Richard Piatkowski and Bill George often drew sighs and groans as they approached officials with probing questions in their effort to uncover corruption that eventually helped end political dynasties.
Today’s government watchdogs – the modern day equivalent of Richard Piatkowski and Bill George – are described as “gadflies,” when in fact they are the good guys. They meticulously research and dare to comment about the goings on in City Hall. All to the end of simply attempting to make residents aware of the critical issues in our City.
Most people stay home, some complain to their neighbors, only a few keep returning to Caucus and Council meetings to ensure accountability in City Hall. Instead of being critical of these volunteer/community activists, we need to applaud their effort to keep our city government transparent and honest. Certainly our experience with our City government in the past has taught us about corruption.
Unfortunately, like some of her predecessors, Mayor Wilda Diaz wants a rubber stamp city council, so she can get away with blatant lies, tax hikes and joyrides with police drivers. To this end, although she rarely attends council meetings, she actively supports candidates whom she refers to as the “Diaz Team.” She played a large role in securing $140,000 from powerbrokers in the November election, where less than 6,822 people voted! ! This is a big price to pay for a rubber stamp City Council. AII while her lawyer and accomplices attempted to suppress 530 votes and only succeeded in suppressing 13. Please do not forget that Mayor Diaz once terminated Sergio Diaz from his employment at City Hall due to his involvement in past corruption. Why is it that they are suddenly on the same “Diaz Team?” It begs many questions. Did you know that the firm that represented Sergio Diaz, Joel Pabon and Bill Petrick during the election received a $75,000 contract at the first council meeting after the election? Is this not corruption and a violation of pay to play?
Presently, by encouraging Sergio Diaz to challenge his loss by nine votes and seek a Special Election, she has given her support to spending over $75,000 worth of tax-payer dollars. She attempts to blame others, but it is through her blatant ignorance that she has lost control of City Hall. In 2008 she ran with Fernando Gonzalez and Kenny Balut, but soon lost their support when she continuously made the wrong decisions for our City and fell into the same pattern as those that came before her. If it were not for the real good guys like Kenny Balut, Alan Silber and others, the administration would go unchecked.
Fernando Gonzalez has given this city 40 years of public service. He has always been an active vocal resident, sometimes an elected official, and sometimes even a gadfly. His experience and record as a public servant speaks for itself. He is an honest and true community advocate, who wants nothing more than to better Perth Amboy.
Hopefully, Perth Amboy Voters, you can read between the lines Do not believe the ruthless political tactics and the negative spin of events that Mayor Diaz, Sergio Diaz and their minions effectuated by forcing this Special Election on May 12, 2015. They are attempting to control the media by maligning Fernando Gonzalez because they have nothing positive to say about their own candidate.
Getting back to the “gadflies”… those of you who honor the memory of Richie P. and Bill George, kiep doing what you do. Keeping City Hall honest and transparent is not an easy job!!!
– David Caba
