Tuesday, March 27, 2018 -Remarks as prepared for delivery-

PERTH AMBOY – Good evening and welcome to the 2018 State of the City Address.  I want to personally thank Lydia Valencia for that beautiful introduction and all who were part of that anniversary video. Thank you for those touching words. I also want to thank you all for being here this evening, as we celebrate ten years in the making—Council President and Council members, fellow members of my administration, clergy and most importantly, the residents of the great City of Perth Amboy.

It is hard to believe that a decade has passed since I was first sworn into office! I am so proud of the work that we have accomplished together these past ten years. Ten years of difficult decision making, ten years of growth and progress and ten years of serving the community that I absolutely love!  I want to start off today by thanking God and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  My life these past few years would NOT have been the same without Him. He is my rock! My faith has carried me through and His grace allows me to continue. I am beyond grateful for the incredible blessing that it is to be your Mayor.

I want to especially thank my family! Greg, thank you for always standing by me.  It takes a real gentleman to walk this journey with me. When I became Mayor in 2008, my son was just starting college and my daughter Samantha, was one of my biggest advocates in high school, spearheading rallies and campaigns for my election.

Today, I have two wonderful adult children, Greg who completed his undergraduate education and has honorably served our country, during two tours overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq as a Sergeant of the Army reserves. And tonight, I have an exciting family announcement, Gregory and his beautiful girlfriend are going to make us grandparents.  My daughter, Samantha will soon be completing her fellowship in Minnesota, as she works towards attaining her Master’s Degree in Public Administration. To my five sisters, who have always been supportive, thank you! And to my family and parents in my beloved island of Puerto Rico, I love you so much!

Throughout this decade, I’ve been called everything from “The Accidental Mayor” to “That woman Mayor” and for countless years, “A-WILDA,” which for the record is “Wilda.”  However, above all else, no matter what I have been called, one thing is certain, I am equally proud and humbled to be called your Mayor, both an identity and a vocation which motivates me to continue the work that we set out to do, now ten years ago.

Since day one, my vision for this City has remained clear.  During the past decade, we have proven to achieve one of the greatest things that I believe has come with sacrifice, risks and contest – and that is transformation! Year after year, my administration, our council and I have worked to restore this City back to good health. Together, we have proven time and time again that our quality of life, investments, partnerships and opportunities for each of our residents has strengthened and matured.

Tonight, I want to share with you the progress of our transformation and tell you what we have achieved in the past year, while sharing the goals of our future. One of the greatest accomplishments this administration has seen, is in the area of redevelopment and economic development. My administration and I presented a well-negotiated PILOT program for Bridge Development Partners located on High Street, which the Council approved last summer.

I would like to thank the City Council for their partnership in the project. It became the home of Target’s first distribution center in the State and one of the single most important commercial facilities built in New Jersey over the past few years. With the adoption of the Bridge, Phase 1 PILOT agreement, the City secured over $2.2 million dollars in annual revenue stream that will benefit our community long-term!!

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 and our local economy. Target, as the only occupied facility to date, has hired over 60 percent of their workforce as Perth Amboy residents.

In 2008, we were facing a national economic crisis and the City had an unemployment rate of 16 percent-one of the highest in the State.  Today, Perth Amboy’s unemployment rate has been cut to 6 percent- the lowest it’s been in more than ten years. While it is not always a smooth process to negotiate and make demands from corporations, you can rest assure that I have spent years creating relationships with unions to secure employment and even more time ensuring that the general public has an opportunity to work right here, at home for the convenience of their family and for the sake of our local economy.

The ePort project was named a finalist as “Industry of the Year” by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. And most recently, the 1.2 million square feet of warehouse facilities was sold to Duke Reality. It is especially notable that Duke, which is a national investment group made its first expansion into the north east region of the United States through Perth Amboy. I want to welcome them to the City of Perth Amboy and congratulate them on leasing an additional building that will be announced this coming summer.

Additionally, Phase 2 of the ePort project is expected to generate between 300-500 employment opportunities with an investment of $100 million dollars for additional warehousing and distribution.  The agreement negotiations will begin this year and I will once again advocate for local jobs and request their commitment to our residents.

And it doesn’t stop there, redevelopment is still on the move! The Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency currently has 16 projects underway. I cannot begin to express the level of anticipation and enthusiasm that I feel when working on these projects with each of my fellow board members, who I want to personally thank for their volunteerism and dedication.

Within the next 12-18 months, we are awaiting over 1,000 new jobs, over 100 acres of brownfields remediation and over 500 million dollars of investments are in progress and millions in anticipated new tax revenues. That’s quite an achievement for a small urban city!

