1.) ILLEGAL HOUSING – Perth Amboy has a huge problem with illegal housing. What is your solution?

Fernando Irizarry – The issue is not about illegal converted housing, referred to as illegal housing.  Perth Amboy has housing units that are crowded because of a lack of affordable housing options.  A solution is a town wide housing evaluation to insure we have safe, affordable, and livable housing for all residents.

Joseph B. Vas – We need a qualified code enforcement official instead of Mayor Wilda Diaz’s political pal who lacks all qualification. Someone who was unqualified for a secretarial position in City Hall is surely not ready to run a major department. While we must address such past problems as illegal conversions and code violations, the city’s mandate to provide affordable housing requires that we move carefully.

Wilda Diaz – As an urban city, we enjoy the perks of being a close-knit family. We enjoy our shopping district, great restaurants, walkability, it’s a HUB for businesses, we’re multi-lingual and we have the convenience of traveling practically anywhere within minutes. However, by definition an urban city has a dense population in one area. These perks also come with realities, like many other urban cities, such as concerns with congestion, parking, housing and overcrowding.

I initiated a Housing Study to gather true data and gather best practices from other urban cities throughout the State on how they were managing their growth.  

This comprehensive study will also try to provide a response to aid renters, while supporting the City’s management goals.  The plan includes: 

1. Recommendations on providing reasonable housing opportunities for those in need, by revisiting our rent control ordinance, including what is called a “set-aside.” This means that when there are residential developments, it would require the developer to set-aside a percentage for under-market value rentals. 

2. A Development Fee Ordinance, this would allow for the city to set aside up to 2% of the assessed property value of all new residential/non-residential developments, strictly to be used to respond to housing concerns, specifically rehabilitation. 

3. Updating our existing Renter’s Registration ordinance, to include our property registration requirements that would implement new procedures, including an annual inspection and a certificate of habitability. 

4. Implementing these new registration requirements, would generate income for the municipality, allowing us to hire more housing inspectors to proactively address all the components of housing concerns brought on by our population growth over the last ten years.

Clean, safe, affordable housing is an ongoing priority of my Administration. COVID-19 have added another dimension to the Housing dilemma for all urban Municipalities in NJ.  My Administration is looking to   seek the possibility of lowing the current cap of the five percent rental increase to a two and a half percent increase. To ease the financial burden to renters and those looking for safe and affordable housing.  My Administration responds proactively to ever concern regarding housing and building issues. Through Education to residents and landlords my Administration seeks to ensure the laws and compliance codes are followed for housing and apartments which is a constant goal that My Administration seeks to achieve. 

Helmin Caba – Affordable housing remains in short supply not only in the City of Perth Amboy, but also across the State of New Jersey. As Mayor, I will work to not only address our affordable housing shortage, but to also ensure the safety of residents in their dwellings. The Department of Code Enforcement exists to preserve and protect the various city ordinances to make sure our residents are safe in their homes.

Joel Pabon – Illegal housing jeopardizes the health and safety of our City residents.

Unfortunately, illegal housing has consistently increased in the past 12 years. This may be due to affordability issues, lack of enforcement, and no accountability. First, we need to review our existing ordinances, as it relates to fines, and fees for illegal housing. Residents should have the right to register as tenants, or have landlords register their tenants. This creates a registry for the safety of our residents in the case of fire and rescue. Our code enforcement will need to be evaluated and we need to update our technology and customer service as it relates to anonymous reporting of illegal housing. A tenant’s board will be fully appointed under my administration to help address rent increases. Finally, we must revisit and address the issues provided by a Rutgers assessment before visiting any further redevelopment projects.

2.) PARKING – Parking is a major problem in town. What is your solution?

Fernando Irizarry – Parking has always been a challenge in Perth Amboy.  Residents need to be encouraged to respect their neighbors and obey the laws of Perth Amboy.  When parking laws are ignored, safety takes a back seat.

Joseph B. Vas – There is a limit to what can be done after over development occurs, but we can make provisions for homeowners to build driveways and backyard parking areas without the ordinary time and expense involved. Creative leadership and a willingness to accept fresh ideas like resident parking stickers are important but the first step in solving a problem is recognizing that it exists. I won’t ignore the need for more parking.

Wilda Diaz – For the past 12 years my administration has been addressing this issue with new developers. As we continue to develop the city, we hold the developers accountable to ensure that ever project have sufficient parking for residents and employee parking for business establishments. 

This year, for the first time, we are introducing contactless parking payments. The Park Mobile app will be available at more than 700 metered on-street spaces and in off-street municipal lots throughout the city. Last year, the Perth Amboy Parking Utility replaced the use of single meters for smart pay stations throughout the entire length of Smith Street, State Street and the Hospital Zone. 

Additionally, we are the only city in the area that offers FREE residential permit parking to accommodate our families that live near the business and hospital district. 

We also encourage “green” solutions as alternative means of transportation, last year we installed bike racks in several parks and public spaces to support non-vehicular travel. 

Throughout the past several years, the Perth Amboy Parking Utility has improved the Jefferson Street Parking Deck, repaved several municipal parking lots and will continuing allocating funding for future improvements to the downtown district with plans to develop a second parking deck near the train station. 

Their efforts continue in capital improvements, convenience and most importantly safety. We have made great efforts to support and promote our small businesses in the shopping areas and these capital improvements, creating safety and convenience, while offering the lowest meter rate in the State of New Jersey. 

Helmin Caba – The lack of parking in the City of Perth Amboy has been a long-standing issue facing the city’s residents. Not only do our parking concerns cause issues of convenience, but they also hurt local businesses, our economic prospects and decrease the overall quality of life for our residents. Addressing parking concerns requires the city to begin ongoing coordination and cooperation among businesses, residents and city departments to address parking needs in a collaborative manner. 

If elected, I would address parking concerns with a three-pronged approach. First, I would conduct a comprehensive analysis of Perth Amboy’s parking inventory, parking related ordinances and overall traffic study to determine the opportunity for immediate enhancements. Second, I would consider the implementation of mixed-use parking sites, shuttle services to key locations throughout the City and residential parking permit ordinances to make parking spaces more readily available. Finally, in the long-term, I would work to locate new sites for ample parking lots, improve parking information for residents/visitors and promote parking policies that support walking, cycling and public transportation use. Additionally, I believe Perth Amboy should move towards 21st century parking solutions mainly using intelligent parking systems. To continue monitoring our parking concerns, I would also form a Parking/Traffic Management Sub-Committee composed of community members and City Departments such as Police, Public Works and Transportation. 

Joel Pabon – Improving Traffic Flow & Parking has always been one of my goals to fix since I ran for Mayor in 2016. My administration would analyze current Traffic Trends throughout the city, enforce existing traffic laws, and implement a Smarter Perth Amboy Transport plan. Part of that plan would also include a reevaluation and extension of Resident Only Parking Zones.

