the fact that men serve on the Library Board. The day of gender stereotypes has been blown away, and a more equitable system for women and men has now emerged. We must encourage men and women to work together as equal partners in the community. Even the language of meetings, with identifying words, such as “chairman, Mr. Chairman, or sir” must be altered to include women. While chairwoman could be used, I prefer the gender-neutral chairperson.
Sherri Ruggieri
Chairperson
Edison Township Planning
Board