Bill Petrick is sworn in as Council President by City Clerk Victoria Kupsch

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By: Katherine Massopust

PERTH AMBOY – Master of Ceremonies Randy Convery welcomed everyone to the YMCA auditorium in the Public Safety Complex for the Inauguration Ceremony of the newly elected and reelected City Council Members. The Perth Amboy Fire Department Honor Guard gave the Presentation of Colors. Perth Amboy Firefighter Javier Cruz sang the national anthem. The Invocation was given by Pastor Ehi Oboh of the Perth Amboy Police & Fire Chaplain Corps.

The election results were given by City Clerk Victoria Kupsch. The results of the November 6, 2018 election were as follows:

Joel Pabon – 4,924 votes; 

Milady Tejeda – 4,512 votes; William Petrick – 4,244 votes.

After the elected Council Members were sworn in, each of them gave some remarks.

Councilman Joel Pabon went first. He thanked everyone present. “The last few years, the numbers (of voters) have increased tremendously, especially that day (election day) it poured. The numbers spoke for ourselves. There are no losers. Those of you who have tried it (running for office) know. We walked the entire City. We were out there almost every single day. A special thanks to Lisa Nanton, Renee Skelton, Jose Espela, Nilda Rivera, and Judge Pedro Jimenez.” Pabon then mentioned Master of Ceremonies Randy Convery, “We have a lot of good young people in the City. My phone is on 24/7. No question is a dumb one. I thank each and every one of you. It was a lot of hard work done out there. Let’s move the City forward.”

Councilman William Petrick spoke next, “A thank you to my wife and children. Thank you, Lisa Nanton, Fernando Gonzalez, and Nilda Rivera who volunteered her time, the Caba family, Bob and Barbara Sottilaro, and former Council Members. I’d also like to thank local Democratic and Republican Party and Independent Voters. We look forward to the next four years.”

Councilwoman Milady Tejeda spoke next, “I want to thank everyone of you and everyone who took time to come here today. I’m here to be a part of a team. It’s a team that works together to make what we promise to take the people while campaigning. We will hold to our promises and make sure everyone out there knows who we are. This is a City of different races. We have to make decisions not only for one, but for everyone. Thank you for everyone who cast a vote. Thank you, Perth Amboy! I love you!

Mayor Wilda Diaz congratulated the Council Members. “You have been residents of our community for years. I believe difference of opinion is an opportunity to learning.” Diaz then addressed Tejeda, “I’m grateful for your message. Councilwoman Milady Tejeda is the first Latina in 40 years to serve as Councilwoman. There are many milestones.” Diaz then continued, “I want to thank Fernando Gonzalez for serving as Councilman. There’s so much that still has to be done. Our constituents trust us to meet their needs. There’s still much ahead we can’t do without working together. We have to work together through difficult times. I trust you all understand we are a blessed community. There is a lot of work and so much to be done. May God bless you and the City of Perth Amboy. I look forward to working with you.”

Resident Dorothy Carty-Daniel then came to the podium and sang the Lord’s Prayer. The Benediction was given by Pastor Ehi Oboh of the Perth Amboy Police & Fire Chaplain Corps.

A brief reorganization meeting was held after the ceremony. William Petrick was voted unanimously as the President of the City Council. 

During the first public portion, Resident Ken Balut spoke, “There’s a new Council, new beginnings for Perth Amboy. What about the $4 million Kushner owes us? He can’t build a road in Perth Amboy, but he has built parking garages in Long Branch. It’s amazing how he (Kushner) has gotten away with this. We’re second class citizens. It’s disgusting. It’s about time we did something and doing what we have to do to finish.”

During the main part of the Council Meeting, the Council voted on an amended meeting schedule. 

During the second public portion, Resident Stanley Sierakowski stated, “When you see the Board of Education on TV, it has the date and says: “Board of Education” on a strip on the bottom. When I see the Council Meeting on TV, it doesn’t say what it is. You should instruct everyone who does it (the taping) to do it.”

Sierakowski then changed the subject, “The Attorney General of New Jersey says he is going to look back 20-30 or more years. The state didn’t follow through with settlements. For instance, the Anchor Marine settlement – High and Washington.  He is going after all the cases. Someone should contact the Attorney General. If anyone put it in a trust fund – was it used for remediation or diverted. Find out where the money went.”

When it came time for Council Comments, Councilman Helmin Caba spoke first. He congratulated the winners of the Council and Board of Education Election and to the citizens of Perth Amboy, “They paid attention to the election.” Caba then stated he hopes the trend of more voters coming out on election day continues. 

Councilman Fernando Irizarry thanked the public and those who ran in the election. He wished everyone had a happy holiday season.

Joel Pabon said, “Thank you.”

Milady Tejeda wished everyone a happy new year.

Council President Bill Petrick thanked everyone for the amazing turnout.