3.) ECONOMIC GROWTH – What are your plans to help the city’s economy?

Fernando Irizarry – First, I will encourage developers to invest in the environmental cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields, which, in effect, are abandoned properties. They “diminish the value of neighboring properties and have a negative effect on the quality of life of adjacent property owners. Secondly, I will ensure that investments and reforms that improve the education system are made to make it more attractive to the urban middle class. A healthy middle class will increase the financial resources that the city will need to provide and improve the services it provides. Thirdly, I will partner with federal and state representatives to implement policies that will support low wage earners. Such policies will increase the resources that these earners could use to strengthen the local economy.

Joseph B. Vas – My economic vision reflects a substantial understanding of the complex issues involved with appropriate development standards. Not only is Perth Amboy at a severe disadvantage due to 12 years of ineptitude and indifference, but the world is facing an economic crisis on par with the Great Depression. America must take a page from the book of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and prime the pump with massive investments in public works that create employment opportunities. Transitioning to clean renewable energy and eliminating environmental hazards will create enough jobs that our people will be able to eat, afford housing, and maintain a decent standard of living but it is going to require national leadership to accomplish that.

Locally, we can clean up the downtown, improve our roads and sidewalks, improve drinking water quality and repair our wastewater disposal systems to make the city more attractive to all investors. From people who buy homes here to those who build factories and warehousing or retail stores, making Perth Amboy safe and clean is a major selling point that has been ignored. A Vas administration will make Perth Amboy’s location, highway access, waterfront community even more attractive to investors.

Wilda Diaz – We are working towards a sustainable economy. Economic development creates a balance for our society between social, human and manufactured capital—building an overall better standard of living. 

In other words, new businesses generate a cycle of growth—

• beautifying areas in our city that had been vacant for decades,

• adding millions of dollars to our tax base,

• creating hundreds of jobs,

• having their employees reinvest in our small businesses, in our housing

• And FINALLY refueling a stagnant economy!

• Economic Development has been one of my largest platforms and we have executed successful plans in the areas of business promotion, redevelopment, employment, infrastructure improvements, environmental sustainability, creating open space and new park facilities, community and social services and capitalizing on Perth Amboy’s industry, geographic location, natural resources. We have developed over 500 acres of brownfields into thriving industries that have created hundreds of competitive wage employment opportunities for our residents and equally as important retable’s. 

In fact, nearly $1 billion have been invested in redevelopment projects in the past 12 years.  

Trends show a demand for urban markets like Perth Amboy where there is easy accessibility, an available workforce, cultural anchors, and available opportunities for growth.

Helmin Caba – My three-part plan to jump start Perth Amboy’s local economy is based on innovation, education and revitalization. 

Innovate – Over the course of twelve years, the City of Perth Amboy has become a community whose commercial identity is limited to warehouses and industrial facilities. While some of these sectors provide jobs to our residents, I believe our local economy would benefit from an approach focused on innovation and 21st century jobs. To further enhance this goal, I will work hard to ensure that future businesses considering Perth Amboy are providing high paying jobs for residents and are engaged in businesses that have a long-term trajectory. 

Educate – A strong middle-class is the foundation for economic prosperity and growing the wages of our urban middle-class can only happen through educational initiatives. As Mayor, I will work to identify apprenticeships for our students with manufacturers and unions. Additionally, I will work to build upon the successes our school district has achieved to hold our schools accountable for providing students with opportunities to access college or additional vocational career paths. For parents and adults, I will also work to create programs that provide opportunities to augment the educational attainment of all our residents so they, too, can benefit from these initiatives. Education, in many ways, spells economic success and I believe this strategy will yield incredible results. 

Revitalize – For far too long, Perth Amboy has overlooked its best assets, the city’s incredible waterfront and rich historical significance. Communities across the nation have made economic gains by developing niche districts and I believe that Perth Amboy has the same opportunity. Working in concert with local businesses and leveraging State and Federal dollars, I will work to create a historic district, art district and other districts of interest to spur tourism and hopefully increase patronage in businesses throughout the city. These revitalization efforts will change the identity of Perth Amboy to reinvigorate the local economy, attracting new development and investment opportunities. 

Joel Pabon – Improving rateables will help alleviate the tax burden our home owners carry. Perth Amboy is logistically located in an ideal part of NJ to attract other companies besides developers or warehouses. My administration will Implement and adopt a Sustainable Growth Strategy & Plan in the first 100 days in office. Reducing the “red tape” for Small business to do business in Perth Amboy will help turnaround our small business districts as well as creating “opportunity” zones to help foster entrepreneurship. We must also start conversations with companies to see which companies would be a “good fit” for  Perth Amboy considering we have a lot to offer, especially a robust and diverse labor force.

4.) QUALITY OF LIFE/PUBLIC SAFETY – What do you view are the most serious quality of life and public safety issues? What is your solution?

Fernando Irizarry – Our most serious quality of life issue is overcrowding in rental apartments. Landlords are not invested in the well-being of the community they should be encouraged to make long-term investments in the condition and upkeep of their rental properties. Unsafe properties need to be addressed by the courts.

Joseph B. Vas – Perth Amboy is among the cities hardest hit by COVID-19. The death toll is tragic and there has not been enough done to save lives. The recent surge in violent crime reveals that 64 percent of the offenders here are never brought to justice. Our polluted drinking water is a serious health risk, since there are 25 cancer-causing chemicals coming out of the tap. These are all serious health risks but they share one common cause: neglect. The people running City Hall do not care about residents who live in Perth Amboy. If they did, things would never have gotten so far out of control.

Wilda Diaz – The pandemic is the greatest threat to the health, wellbeing and quality of life of our community, and on a global level in the past 100 years, disproportionally affecting urban cities. As a result, it has been my number public safety concern. 

Urban cities are hit the hardest. Perth Amboy has seen over 2,644 positive cases, and 137 deaths, the greatest number of deaths due to a single cause in the history of our City, within a six-month timeframe. 

It has also caused economic instability! Most importantly, it has directly impacted the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of our families and children. 

My response to COVID-19 is to offer my office and the Administration to secure families within Perth Amboy with information and resources to sustain during the crisis. Our efforts include:

• Office of Emergency Management planning meetings with community leaders,

• PPE distributions,

• Seeking public and private funding for corona response activities,

• Creating a Small Business grants, business support and outreach, 

• Daily public communications ensuring the residents are educated on safety and resources,

• Electronic signage throughout town notifying residents that masks are required and to social distance and,

• distributing over 200,000 meals and distributing food resources to our family’s through-out Perth Amboy.

The most pressings issues of My Administration is to provide safety and work to secure a good health during each national and or medical disaster that has and is now hitting Perth Amboy. 

