There was a big discussion at the 2/13/19 Council Meeting regarding the late-starter resolution (R-95) to recommend appointing a new police chief.
First of all, it should not have been on the agenda since the last police chief (Benny Ruiz) is appealing the termination of his position by the City of Perth Amboy. Like Yogi Berra said, “It’s not over ‘til it’s over!” A ruling on this decision by a judge should take place in around 40-45 days to determine if Ruiz was terminated justifiably. If the judge decides in Ruiz’s favor, he can get his backpay and waltz right back into his job. This should not have even been brought up for discussion.
If there are certain appointments that a mayor makes that really doesn’t need an approval by the Council, why even bother putting it on the agenda if it’s a moot point. Councilman Joel Pabon said on the meeting on the Feb. 13th Meeting, that he has gotten along and had cooperation with all three individuals (Ruiz, Cattano, Roman). Pabon also stated that no matter who comes into the position of police chief, we are going have to work with them. So, I say end of story.
Now, moving right along, I am so tired of when a person is appointed or elected to a position, whether it be on the Council, Board of Education, or an administrative position that their ethnicity or their gender has to be touted. As long as the person has the qualifications, is a citizen and works for all of their constituents, that’s all that should matter.
People are fond of saying, “Oh, my God, there’s someone in a high position and now I can be just like him or her (President or Governor or any other high office).
That’s very nice, but you have to be own motivator. Somebody had to be the first at something. Just make it your mind-set and say: “Hey, it could be me!” You don’t need someone in a certain position who looks like you to achieve.
Sometimes just by the way you live your life, you probably are a role model to somebody else and didn’t even know it. There were many businesses that were successful and were owned by minorities before there were any minority mayors in Perth Amboy. They just went for it. They didn’t say, “Oh, my God there’s no one who looks like me in the mayor’s office and I can’t be successful.” Kudos to those who didn’t wait for someone else to look like them to achieve a higher office to be successful.
There is a reason why WWII produced the Greatest Generation of which I’m proud to say my father and some of my older relatives were a part. They didn’t let opportunities pass them by and they didn’t blame others for their woes. They just put their nose to the grindstone and carried on. Like I’ve said before my father did not go to high school. Once he got out of the service, he went to a trade school to learn to become a mechanic. He and my mom raised ten children and had three successful businesses. My mom was an equal partner with my dad and kept all the books for the taxi business, and when the need arose, even drove the cab.
My father’s reading material every day consisted of the bible and daily newspaper. My father could hold a conversation with everyone, and people often asked which college he attended. So, this just goes to show you with determination, a thirst for learning, and how you view the world and how you treat others can be your best contribution. C.M.
