The Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women Has Honored Stefanie Gara for her Public Service in Raritan
	Thank you to everyone attending here tonight. Thank you to the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women and a special thank you to Mayor Jo-Ann Liptak for nominating me. I am humbled to receive this award but at the same time I am very proud….. for all women who work in government throughout our County. Historically, women being the majority of our population are poorly represented in elected office, but we are making progress. Any woman, who steps forward to run no matter what her political stripe, carries the banner for all women. In my own Borough of Raritan, I am proud to say our Mayor is a woman and indeed there have been outstanding female Mayors and elected officials in our county… but as I believe not nearly enough. The support of my constituents in Raritan was overwhelming to me and I spend a good part of every day fulfilling my commitments made to them to the best of my ability. It is my hope to continue serving my home town. I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank my dear husband Mark and my two wonderful children Jake and Madison. They are my biggest support system from campaigning to day-to-day obligations I have in our Borough. They are my anchor, which enables me to fulfill my elective duties. Mom and Dad thank you for everything. Thank you for always being by my side and teaching me how important it is to give back to others. Again, thank you everyone.