Jacqueline Hernandez Makes Woodbury History

HIGHLAND MILLS – Jacqueline Hernandez made history in Woodbury when she was sworn in to the office of Woodbury Town Councilmember. As is tradition, a brief ceremony was held in early January after local elections to install new members on the Town Board. This year, the two people who were 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 Town Councilman to Town Supervisor.

There is heightened interest in the newest member of the Woodbury Town Council.

Hernandez is the first to reflect the changing populations in Woodbury. She represents a growing demographic in the town. The 2016 census shows the Latino or Hispanic population in Woodbury has grown to 17.7% , 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 Ms. 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. She will represent an important and growing part of our town residents, both as a young working mother and a Hispanic,” she said.

Working through the campaign with Hernandez, the Democratic Committee recognized her skills to be unique. They sought candidates to represent all Town residents. They saw Hernandez as uniquely qualified to bring fresh ideas, new perspectives and a governing style that understands the needs of people today.

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 by people well entrenched in town politics who ran on a ‘business as usual’ platform.

Enlisting the support of her community, she won her primary by a big margin. She went on to win the election in November receiving the highest number of votes.

Members of the Woodbury Democratic Committee joined Jackie on January 4th to wish the new member of the Woodbury Town Council well. Ms. Freiband says, “Jacqueline Hernandez represents the change we need in Woodbury politics. 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.”