Helmin Caba – The prevention of criminal activity and the cleanliness of our community are the most serious quality of life and public safety issues facing Perth Amboy residents. While Perth Amboy is a relatively safe community and residents are not buying into the politicized statements on crime during this election, I do believe we need to operate a community policing model. An active presence of police monitoring their community and working together with residents has a dramatic impact on crime and increases overall public safety. Moreover, I subscribe to the “broken window theory” suggesting that visible signs of disorder incentivize and encourage further crime and disorder. The cleanliness of our overall community is inconsistent at best and at worst has been completely ignored by this Administration. Across town you will find streets filled with litter, overflowing trash bins and the constant presence of debris. I know our Department of public works employees work hard to address these issues; however, we need to increase maintenance activity to ensure that our community is pristine. A clean and safe community is a quality community and if elected I will work hard to ensure that the quality of all Perth Amboy residents is enhanced.

Joel Pabon – Good Policy, Planning & Enforcement is critical to helping improve the quality of life in our town and public safety. Our administration is committed to the following:

• Review Existing Ordinances for its Effectiveness, Enforcement & Accountability

• Evaluate Police Resources to Strategically Deploy Police Presence in Much Needed

Areas.

• Reactivate Walking Beats for Police Presence in the Downtown District and Other Business areas of our Town

5.) ABANDONED PROPERTIES – What is your solution?

Fernando Irizarry – Abandoned properties “diminish the value of neighboring properties and have a negative effect on the quality of life of adjacent residents and property owners. They also discourage neighborhood stability and revitalization.” The City Council adopted an abandoned property list ordinance in April of 2015. The ordinance allows the “city to use the powers granted to local governments under the laws of the State of New Jersey to address the conditions created by these properties.” (City code: Chapter 125) As mayor I will ensure that this ordinance is enforced to its fullest extent and that the list is updated regularly.

Joseph B. Vas – Municipalities have the authority to seize abandoned real estate, under the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act and we should not be afraid to use any tools for transforming abandoned or blighted property from liabilities to assets. We can also utilize the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency to maximize the benefits of abandoned properties or underutilized properties.

When it comes to such drastic action, we are talking about measures beyond code enforcement. This has serious implications and the city must be vigilant to work with homeowners as much as possible, to help them get back on their feet before executing eminent domain. However, zombie foreclosures and true abandoned properties will no longer be ignored once I am mayor.

Wilda Diaz – We have made an aggressive effort to redevelop underutilized/abandoned property city-wide. In the past several years we redeveloped over 500 acres of land, beautifying and utilizing what otherwise would have vacant and contaminated. 

Furthermore, the City Administration currently have a working committee comprised of city Department Directors and high ranking staff members to address the issues of abandoned and foreclosed properties. This effort has led to a list and a registry of all abandoned and vacant properties throughout the City. 

Private property owners included banked owned properties, are required to keep abandoned and boarded up properties clean and secured.  Non- compliant property owners will be billed for any and all clean-up efforts conducted by the City. If they are absent or do not adhere to the communication sent to them by the Administration  

Helmin Caba – Abandoned properties drive down property values, create opportunities for crime and serve as a source of economic blight in our community. If elected Mayor, I will direct the Business Administrator to work with the Tax Assessor’s office to compile a comprehensive list of all abandoned lots throughout the town. Utilizing this list, the Tax Assessor will work to contact all property owners to ascertain the status of the property. Identified property owners will be directed to maintain their properties or face penalties from the Department of Code Enforcement. Should a property owner not be identified, I will direct city personnel to contact the pertinent authorities to declare the property as vacated so it can be purchased to be renovated and restored. I believe that Code Enforcement, the Tax Assessor’s Office and the Business Administrator must work in conjunction to ensure that our abandoned properties do not continue to deteriorate and that property owners understand the consequences of their actions on abandoned properties.

Joel Pabon – Strategically evaluate “Abandoned properties” to see if it meets our strategic open space strategy or other collaborative efforts to help improve and beautify our town.

6.) TERM LIMITS – Should term limits be imposed on every level of government?

Fernando Irizarry – My understanding is that the Supreme Court ruled against term limits for U.S. representatives and senators. The state of New Jersey limits the terms of the governor. I favor a three-term limit to the levels not mentioned above. This would increase voter turnout and allow the office holders to learn about policy and the complexities of government.

Joseph B. Vas – Term limits seem like a simple solution for a complex problem, so it may work out better if voters take more responsibility for holding elected officials accountable. Perth Amboy altered the mechanism for electing a mayor so that successful candidates must earn a majority. This is a smart example of democracy at work because we will no longer have to tolerate leadership imposed by a minority, such as when Wilda Diaz was re-elected with less than 50 percent on two occasions, including one where she got just 37 percent of the vote. 

Moreover, Wilda Diaz promised to amend the city charter to include term limits. She also promised in her first campaign that she would only serve two terms. If a candidate breaks their promises, voters really should not reward that behavior because it invites more lying and dishonesty.

Wilda Diaz – Term limits are determined by state legislation at every level of government.  In order to have a harmonious state-wide governmental process, local municipalities serve at the will of the voters.  I am extremely humbled that the voters of Perth Amboy accept my desire to see Perth Amboy as a vibrant City and my leadership has not taken the voters for granted.

We are, now, facing the greatest health and humanitarian crisis in at least a century. It is no secret that cities across America have been hit especially hard by the pandemic; first, because people in cites live in greater proximity to each other and second, our people do not have the kind of jobs they can do from their living room on a zoom call. They must go to their place of work and intermingle with numerous others, increasing their risk of exposure. 

We have been recognized as having one of the strongest pandemic responses in the state. Additionally, we have distributed of 200,000 meals and food supply packages. I cannot, in good conscience, leave in the middle of such a crisis, disrupting the constant organizing efforts needed to combat the pandemic

Helmin Caba – While term limits have been long argued as an easy way to improve government, they do not guarantee stronger governance. First, I believe in the fundamental right of the voters to choose their representatives and I take issue with a policy that automatically bars competent and effective elected officials from continuing to do good work; should the voters find their leadership effective. Additionally, I have learned as a Councilman that good governance is a learned skill and holding positions allows for opportunities to gain greater expertise and competency. In our Democracy, the voters should ultimately decide on their leaders and term limits interrupt that process. However, I must emphasize that every elected official must prove their leadership and effectiveness to the voters every single day. Complacency has no place in good governance, and I am committed to working hard for the City of Perth Amboy for as long as the voters will have me.

Joel Pabon – I would like to see Term Limits on City elected offices and am committed to forming a committee to investigate and develop a referendum for term limits.

7.) POLICE REPORTS/TRANSPARENCY – Do you believe that a Police Blotter should be instituted as it was in the past? How important is transparency in government?

