By Carolyn Maxwell • Click on each picture to enlarge

PERTH AMBOY – When Wilda Diaz came into office in 2008, she had no experience in government, but she had a strong backing of the working class and two very strong runningmates (Ken Balut who was a retired police officer and union representative and Fernando Gonzalez, who had government experience and was well known in Perth Amboy. Gonzalez also considered running for mayor at some point). At the time, the three made a commitment to bring stability back into the city so the state would not take over the city’s finances due to the hardship left from the previous administration.

As time went by, those who ran with Mayor Diaz would sever ties with her for different reasons. The exception to this was Councilman Fernando Irizarry who stuck with her from 2012 thru 2020 until he decided to run against her for mayor in 2020. Councilman Helmin Caba had a strong run in 2014 for a council seat, although he was not successful. In 2016, Caba along with Fernando Irizarry teamed up with Mayor Wilda Diaz instead of challenging her for the mayoral seat. It turned out to be a wise decision because he had 4 years of experience as a councilman to draw off of. This way he was able to experience both sides of government: administrative and legislative. Caba was also fortunate that this was the year of the 50%+1 or Mayor Diaz would have been elected for a fourth term. 

We wish all that were elected this year the best of luck and just remember, you have the concerns of all the residents to consider and that will be a challenge that we hope you are all successful in. To Mayor Diaz, you had many challenges that you overcame. You gave many people an opportunity to serve with you having them on your ticket in the past. It has been well documented the struggles between the administration, the council, and the residents. But when times were tough, such as Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy, and Covid-19, you all came together. Looking back on old photos, we saw you and some of the council breaking ground on blighted properties on State Street to bring new life into that area. This is one of your many accomplishments to be proud of. We wish you and also Councilman Fernando Irizarry (who also recently retired as a teacher) nothing but the best. We know you both love Perth Amboy as much as we do. 

As you pass the torch to the newly elected Mayor Helmin Caba, as you said on your Facebook page, you will do everything possible to make the transition smooth. Good luck to all of you.

We send all our best wishes for prosperity and good health for 2021 and beyond