I have been living in Perth Amboy almost all my life, and I Iove my city. I have to admit I am feeling very embarrassed and scared of what is happening around Perth Amboy. I used to walk the streets days and nights without fear, but I no longer could say the same. Our “Quality of Life” has been diminished. It is a total embarrassment that no one is being held accountable for their actions or lack of action with this current administration.

These are only some of the troubling facts that have been hidden from the public or downplayed by city officials:

• October 13, 2014 – Man was Found Stabbed to Death in Perth Amboy Woods.
• October 10, 2014 – Business Owner Pistol Whipped, Beaten and Robbed.
• September 28, 2014 – Perth Amboy Cab Driver Stabbed and Robbed.
• August 29, 2014 – Drive-by Shooting on Fayette Street and Watson Avenue/One Person Shot and Taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital
• July 26, 2014 – Five People Shot after Fight was Followed by Gunshots.

According to State Police Reports: Perth Amboy has experienced a 120% increase in the number of shootings during the first six months of 2014 compared to the same period last year. This is NOT including the above shootings (do the math). There were also 8 armed robberies, 16 stabbings and 56 assaults with deadly weapons  in the first six months of 2014. Again, this is NOT including the above stabbings, robberies  and assaults.

I came home last week to find a flyer from “The Mayor Diaz Team” which includes the City Council up for re-election and was totally flabbergasted by their statement that “Perth Amboy has experienced a steady crime drop since last year.” WOW! REALLY? In Perth Amboy?

I am looking at the flyer as I write and scratch my head asking myself: Are they living in the same town that we are living in? Are they all in total denial and out of touch of reality? Unbelievable!

– We have a Mayor that lacks leadership and is known around town as a “Ribbon Cutter” or “Photo Opportunity Mayor” who is a puppet to outside politicians.

– We have a City Council that lacks any backbone and are known around town as the “Rubber Stamp Council” or the “Council Who Never Responds to the Residents.”

– We have a Police Chief that is in total denial and truly believes that Perth Amboy is Safer than ever. He has been accused of several sexual misconducts with city employees. smh

– We have several Board of Education members that lack common sense and respect.

– We have several City Officials that lack “PRIDE” and are known as the Diaz’s cronies.

That’s the feeling in and around town, that our so called leaders have downright contempt for the public they’re supposed to serve. They resent being questioned, won’t release information, cover many things in secrecy, and only speak when its something that will cast them in a favorable light.

Why resent being questioned by the people you are supposed to represent? To all elected City Officials: We the people of Perth Amboy have a “RIGHT” to question you, so get used to it. It is our right and our duty.

Respectfully,

David Caba