Fernando Irizarry – Transparency is critical in government to ensure that public trust, the cornerstone of open government, is viable.  What I have learned is that a police blotter can be a two-edged sword. It can be used to inform the public about what is happening in our community, but it can also be used by political opponents to attack incumbents. It may be good for selling newspapers, but does it address the systemic issues of our communities?

Joseph B. Vas – Perth Amboy has suffered incredible harm as a result of police misconduct and action intended to cover up incompetence, but that is all a function of poor leadership and mismanagement. A police blotter and transparent reporting serves to strengthen journalism enlist the public in the fight against crime and instill more confidence in law enforcement. I will be an advocate who demands open discussion and transparency from all city departments, police being first among them. A city that serves the people should never fear to share with them the truth about what is going on, because citizens can understand and help much more than they are given credit. Elected officials work for the people so we should not keep secrets from the public.

Wilda Diaz – The concept of a police blotter was used years ago before social media when newspapers were the primary form of communication. Today we utilize online platforms such as Nixle and social media, to keep the community informed in real time. get information out at a moment’s notice to inform the public of traffic conditions, emergencies, health concerns, current scams, crime advisories public safety, advisories, emergency weather alert, etc. 

It is very important to understand that there are regulations and policies that accompany the work of investigations that prevent local police departments from releasing information to the public.  The majority of crimes that take place are not random in nature and with that in mind as long as the general public is not in immediate danger to protect the integrity of the investigation the prosecutor’s office will recommend it not be release pertinent sensitive information to protect the victim, and the integrity of the investigation until arrest have been made.

Transparency and truth in the facts are critical in running my Office and My Administration. I continue to stress transparency is the only way to solve critical issues that face transforming vibrant urban centers like Perth Amboy. 

Helmin Caba – I support the use of a police blotter as a tool to allow citizens to take more active roles in becoming stewards of their community. As a staunch advocate of community policing, I believe it is far better to prevent a crime rather than respond to it. Police blotters increase transparency in law enforcement operations and I also believe that transparency is essential to an effective government. When a government conceals its actions from their citizens, it becomes a breeding ground for corruption, mistrust and the misuse of public funds and taxpayer dollars. Just as community policing is contingent on trust, so is local government and I remain committed to leading a transparent administration so that residents understand fully the policies I implement and promote.

Joel Pabon – Transparency and communication is important. Official modes of updates are necessary to keep our residents safe. A police blotter would be informative to the residents; however, an experienced Police Director will help coordinate better communication efforts in conjunction with the City.

8.) EMPLOYMENT – What are your plans to attract businesses that will help employ the residents of Perth Amboy?

Fernando Irizarry – The city is in a business competition.   We need to model what our competitors (neighboring municipalities) are doing to attract businesses because if they see that their prospects are better somewhere else that is where they will go. The other issue that needs to be addressed is the perception that non-residents have about our city. Non-residents need to know that they will be safe when they come to our town to spend money.

Joseph B. Vas – I have a vision that includes rehabilitating our run down and decaying infrastructure, developing a transit village around the Perth Amboy Train Station (not just announcing that a rehab is coming soon), rebuilding our affordable housing market and using all the resources available to create a healthy employment picture. I also believe that a national effort is needed to transform to a clean energy economy, and I will urge our federal representatives to strive toward that goal. Since education is paramount for economic success, I will endeavor to work with school officials to ensure that every child in Perth Amboy emerges fully prepared for life in a 21st century economy. Too often, tax credits and abatements have been used poorly, but I would employ every tool in our arsenal to help stimulate job creation as long as there is a net gain for our city and instead of more wasteful corporate welfare.

Wilda Diaz – As New Jersey becomes the warehouse state Perth Amboy is becoming the ideal distribution hub for national companies and with that comes the creation of hundreds of employment opportunities for Perth Amboy residents. 

While Covid-19 had an immediate impact on our national workforce, my administration has worked tirelessly with economic development projects to help improve the unemployment rate for nearly 12 years—and among its lowest was 4.4 percent in June of 2019. 

Rest assure, that though we are now experiencing a high unemployment rate due to the pandemic, we are making every effort to employ our residents with business growth, securing over 1,500 employment opportunities among these project,

– Home Depot Logistics Center

– Gourmet Nut, 

– Perth Amboy Self Storage

– Target

– Metropolitan

– North American Aggregates

– The Real Real

– Home Depot

– An Urgent Care Facility 

Helmin Caba – Perth Amboy’s identity as a commercial warehouse hub was not created overnight and is demonstrative of a haphazard approach to business development and marketing. I believe that in order to attract businesses that offer residents high paying jobs, you must first begin with an inventory of unique assets including location, available property and proximity to transportation networks. This approach creates a foundation for strategic business marketing and smart economic development rather than impulsive and poorly planned marketing efforts that do a disservice for our residents. I believe Perth Amboy and its residents should be home to 21st century businesses that will stand the test of time and offer our residents the chance at higher wages and an overall improvement to their quality of life. The only way to achieve that goal is to understand what makes Perth Amboy unique and attractive to key business sectors and I am committed to a sensible approach to business development that will benefit the city and its residents for generations.

Joel Pabon – It is important to think outside the box as to which companies will help foster employment in Perth Amboy. While some companies have relocated to Perth Amboy, it is very important that companies see Perth Amboy as an investment and are committed to having the diversity of Perth Amboy as an asset. In addition, it is important to attract a diverse pool of companies. Under my leadership, our administration will work hard to attract other companies to Perth Amboy, whether it is a hotel, a bottling company, or a technology company. The key to helping attract such companies is rebranding and remarketing the historic strength of our town, the central location, and the diverse and able workforce.

9.) REDEVELOPMENT – What kind of redevelopment does Perth Amboy need to thrive?

Fernando Irizarry – The city needs to redevelop brownfields and attract information and technology companies. This type of redevelopment and companies would provide higher wage jobs that would strengthen the local economy.

Joseph B. Vas – First I believe redevelopment is an excellent tool to maximize the potential of a community, unlike the city council members who recently attempted to abolish PARA.

A Transit village would be a good use of our downtown area, and results in neighboring communities’ show that this approach works. A number of fundamental problems exist because problems have been allowed to pile up for 12 years, but if we address those impediments, the city can achieve massive redevelopment in areas such as the waterfront and 100-acre tract along the Raritan River, which was once a steel mill. Perth Amboy’s Office of Economic and Community Development, the Business Improvement District and the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency were once vital and effective instruments but in the last 12 years they have crippled by incompetence and neglect. I will put city government to work putting people back to work in our city. 

Wilda Diaz – Perth Amboy is working towards building a sustainable community and an overall better standard of living for all of its residents.  One of the greatest outcomes of redevelopment is the economic impact that it has on a community and this is a driving force when it comes to our quality of life! Economic growth that reinvigorates our downtowns, addressing the needs of our residents, while supplementing our limited government resources.

