Press Release

PERTH AMBOY – Four out of five of Perth Amboy’s current city councilpersons have decided that eight years is enough. Councilman Fernando Gonzalez who had initially positioned himself for a Mayoral run, Councilman William A. Petrick, and Councilwoman Lisa Nanton have all decided to unify and support fellow Councilman Joel Pabon for Mayor in the November 2016 election. They collectively believe that Joel Pabon can provide the leadership that Perth Amboy needs going forward.

Councilman Gonzalez states, “Joel Pabon has strong ties to the community, common sense, experience and a real understanding of government.” Gonzalez believes that these attributes coupled with a genuine concern for the community will bring “Real Leadership for Perth Amboy.” Gonzalez adds, “It is unfortunate that during Diaz’s eight years as Mayor, Perth Amboy has remained stagnant.”

Councilman Joel Pabon is very well known and respected in Perth Amboy. Pabon is a graduate of the Perth Amboy High School Class of 1977 and is a Veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired as a First Sergeant after 23 years of service and has received numerous military honors. He has been employed by the United State Postal Service for nearly 31 years and is a member of the National Association of Postal Workers (NAPS).

Pabon is also a former City Council President and has extensive experience with municipal government. He is currently serving his second term on City Council, where he received the highest number of votes in 2014. He was also an elected member of the Perth Amboy Board of Education from 2000 to 2009. In addition to his many years of experience as an elected official, Pabon is the Commissioner of the Redevelopment Agency, a Trustee at the Propriety House, and a member of both the Municipal Alliance and Recreation Advisory Committee. He has been a past president and coach for the Perth Amboy Little League and Perth Amboy Adult Softball Leagues.

“I can always rely on Joel to say what he means and mean what he says. Joel Pabon has the potential to be Perth Amboy’s greatest mayor, because he is open, honest and willing to put people first,” says Council President Lisa Nanton. Diaz’s 2012 running mate has also endorsed Joel Pabon, as she is concerned that the Mayor’s lack of leadership has failed to move Perth Amboy forward. Nanton notes that, “The Mayor has failed to communicate with the council and involve them in important decisions that require a full team effort.”

Councilman William A. Petrick is also excited to support Pabon for Mayor. “Joel has an impressive capacity for breaking down complex issues,” says Petrick. “Joel’s willingness to do whatever it takes to get the task done is unmatched.” according to Petrick. He believes that Pabon is a genuine community activist who will bring enthusiasm, rigor, and creativity to City Hall.

In 2008, when Mayor Wilda Diaz was sworn in for her first term, she promised in her inaugural speech that she would set a term limit of eight years for herself and future Mayors. However, recently she broke that promise and announced her decision to run for a third term. All four Councilpersons have been past running mates and supporters of Diaz. They have all made efforts to work with the Mayor for a better Perth Amboy. They have concluded however, that what Perth Amboy needs is “Real Leadership” and not a third term from the incumbent. Gonzalez, Nanton and Petrick have come together to support Joel Pabon for Mayor in November 2016.

For more information about “Real Leadership for Perth Amboy”, contact the campaign managers, Daniel F. Gonzalez, Esq. or Lisa Nanton at RealLeaderShipforPA@gmail.com.