By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – The Mayor’s Chief of Staff Lissette Martinez opened the ceremony up by thanking a lengthy list of politicians, organizations and boards at the 2015 State of the City. She then introduced Dr. Sandrie Serrano Bermudez of the Hand Foundation. Dr. Serrano is First Lady of Vineland, New Jersey, where her husband, Ruben Bermudez is Mayor. Dr. Serrano is also a motivational speaker and life coach.

She began her speech, “What a privilege and honor it is. Vision without action is simply an illusion.” She referred to Mayor Diaz as, “A woman of great value – a transcending woman that’s had a remarkable run. She created an open and honest government (in Perth Amboy). She is inspiring and a go-getter. Everyone grows. She is a woman who takes action – a transcending vision. She took an unwavering stance to stabilize the inherited debt of $250 million. Her administration established a capital improvement project. She saved the community from near bankruptcy. You fight the good fight. You brought in industry where companies have $600 million invested in Perth Amboy through process and progress. That’s something serious and amazing to see. She is the first woman elected Mayor of the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association (NJUMA).”

Dr. Serrano continued, “20 years ago, Mayor Diaz started out as a bank teller. She started from the ground and worked her way up. She graduated from Perth Amboy High School in 1983. A dedicated activist, she was on the board of the Jewish Renaissance Foundation. She was featured in Real Simple Magazine as the Accidental Mayor. She was inducted to the Perth Amboy High School Hall of Fame.”

Mayor Diaz then came up to speak and gave Dr. Serrano a round of applause. Diaz  thanked everyone. She then mentioned Richard Pryce and Daethyn J. Nelson who both lost their lives recently. “They continue to be an inspiration to the leaders of tomorrow.”

Diaz continued, “In the closing of 2014 Moody’s recognized the City’s financial rating has increased to A3. It’s the 3rd credit upgrade we’ve had in the past 3 years. We are in a healthy financial position. It is my duty to provide vital services. It took years to repair the financial mess we inherited. We were recently able to refinance $200 million off our debt.  We have reduced our overall debt. I am happy to announce in 2015 there will be no tax increase.”

Mayor Diaz continued, “The Waterfront will be completed this summer. We have a quarter million dollar grant for revamping the beachfront and $17.1 million we reached a half million in federal funding for waterfront improvements. There will be improved restrooms and volleyball courts and 3.5 basketball courts by Wilentz School. The Second Street Park Project will be Six Acres on the former Goldberg Property. It will be a place for families to visit, relax and play.”

“The future dog park will have a play area for small and large dogs. There will be ample parking and a picnic area for families. We are the hidden gem of New Jersey. Perth Amboy is on the move. My administration will not burden your children’s future. Buckeye has invested $250 million in property improvements.” Mayor Diaz listed the new industrial companies who have invested in Perth Amboy. She continued to speak about the redevelopment of our Train Station. “NJ transit has invested $9.6 million for improvements and $50 million to complete increasing transit ridership.”

Diaz stated, “Perth Amboy was rated 33 out of 40 best commuting communities.”

“The Hobart Street mixed use project will have 36 residential apartments. On Convery Boulevard there are 15 acres of 70 units of family housing. I am proud to announce that is the new home for PAHS students with a new High School. The most important investment is our future.” Diaz went on to mention a grant for bicycling from NJDOT and a Cognitive Improvement Program that will replace outdated City equipment. “There will be a new City website with a City Calendar of Community Events which you can access on a computer, tablet or smart phone.”

Diaz went on to thank the Fire and Police Departments. “There is a 20% decrease of fires in Perth Amboy. There are 20 new Volunteer Firefighters. I also wish to thank all the First Responders.” She thanked the Police Chaplain Corps for their support. She thanked those who helped get fencing on the Victory Bridge.

She mentioned the literacy program that will take place this summer and a new adult community theater. The Art Council will have their first show on Memorial Day Weekend.

She enthusiastically announced the Fireworks Spectacular which will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2015 in conjunction with South Amboy and Staten Island. She thanked Mayor James Otto of Staten Island and Fred Henry of South Amboy.

Diaz spoke about the recent November 2014 election. There will be an election on Tuesday, May 12, 2015  which will determine the last council seat.

“There is so much ahead of us.” Diaz concluded,