Helmin Caba – For the city to thrive, I believe we must focus on redevelopment that spurs economic growth and revitalization. Meaningful redevelopment would focus on developing the waterfront to become a premiere destination point in New Jersey; capitalize on Perth Amboy’s historic significance and vibrant downtown to develop a historic and arts district to attract a larger consumer market; promote open space development leveraging Perth Amboy’s beautiful parks and environment/marine habitat and establishing a framework to attract the strong industry that will provide high paying jobs for residents. Perth Amboy has all of the building blocks to be a premiere community in New Jersey and redevelopment must align with the economic future this community needs to achieve.

Joel Pabon – Our Downtown, Gateway & Waterfront needs enhancement. Under my leadership, our administration will Create Strategic Open Space Initiatives that Preserves the Character of our Town while also creating a Historic District, such as an “Old Perth Amboy” which would help preserve the skyline of our Waterfront and would help curb high- density housing in designated historic districts. We will Adopt a new focus plan which incorporates Revitalization of our Downtown District and Our Gateways, and strict parking plans would help our City move in a positive direction.

10.) PILOTS – Many companies/developers come here requesting PILOTs (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) for their projects. What is your position on this?

Fernando Irizarry – Many feel that PILOTs are unneeded. Before I ruled out a PILOT I looked at the math.  If it made good economic sense for the citizens of Perth Amboy, then I voted for it. We must remember that government is a business, and we are competing with numerous other municipalities.

Joseph B. Vas – Too many concessions, corporate bailouts and payoffs have been given out without demanding sufficient returns for taxpayers. PILOT programs are a tool that should be used in situations when they create opportunities that would not exist without them. Our incumbent Mayor and the current City Council members seem entirely unaware about how and when to use these tools for maximum effect. They have allowed taxpayers to be robbed and I will seek to claw back bad deals as well as make sure only wise agreements are made going forward.

Wilda Diaz – Equally as important, the redevelopment and financial agreements provide for best efforts by the redeveloper and their tenants to hire local individuals and union workers. This was one of our most awaited commitments.  The agreement mutually benefits the residents our local economy and provides an economic engine familiar to most urban centers through-out New Jersey.

Helmin Caba – Attracting commercial, residential and industrial development are priority areas for me. However, development efforts must not be realized on the backs of taxpayers. I understand the role of PILOTS in redevelopment efforts however, I believe that PILOTS must be used sparingly and if enacted, it must be negotiated so that the needs of the municipality are met and not sacrificed to accommodate the requests of the developer. In my opinion, PILOTS have been used as a crutch by this administration, resulting in the increased requests of developers and companies to seek tax abatement in Perth Amboy. Smart and incremental development does not have to rely on PILOTS, and I believe every strategy must be explored before a PILOT is considered for development and redevelopment opportunities.

Joel Pabon – PILOTs have in the past attracted developers who were able to clean up certain areas of Perth Amboy. However, at the same time it has negatively impacted our Rateables, and does not produce revenue to offset the tax burden of paying for our school district. Under my leadership, our administration, we would look at PILOTs on a case by case basis.

11.) CITY EMPLOYEES – How important is a city residency requirement for supervisory positions? When it comes to promotions, should in-house employees or city residents be considered first if qualified before everyone else?

Fernando Irizarry – Residents that are qualified for a position should always be considered first, but in the event, we don’t have a qualified candidate, we should look beyond our borders in the best interests of the City.

Joseph B. Vas – I support residency requirements for most public sector occupations, and I would lobby our state representatives to allow municipal governments to once again require residency for police and firefighters. People who are part of the community will work harder for the community.

Wilda Diaz – I am a strong advocate for Perth Amboy residents first when it comes to hiring the Municipal workforce.  I am also a strong advocate for providing the best and the sharpest, the most experienced and determined governmental professional workforce that truly understands the needs of our city.  The commitment to get the job done and most of all, a professional that understands the governmental process. Civil Service allows for such appointments knowing the need to diversify the work place with talent and know how to allow municipalities to secure what it needs to provide optimal and quality service to its workforce, residents and business interests.

Helmin Caba – I believe an administration is only as strong as its cabinet and I am committed to hiring qualified talented individuals to help Perth Amboy realize its potential. While I believe that city employees should know their city, a residency requirement limits the overall talent pool available. Therefore, I believe that we must place a premium on qualifications over residency to hire the best individuals possible. When it comes to promotions, I must reiterate my belief in qualifications over other factors. Should in-house employees and city residents have the best possible credentials, then they would be strong contenders for advancement. However, their residency or time spent on the job are not factors that would trump their qualifications and ability to perform the duties of the role they are applying for.

Joel Pabon – Our City Employees need an administration that knows how to work with a variety of departments, and can help shape and improve morale. Having a stable Business Administrator who lives in our town is a key component. In areas of upper management, it is very important to have the person accessible in an instant, which is why having a residency requirement in certain departments may be necessary. Civil Service jobs have ordinances and a process to help secure qualified individuals.

12.) PERTH AMBOY’S HISTORY/HISTORIC PRESERVATION – An expert in historic preservation once quoted Perth Amboy as being one of the most ten historic cities in the United States. How would you promote Perth Amboy’s history?

Fernando Irizarry – I would use the tools and programs that the National Park Service has developed for this purpose. These tools and programs provide a model for the city to create its own local lists of important places, travel itineraries, or special initiatives centered around a theme.

Joseph B. Vas – Perth Amboy is one of the state’s oldest towns and colonial capital of New Jersey, which means it’s full of fascinating historic sites that often get overlooked but there are severe limits to the economic impact of looking backward. We should certainly preserve historic landmarks and celebrate our pride in consequential events that took place here, For example,   Perth Amboy is the place where Thomas Mundy Peterson voted March 31, 1870, becoming the first African American person in the United States to use his rights under the 15^th Amendment. We also have the oldest operating municipal building in the USA. These great democratic institutions are critical reminders about our national values, but we need to cultivate resources so there is enough excess to sustain historic treasures after our primary needs are met.

Wilda Diaz – I take great pride in promoting our city for its historic value, in fact, I coined the phrase City of Firsts and have made many strides in historic preservation. While the previous administration neglected the City’s history I have embraced it.  During my tenure we have created a network of museums and invested nearly $2 million dollars in the historic renovation of our Carnegie Library. We nurture and support our historical organizations the Kearny Cottage, City Hall, the Proprietary House, the Ferry Slip Council Museum, and the historic train station.  Most recently, we restored the Surveyor Generals Building next to City Hall and erected a plaque, postumely-honorary naming City Hall Council Chambers, Thomas Mundy Peterson.  

