Politics
Lizette Parker, Bergen County’s first female African American mayor dies at 44
Lizette Parker, the first African American woman to be elected mayor of Teaneck, in Bergen County, New Jersey, died on Sunday after being hospitalized for “respiratory issues,” officials said.
Her mother, Dolores Phillips, says Parker’s death was sudden and unexpected. The illness prevented her attendance at township meetings in recent weeks.
Town Manager William Broughton says Parker was a strong leader, public advocate and a “consummate professional.” State Senator Loretta Weinberg says Parker was a terrific partner and leader.
The Record newspaper reports Parker was the first black woman to be mayor of a Bergen County municipality when she assumed office in 2014.
Deputy Mayor Elie Katz has been named Parker’s replacement.
She is survived by her husband, Tony, and their young daughter.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press