PRESS RELEASE
Perth Amboy, N.J. – Perth Amboy streets were once again littered with gunfire early Sunday morning at the corner of Madison and Jefferson Street. For the sixth time in less than one-month, active gunfire and stabbings were reported to the Perth Amboy Police Department with at least one fatality.

“As disturbing as it is to know that Perth Amboy streets were littered with gunfire, it’s even more concerning that the Mayor, who also serves as Police Director with the City Council’s consent, has yet to acknowledge or disclose this information to City residents. Instead, she continues with her political charades including claiming that Perth Amboy has never been safer. Politics will not solve Perth Amboy’s problems of violent crime, qualifications and actual governance will,” stated Joseph B. Vas.

In a recent video posted by Diaz, Police Director/Mayor Diaz and Chief McKeon advised residents that the recent surge in crime is due to the upcoming election.

“Diaz, Chief McKeon, and the City Council have all neglected their duties. The current Council members, including the three (3) now running for Mayor, confirmed her appointment as Police Director knowing full well Diaz has absolutely no police experience and lacks the very basic qualifications required. They are equally complicit as they have an obligation to hold Diaz accountable in the same manner that every department director is. They must demand that she appear at the next City Council meeting and explain what is being done to prevent and solve such crimes. To do anything short threatens the health and safety of our entire community” added Vas emphatically.

“Residents and businessowners have real concerns about their everyday safety. They want to know why her campaign manager was promoted to the position of Captain when there is a certified civil service list of qualified and eligible candidates and he is not on the current list. They are tired of politics as usual and believe it’s wrong to involve police officers in the Mayor’s political campaign. It’s now abundantly clear that Diaz’s and the Council’s failure to enforce quality of life violations for years is now fueling the rise of violent crimes and must stop before it is completely out of control,” stressed Vas.

Police officers reported to Madison Avenue and Jefferson Street to find more than thirty (30) spent bullet casings. More bullet casings were found nearby at the corner of New Street and New Brunswick Ave where it appears the shoot out and car chase may have begun.

“A Vas administration will make safety an absolute top priority. I will update the police accreditation, remove politics from the police department, appoint a qualified police professional as police director, and provide complete and total transparency to the residents of Perth Amboy. A Mayor’s most important responsible is to protect the health and safety of its residents. Politics has no place in the police department,” exclaimed Vas.