We created a Historic Preservation Commission to ensure that we honor and promote our City’s rich history.  In fact, this year the HPC will be working with my team to submit a nomination to the national registration of historic places for our terra-cotta district.  Benefits of doing so include, more access to grants, tax incentives, assistance with preservation, education, increased tourism, and pride.  Historic districts can be centers of heritage tourism that help spur economic vitality.

Recognizing that our City is full of human encyclopedias, who combined have centuries of historical knowledge, I named the late and great Mr. Anton Massopust the city historian who kept our history alive through education, re-enactments and documentaries.  John Dyke was named his successor, an individual who has made numerous videos that recollects our City’s history and its significance nationally. 

Helmin Caba – Few cities in the nation rival the historic significance of Perth Amboy and our rich historic identity is one of our most underutilized assets. In order to promote Perth Amboy’s history, I would partner with our Historic Commission to create a historic district and engage in a historic marketing campaign. As a part of this campaign, I would leverage the expertise of the New Jersey Historical Commission to create visitor attractions and town-wide tours of our many historical assets such as City Hall, the Surveyor’s General Office, Market Square, the Raritan Yacht Club, Kearny Cottage and our newly restored  Proprietary House. Moreover, I would create a dedicated landing page on the city’s electronic assets specifically highlighting Perth Amboy’s history for visitors to easily access and navigate. As a part of promoting our history, I would also remain committed to preserving these sites so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Joel Pabon – Perth Amboy is in need of re-branding and creating a historic district such as an “Old Perth Amboy” or similar efforts as showcased by other historic towns would enable our town to attract a wider recognition.

13.) TAXES – How would you alleviate the increasing burden on taxpayers?

Fernando Irizarry – We need to work smarter and harder to provide efficient and effective public service to our citizens.  They need to see value for their tax dollars in Perth Amboy and throughout the State of NJ.

Joseph B. Vas – I do not see tax hikes as the first line of defense in municipal budgeting and my experience in public finance will enable me to find better ways to close any gaps. Instead of doling out overly generous tax abatements, we should harvest increased tax revenue from new development instead of adopting corporate dependents.  

Wilda Diaz – Among their tactics were, (1) a revaluation that over assessed both commercial and residential properties creating litigation and thousands of tax appeal claims that exasperated the fragile financial condition of our City, (2) A trend of one-shot gimmicks, including the misappropriate of $5 million of water utility funds, used to offset the operating budget, leaving a $5M debt to the taxpayers. (3) Inaccurate reporting of financials, which resulted in $250M of debt with on-the-books and off-the-books transactions (4) And most alarming were the findings of corruption, highlighting the previous administration’s intent to deceive the public into believing that we were financially stable, when in reality, we were hundreds of millions of dollars in debt. 

These were the compounded actions of nearly 20 years that brought us to the economic demise of 2008. And for the past 12 years, it has taken strategy, time, vision and most importantly — it took money to resolve the dire deficit and save our near bankrupt city, but here we are today! 

We created a management plan, paid down $50M of inherited debt, increased our capital improvement fund and most notably we created a multimillion-dollar surplus. 

We have been recognized by S&P credit agency for our aggressive efforts in honest, and responsible management of our tax dollars. Additionally, we attained and maintained two credit upgrades, allowing us to refinance with significantly lower interest rates. 

The financial condition of our City is no secret to the public nor to any of the running mayoral candidates.  Inclusive, our annual budget, financial statements and audits have all been voted on and approved by the City Council. For a total of five years, we had no tax increase.  

As much as we treasure our prized history that helped shape this nation, I want us to remember the history we’re making now, together. Perth Amboy has made a remarkable comeback, while being fiscally responsible, expanding services and providing a greater quality of life for each and every household. 

We are taking this City to new heights and, though the work ahead of us may seem overwhelming— we are working smart to ensure that the benefits are mutual, civically and corporately. 

Helmin Caba – We cannot rely on empty campaign promises and one-shot gimmicks to alleviate the burden on taxpayers. While long-term smart economic growth strategies will provide benefits for taxpayers, I believe in the short-term. Hiring a qualified grant writing team will produce immediate benefits for our city and the taxpayers. Hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal funding are available to municipalities and accessing this money allows the city to minimize its reliance on taxpayers for important projects. I believe a strong grant writing department is the key to success for many strong communities and it is an easy way for Perth Amboy to serve both taxpayers and the economic growth of the city.

Joel Pabon – We must evaluate the current fiscal stability of our city and conduct a forensic audit of our city’s finances, Conduct desk audits of departments

and restructure debt to improve the city’s cash flow. Improving the municipal finances would also include implementing ideas of non-taxable revenues. Such an initiative would be rolled out in our sustainable growth initiatives.

14.) HOMELESS – Perth Amboy and New Brunswick are the only cities in Middlesex County that participate in the Code Red/Blue program. Because of this, other Middlesex County municipalities send their homeless to us which puts a strain on our resources. What solution do you have for this problem?

Fernando Irizarry – Continue to encourage cooperation with the County to help pay these costs.

Joseph B. Vas – Municipalities should be forbidden from exporting homeless residents to neighboring cities, because that is morally wrong. The problem of homelessness exploded in America when residential mental health programs were terminated, so state and federal officials need to take more responsibility for the plight of homeless veterans and institutional care needs to be made available for those who need it.

Wilda Diaz – We have been working tirelessly to provide not just code blue emergency assistance for the homeless but to also provide a permanent solution through county resources.  We participate with MCHC3, a coalition to ending homelessness and they too have the same concerns as we do.  Together we are inviting stakeholders throughout the county and holding them accountable for sharing in the costs that are affecting cities like New Brunswick and Perth Amboy.  This is one of the reasons I have invited Pastor Berny to join me and my administration in this fight against homelessness through both placement and prevention initiatives.

Helmin Caba – First and foremost, I believe that addressing the issue of homelessness is of extreme importance and my heart and prayers are with any individuals or families experiencing or on the brink of homelessness. While it is laudable that Perth Amboy continues to do amazing and transformative work for the homeless, it should not be our sole burden to bear in Middlesex County. If elected, I will begin active dialogue with the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the Middlesex County Department of Human Services, non-profit organizations and neighboring communities to find a collaborative approach to addressing homelessness in our region. This approach would be centered on identifying ways to maximize existing resources and forming key partnerships to ensure that Perth Amboy’s resources are not continuously strained to help vulnerable populations. Addressing homelessness is a shared county and state-wide responsibility and we cannot continue to lead these efforts on our own.

Joel Pabon – I would spearhead the creation of a Mayors coalition or a collaboration or forum with other towns in Middlesex County to come up with a viable and consensus project to help alleviate our homeless problem. Partnerships with other non-profit organizations will also help contribute to a viable solution.

15.) DRINKING WATER – Should residents be concerned about the quality of our drinking water?

