Press Release 3/30/17

PERTH AMBOY – Mayor Wilda Diaz responses to the decision that was declared by Superior Court Judge Francis, yesterday evening for the court case named: “MAYOR WILDA DIAZ VS. THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PERTH AMBOY.” The court ruled in Mayor Diaz’s favor.

The lawsuit is based upon the act of the city council exceeding the boundary of their legal authority, both under state statute and case law.

“After a long two years of an uncooperative council who has blocked our public policy initiatives for political reasons, the courts sided with the Mayor’s office affirming that the council was in violation of the Faulkner Act by attempting to run a shadow government.”

“The Judge ruled, that if injunctive relief was not granted, the council would continue to create a parallel government, undermining the office to the Mayor and deliberately undermining the public interest and the functions of the type government selected by the citizens of Perth Amboy.” said Mayor Wilda Diaz.

“I am thankful with Judge Francis’ decision in favor of Perth Amboy. Although the ‘city council’ was named in the lawsuit, the exception is Councilman Jelmin Caba, who voted against their illegal actions. My intention is to move past this and continue governing our City with integrity, as a united community. I encourage the Council to do the same.”

The Faulkner Act is the body of state statutes under which the government of the City of Perth Amboy is organized and operates. It sets forth the powers of the Mayor, the Executive Branch, and the bounds of the authority of the council, the Legislative branch.

For additional information about the City of Perth Amboy, please visit:  www.ci.perthamboy.nj.us.