Statement from Fernando Gonzalez

PERTH AMBOY – Judge Heidi Currier, J.S.C. of the Middlesex County Superior Court stated very clearly in her decision concerning the improperly cast votes in the November 4, 2014 Municipal Election:

“…Let me be very clear, I didn’t find that any of the candidates in this election were involved at all with any of the voters that we are talking about, with any of the contested votes, or with any of the actions that were taken by the individuals I am speaking about…”

I, Fernando A. Gonzalez, look forward to the upcoming May 12, 2015 special election to once again demonstrate my desire to serve the citizens of Perth Amboy on City Council.  My wife, Obi Gonzalez, and I have proven our longstanding and unwavering commitment to the City of Perth Amboy over the past 40 years.  I have a record of positive and constructive contributions to our community in all aspects of my involvement.  I believe that I have the support and the trust of our community.  I welcome the opportunity to once again run a positive, professional, grass roots campaign that focuses on unifying our diverse population.  On May 12, 2015, the voters will decide who they feel has the experience and ability to ensure that our City moves forward.  When elected, I will continue to uphold integrity and transparency in government.  I ask the citizens who wish to join in this effort to contact my campaign manager Daniel F. Gonzalez, Esq. via email at danielgonzalezesq@gmail.com.

Statement from Sergio Diaz Regarding Judge’s Decision in Perth Amboy Election

Press Release 3/27/15

PERTH AMBOY – Today Middlesex County Superior Court Judge Heidi Currier found voter fraud in the November 2014 Perth Amboy City Council election and ordered a new election be held thereby vacating the election of Fernando  Gonzalez. The special election was ordered to be held in 45 to 50 days, as required by law. The election will be held between Sergio Diaz and Fernando Gonzalez. Judge Currier issued the order based upon the evidence presented by plaintiff Sergio Diaz. In her decision, Judge Currier determined that at least 13 ballots were illegally cast and found pervasive fraudulent practices in the Perth Amboy Vote By Mail process. The election had initially been decided by 9 votes and therefore a new election was required under state statute.

“I am grateful and pleased that the court has ordered a new election in Perth Amboy,” said Mr. Diaz. “More than a personal victory for me, it is a victory for all law abiding voters of Perth Amboy and a victory for the rule of law.”

Statement from Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz

Press Release 3/26/15

PERTH AMBOY – Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz issued the following statement in response to a Middlesex County Superior Court ruling regarding voter fraud committed by Perth Amboy Democratic Municipal Chairwoman Leslie Dominguez Rodriguez.  The ruling was a result of a lawsuit filed by former Perth Amboy council candidate Sergio Diaz, who alleged that associates of his opponent, Fernando Gonzalez, perpetuated voter fraud to win last year’s city council election.  The court yesterday overturned the results of the election and ordered that a new election be held.

“A superior court judge ruled yesterday that there has been rampant voter fraud committed in last year’s council election at the direction of and with the full participation of Perth Amboy Democratic Municipal Chairwoman Leslie Dominguez Rodriguez.  I am immensely troubled by some of the revelations about Ms. Dominguez Rodriguez’s behavior and, as a lifelong agent of change who has made ethical governance a priority, I am disappointed that this kind of fraud occurred in our city.  Among other revelations, the judge said that vulnerable elderly and disabled voters were ‘taken advantage of by an individual [Ms. Dominguez Rodriguez] who had a direct  personal interest in this election and so either used her influence over these residents or took advantage of their waning competence.’  The judge called Ms. Dominguez Rodriguez’s behavior ‘shameful’ and I fully agree.

“As a result, I am calling on Leslie Dominguez Rodriguez to resign immediately as the Democratic municipal chair.  As a lifelong Democrat, I am appalled that someone who has engaged in voter fraud is the leader of our Party.  This is not what our party stands for and this is not the kind of person who should be representing thousands of ethical Democrats across Perth Amboy.  In addition, every single sitting member of the Perth Amboy council; Council President Lisa Nanton, Councilman Fernando Irizarry, Councilman Joel Pabon and Councilman Bill Petrick – good Democrats all – join me in calling for Ms. Dominguez Rodriguez’s resignation, effective immediately.”