Fernando Irizarry – No. I have no personal concerns and drink the water.  Water purification and distributions systems are complex organizations overseen by a myriad of Federal and State Laws.  Occasional issues like TTHM spikes are worry some but are alleviated by proactive management actions to protect public health.

Joseph B. Vas – At least 25 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in Perth Amboy drinking water and I am the only candidate who has addressed this problem. I propose a new agreement with the water company to improve filtration, new investment to upgrade delivery systems and enhanced anti-pollution enforcement to prevent worsened problems. My detailed response is here: https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/jbvas/pages/17/attachments/

Wilda Diaz – • The water provided to Perth Amboy residents is safe to drink and complies with all current state and federal drinking water regulations.

• USA-PA adheres to regulations established by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and standards set by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the agencies entrusted to safeguard drinking water based on peer reviewed and generally accepted science. 

• Drinking water provided by USA-PA is routinely tested at the treatment plant and throughout the distribution system. All parameters are monitored according to schedules established by the NJDEP. 

• We freely share information about the City’s water quality through our annual water quality reports, which are readily available on the City website.

Helmin Caba – The safety and health of Perth Amboy residents will always be my top priority. During this campaign, the condition of our drinking water has been politicized and residents have been fed misleading statements. Perth Amboy’s drinking water did reach maximum contamination levels of a chlorine by product, however, our water provider acted swiftly to address the problem well to provide remediation for the water system. As Mayor, I will be committed to remaining vigilant on our water quality and more importantly will address the underlying water infrastructure issues that are causing concern in the first place. Perth Amboy’s current water system is one of the oldest and most outdated in the state. My administration will seek to invest in necessary infrastructure upgrades to improve our water system.

Joel Pabon – Over the past two administrations, water quality can always be improved. Although our City incurred a sinking debt of over $250 million to address water infrastructure, the desired improvement to our water infrastructure and the transparency of our water has fallen by the wayside by both the prior Vas and current Diaz administration. Under my administration I would establish a Perth Amboy Water Authority to provide oversight, transparency, and accountability regarding our Water. The Authority will have Commissioners, and Monthly meetings to approve all activity regarding our Water System and infrastructure.

16.) BUSINESS PROMOTION – What activities would attract people to Perth Amboy to visit and spend money?

Fernando Irizarry – See the answers to the employment question above.

Joseph B. Vas – We have to create a viable market for business, starting with clean streets, paved roads and so on. After the fundamentals are in place, it makes sense to promote our businesses and commercial opportunities using innovating outreach methods. This city had a model economic engine that has been dismantled and neglected, I will bring new energy to the task of making a new image for Perth Amboy, because advertising and marketing our assets will produce a great return on our investment.

Wilda Diaz – My mission is to make our City a premier destination where residents and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a transit district with thriving businesses and a walkable downtown area, that effortlessly connects you to both mass transit and the quiet, scenic view of our waterfront and our great historical past, makes Perth Amboy an enjoyable destination for outside cultural events, families enjoying our vast waterfront and historians enjoying a weekend of history and culture all in our city. 

The City is on the threshold of welcoming changes to its downtown environment. Downtown and waterfront rezoning has been proposed, which will enable tremendous opportunities to arise in our great City. We want our business and property owners to have more options for growth, reinvestment and access. 

While there may be misconceptions of rezoning, I want to assure our property owners that our goal is to strengthen and expand your business investment, by promoting and encouraging market rate and affordable residential properties above store fronts, creating a pedestrian friendly environment and to provide more options of mobility to urban dwellers.

The Transit Village is what unites all of these spectacular features to the comprehensive future plans of our downtown area.

In 2008, as one of my first projects was my advocacy for a new train station with complete accessibility. And while these projects take years to complete because of lobbying, design, funding allocation and potential remediation, we have already secured $7M of NJ Transit funding and we anticipate construction of this historic site in the upcoming year.

Additionally, we hold over 50 public events annually, including; parades, Small Business Saturday, Arts, historic preservation initiatives, our Shop & Dine in Perth Amboy campaign, Commercials and radio ads and our annual Fireworks Spectacular. 

It goes without mention that we are working toward diversifying our business pool to attract more popular retail businesses. We will also be launching a visitor’s page and business directory, with additional plans to create a visitor’s center.

Helmin Caba – The only way to incentivize tourist dollars is to maximize all the resources of our Business Improvement District, local arts and historic community, performance venues, beautiful waterfront/marina and the many diverse restaurants that call Perth Amboy home. These unique assets have remained hidden for far too long and as Mayor I will employ a new robust media strategy to highlight the many activities present in Perth Amboy. Additionally, we need to be consistent in keeping our Business District clean and attractive for visitors. This Administration has not made promoting Perth Amboy a priority and I will work hard to make our community a tourist destination of choice.

Joel Pabon – Towns flourish when the surrounding areas see that it is safe and offers value. Our town must look clean and inviting. Having a Vision that will bring Perth Amboy forward to the 21st century and the implementation of the solutions proposed will help position our town towards a positive direction.

17.) ARTS & CULTURE – What would you do to support the Arts in Perth Amboy?

Fernando Irizarry – I would endeavor to establish an arts district in the downtown area of the city. I would also partner with the Business Improvement District (BID) to provide business-education programs that meet the professional needs of artist to produce prosperity for them and their communities.

Joseph B. Vas – Our arts and cultural treasures are world class attractions but just as I mentioned with historic values, people are not going to visit Perth Amboy unless we make the city safe and clean.

Wilda Diaz – Perth Amboy is rich in arts and culture; our waterfront and bustling downtown district make for perfect backdrops for artistic expression.  During my administration numerous initiatives were born including the City’s first Arts Festival in May of 2014.  The annual festival, has become a city trademark, showcasing some of New Jersey’s finest live musicians while artisans from all over the state vend their artwork and sell their tasty food.  

Guided by the 2015 Perth Amboy Creative Place Making Plan and my love for the arts, I converted an abandoned municipal building to a thriving art’s gallery where we showcase local artist and offer intergenerational fine arts and performing arts classes including, painting, drawing, photography, acting, pottery, music lessons and much more.  My team made changes to existing ordinance and instituted new ones to include street performers, lending to an opportunity for our talented residents to be compensated for their skills, while attracting people to shop and din in our downtown district.   Additionally, we have partnered with the Business Improvement District to bring cultural and artistic life to the City’s downtown though an initiative dubbed “Art and Flow” where live musical performances and visual artist are contracted to perform.  This initiative also bred the idea of murals and artists’ incubators in the downtown area.  

Recognizing that the arts can be a catalyst for economic growth I enacted an Arts Council.

Each of these initiatives has been met with praise from our residents and visitors alike.  My ultimate art goal is to become Middlesex County’s arts and culture hub.  Perth Amboy has incredibly rich history.

