Sensible Gun Control

A recent article mentioned “common sense gun legislation” as if there is a common definition of this concept. That phrase is an example of “begging the question”, an example of a dishonest argument. Some would say that the Second Amendment is “common sense gun legislation”. The purpose of the Bill of Rights was to preserve personal rights against an oppressive ruling class.

Banning “assault-style weapons” is nonsense. Plastic is used for its engineering advantages in place of wood just as in television sets and other electronic devices. “Background checks” is a concept, it hasn’t prevented murderers in the past. One even worked as an armed security guard. “Waiting periods” is a concept that is a sneaky way to prevent people from shopping at gun shows in areas where there isn’t enough business for a local full-time store. It also restricts competition in a free-market society.

From the 1940s through the 1960s local sporting goods stores sold firearms and ammunition. Their availability did not result in mass murders. There was a prosperous economy then. Did economic policies like NAFTA and the swindling of people create a toxic effect and unemployment?

The book “Mass Murders in the United States” by Grant Duwe tells about these just in the twentieth century. They are not a recent phenomenon. The book “Wisconsin Death Trip” tells about the murders in the 1890s, the worst economic depression of the nineteenth century.

Ronald A. Sobieraj

Thank You and Congratulations

Perth Amboy Democratic Chair Helmin Caba

On behalf of the Perth Amboy Democratic Organization, congratulations to all the successful candidates and also to the individuals that were not elected. Running for public office is not easy and takes a lot of courage, energy and sacrifice, so all of you are true winners.

We want to thank everyone that voted and participated in the political process. We are proud to announce that in Perth Amboy, we had a great voter turn-out despite the inclement weather.

The Perth Amboy Democratic Organization is making great strides in building a united, respectful and solid base for our future. Our successful meetings, events, campaign, and election is proof of it.

We must work together to ensure our voices are heard, so we can continue to celebrate victories in every election.

We are honored and blessed to be your Chairman and Vice-Chair and look forward to continue to serve you.

In Solidarity,

Helmin J. Caba

Chairman

Perth Amboy Democratic Organization

Iris Rodriguez

Vice-Chair

Perth Amboy Democratic Organization

What is the Mayor’s Agenda for the Perth Amboy School Board?

Now that Mayor Wilda Diaz has managed to obtain the majority on the School Board, after trying for many years, the public would like to know what her agenda is.

This past Tuesday, November 7th, after arduous campaigning, a great deal of money spent, parades, and a tsunami of robocalls, the Mayor has managed to get two more candidates elected to the School Board — Lisett Lebron, from the Housing Authority, and Jesus Martinez, giving her the majority on the School Board. Diaz’s frontrunner, Irving Lozada, lost to Milady Tejeda, presently the vice-president of the BOE. This gives the Mayor the majority of votes — 5 of 9.

In 2016, Diaz’s School Board slate won under her banner, with candidate Randy Convery, BID Perth Amboy City employee, Junior Iglesia, 5 time runner for BOE. Tashi Vasquez, former employee of Jewish Renaissance, was hired soon after the election by Mayor Diaz, and given the title of Deputy Department Head in the Department of Human Services Housing Office. What other BOE candidates will be lured in by City Hall?

The Perth Amboy Board of Education’s budget consists of $330 million. What are we to expect from the new regime? Replacing the Superintendent Dr. David A. Roman, if he doesn’t play along? There are also lucrative contracts, such as the one currently held by the Machado Law Group — will it soon be replaced and given to the Mayor’s City attorneys, DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP.? Will the non-union employees be losing their jobs and be replaced with those on Wilda’s list? What will be built under the auspices of “doing it for the Children?” How will the coming redistribution of funds really benefit them?

I believe the Mayor’s de facto control of the school budget is a major conflict of interest.

Although Mayor Diaz’s 5-member majority is now controlling the School Board, there are a great many more people on the other side. We will remain vigilant as to what happens in the coming year.

— Virginia Lugo