I would like to address some rumors that I think are on a lot of people’s minds here in Perth Amboy. This will be the last time I address this publicly, as rumors have no place in the public discourse and because it is a non-issue and meant to distract. There was an incident here last year involving a student and myself that had the potential for violence towards me. Dr. Caffrey out of an abundance of caution restricted my access to the schools until an investigation was completed. It was, and the matter was closed. I spoke to Jeannine later and we agreed because of the climate here Perth Amboy against her we decided I could make more of an impact by running for the board rather than continue as a substitute. Which I did. There was no arrest, the student did not attack me nor I him. I underwent a background check to serve in the Board and passed the check. In my mind case closed.

I’m sure for the public portion the usual suspects will get up to the podium and feign with manufactured outrage and I look forward to it. The bottom line is, this has nothing to do with moving our district forward and helping our kids succeed. This manufactured controversy is about adults that think the Perth Amboy public schools exist merely to supply jobs for friends first and educate second. If it was meant to intimidate me and my family you failed. I actually found the stunt rather amusing. You see I have a medical condition and it’s that I’m severely allergic to bullies and I don’t intimidate. Everyone sees the transparency of it all ask themselves why go to such lengths to discredit me? I’ll ask again what does this have to do with improving our schools? Nothing. I’m going to reiterate the people of Perth Amboy gave me their votes not the wannabe politicos in this town and I think that’s what they find truly frightening that a kid whom they believe should have been a statistic is getting a little too uppity for their liking. So to the usual suspects, you should quit politics because you stink at it but feel free to have at it in the public portion, I need a couple of good laughs.

William Ortiz
Perth Amboy Board of Education Member