Helmin Caba –    Arts and culture are not only positive aspects of a thriving community, but also serve as powerful economic drivers. If elected Mayor, I will revisit Perth Amboy’s Arts Master Plan and Creative Placemaking Plan to implement the strategies that were highlighted in these comprehensive documents. Additionally, I would continue working with the Perth Amboy Arts Council to increase outdoor arts events in addition to hosting pop-up museums and other innovative arts and cultural programming. I would also work to dedicate areas for murals and sculptures to highlight the significance and importance of art throughout the entire city. In the long-term, I also hope to explore the possibility and viability of creating a state of the art performing arts center for Perth Amboy. 

Joel Pabon – While other candidates vying for the office of Perth Amboy Mayor are focused on the negative aspects of what is wrong with Perth Amboy, I’m setting high goals on what will help bring a transformational change to Perth Amboy—A Twenty First Century New Library. Don’t get me wrong, I love our historic Carnegie Mellon library, and it should be a historical site in my opinion, however, our growing City needs an additional outlet for more educational programs and a place that can be a cultural center with open space, meeting rooms, and modern digital access. Libraries are like community hubs that can help transform our town, and at the same time provide much needed essential services like college and work ready skills. There are towns that have multiple libraries to service their growing population, and because our town has grown a lot over the past 12 years, we must start thinking how can we help position our town competitively. New Libraries oftentimes become cultural centers, and literacy programs are very important. Having meeting spaces available for studying or for having a space where book clubs, arts clubs or other social groups can meet is valuable to our community.

18.) IDENTITY POLITICS – What is your view on Identity politics?

Fernando Irizarry – I will focus on what is best for the city, not what is best for any group. Focusing on what is best for the city will in the long run be a win-win for all the residents that make up the groups that exist within it.

Joseph B. Vas – Identity politics is a way to divide people and obtain unearned political support. I am proud of my Puerto Rican & Portuguese heritage but as Mayor, I will have the same obligation to residents of Dominican or Polish ancestry or anyone else. Using ethnicity or race, age, sex, and other arbitrary traits to curry support is as bad as discriminating against people for those same qualities and we can see the resentment that grows when politicians substitute characteristics for character.

Wilda Diaz – Identity Politics is a code word for race baiting and ethnicity. At the end of the day everyone wants a good quality of life; clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, quality jobs paying a livable wage. I have consistently delivered for all the People of Perth Amboy. We are one city united with many voices.  However, we all want our children to grow up healthy with real opportunities and that is what my administration is about…a better life for all residents of Perth Amboy. The process of the vote makes us all equal on election day. For all voters that is when America is on equal footing. Ever culture and ethnic groups are important however, the whole of casted votes makes us one makes us all the same – voting Americans – and that is the beauty of Democracy and the true power of the Vote.

Helmin Caba – The job of an elected official is to represent the needs of every resident in their city regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, political party etc. And the job of a voter is to identify the candidate that best aligns with their values and priorities for their community. These two duties collide in an election and through a democratic process, a leader is elected. I support the role of the voters in choosing the candidate they best feel represents them, and for whatever reason they feel is most important. If elected Mayor, I will serve every resident in the City of Perth Amboy to the best of my ability and for the betterment of the community.

Joel Pabon – In the past year, we have seen a lot of identity politics in the current political climate. Sometimes it may be viewed as being divisive and others may view it as an agenda. Perth Amboy is in a state where a lot can be achieved through collaboration versus division. We learn from the past, but do our best to strive to move forward.

19.) LEADERSHIP – What do you feel is the most important quality of an effective leader?

Fernando Irizarry – Leadership.  Citizens look to their Mayor to be the pillar and representative of the community, the outspoken champion of their needs and wellbeing.   Anything short of this is a failure of moral courage.

Joseph B. Vas – A leader needs to understand that public service is about other people, and not himself or herself. The concept of selfless service has been eroded, and it is important that people learn to recognize those who are prepared to do what is right more than what benefits themselves because we are all in this together.

Wilda Diaz – Servant Leadership Most Important quality of any leader is to remain humble, serve with humility and you will never fail the people. Even when you need to re think your actions, position and or vision the people you are leading will see your humility and work with you and believe that you are doing what is best for the greater good. The people before self always.

Helmin Caba – The most important quality of an effective leader is accountability. As a Councilman and throughout my campaign for Mayor, I have repeatedly heard the voter’s concerns for the lack of accountability in City Hall. The most essential functions of a thriving city are the responsibilities of the administration and because of a lack of accountability, our city has been and continues to be in a state of complete disarray. Real leaders are accountable for their actions and as Mayor, I will be accountable to Perth Amboy’s residents and will be a responsible leader dedicated to rebuilding the public’s trust and respect for City Hall.

Joel Pabon – One of the most important qualities of being a good and effective leader, is to be a good Listener. A good leader never stops learning and embraces and welcomes various points of view. Knowing that you are being listened to, and producing results or solutions means good governance.

20.) RESPONSIBILITY – What phrase best describes you: “Action speaks louder than words” or “The buck stops here.” Give an example.

Fernando Irizarry – The phrase that best describes me is “actions speak louder than words.” Sadly, as voters we often are looking for which candidate or office holder has the biggest mouth or is making the most noise because we think that someone like that will make the changes that we want. What happens is that we end up being very disappointed.

Joseph B. Vas – Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future. John F. Kennedy

Wilda Diaz – I am a person of action, when there are and were crisis in Perth Amboy, whether floods as destructive as Sandy or the current pandemic we find ourselves in, it is my actions that the residents see and understand. Whether inheriting a staggering fiscal fiasco from the previous mayor to dealing with the constant challenges of governing this great city … It is what I have done and will continue to do to set my apart from my opponents.  I have worked with every group in Perth Amboy, I have taken action on the big businesses, county government and unwilling party bosses that have not understood,  I am here to work and move Perth Amboy forward and I am hoping if the residents elect me to another term as Mayor of this great City, I will continue let my actions speak for me.

Helmin Caba – “When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” At a young age we are taught about the importance of listening, but I have found in politics that most politicians do not listen to understand, they listen to respond. I have always believed that the most successful leaders listen more and talk less. In order to understand the needs of the community, you must listen to the concerns of residents; not to immediately respond but, to digest the information and think about the best strategy to address their needs. Ineffective listeners promote empty policies and bank-on campaign promises that are never fulfilled and designed to keep the status quo. As a Councilman, father and in general as a person, I try my best to listen with intention and as a Mayor, I will commit myself to listening to the residents of this great city to create policies that are truly based on public input because an active public is good for governance.

Joel Pabon – Accountability is very important and when I think of the Mayor’s office, I weigh the responsibility as the “buck stopping here, at the Mayor’s office.” The structure of our City Government under Faulkner is a “strong” mayor and “weak” council government. The responsibility to help shape up Perth Amboy and move our town in a positive direction will always fall under the Mayor’s office, no where else.