As a result of these projects, for the fourth year in a row we continue to shift the tax burden from the homeowner to corporate and industry taxpayers. Because of this, we will once again, introduce a responsible, forward-thinking and fiscally sound budget to the City Council. It has been proven to me that private investments are the successful results of our driving effort to make good partnerships— from communication, negotiations, follow-up and most importantly, TRUST. Certainly, it measures and compliments our ability to conduct good business.

In fact, there is another testament to our business conduct and the value of our real estate.  The Elm Street Logistics Center, our newest developers will be investing over $100 million in the remediation and construction of 92 acres of modern warehouse facilities, beginning at the end 2019. Demolition is complete and remedial work is currently being conducted.  When all is said and done, the project is set to generate between 400-600 jobs in our City. This project is unique in the sense that it emulates the truest form of civic responsibility and engagement.

Most of our industrial sites are located in the outskirts of our community, a far distance from residential property. The unique feature of this particular redevelopment project is that it will create public access, near and around the commercial property at the gateway of our City. Through this partnership, we plan to preserve two historic structures for recreational use on the site and provide public waterfront access, including an amphitheater, public picnic area, restrooms, a senior citizen park located near our Jankowski Community Center and a mile-long green pathway that borders the shoreline.

Through much of this transformation we have improved many areas of our city. And an extension of these achievements reaches the waterfront area, with business redevelopment on either side of our shoreline—public access to the waterfront is equally as necessary for wellness.

As part of the redevelopment projects, this past September, the Second Street Park Project received $7.1 million dollars of funding dedicated by NJDEP for the environmental clean-up and construction of the six-acre parcel. The amenities include an adventure playground, a spray park, a plaza and picnic area, a skate park, tiered seating and performance space. The City has been working aggressively over the past decade to define and develop a future where residents can grow and succeed as the local economy stabilizes and quality of life improves. This community-driven effort has inspired new local, regional and national attention.

In fact, in order to continue attracting investors we submitted a request to the State of New Jersey to become designated as an Opportunity Zone. This is a new community development program established by Congress that provides significant tax incentives for private investors. Just last week, Governor Murphy announced that Perth Amboy’s request is currently being reviewed for final approval. These huge economic advances were nothing more than a dream ten years ago, today they are a reality.

As an urban City, our dense population has allowed for created opportunities, just as it has left us to face difficult realities, such as concerns with commuter congestion, housing, parking and overcrowding. These are challenges faced by urban municipalities across the State and the national forum. However, we are making strides towards addressing the housing demand, while improving the quality of life for all families who have long lived here and for those who we welcome as future residents. The facts are that development and population have increased, so additional housing needs to be a viable option.

Ten years ago, we didn’t have the developments that we have in our City today, such as the: The Jewish Renaissance Medical Center,  Expansions in Harbortown, The Housing Authority’s Parkview Apartments and Residences at Willow Pond, The Hobart Street housing project,  the renovation and residential upgrades of the 5 Corners building the reconstruction of one and half miles of our shoreline after Superstorm Sandy. And not to mention the countless investment of smaller housing stocks and multifamily dwellings.

We’ve seen a vast transformation of our City’s landscape, both housing and developments that have changed the face of our City. Including that of Buckeye Partners’ and Kinder Morgan’s expansions, when these projects are finalized, they will amount to over 1-billion-dollar investment. 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.

And future private developments are still underway totaling over $15 million dollars throughout several areas in the City as well! 500 High Street is being remediation for 21 luxury units, roof top gardens and restaurant on the first floor, And a 46-unit apartment complex on Washington Street will soon be available housing for working professionals at our local hospital. The former Good Year Tire business on Smith Street will be converted into modern design commercial property with two floors of housing.

Additionally, through the work of our Housing and Social Services Office over 120 thousand dollars have been awarded through the First-time Homebuyers grant program to help our families purchase their very own home.  We congratulate all of our first-time homebuyers who chose to invest in Perth Amboy. We encourage those who are seeking to rent or purchase property to visit the Perth Amboy Housing Expo on April 21st. Staff and resources will be available to guide you in that process.

The City is on the threshold of welcoming changes to its downtown environment. Just a few months ago, we held a public meeting to discuss the proposed downtown and waterfront rezoning ordinance, which will enable tremendous opportunities to arise in our great City. We want our business and property owners downtown to have more options for growth, reinvestment and access.

We agree that our small businesses are the driving force of Perth Amboy’s economy.  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.

I know there were some initial misconceptions of the rezoning proposal, but 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.

And I must update you on the progress we have made with NJ Transit.  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, NJ Transit is now in the process of an environmental review in preparation for the renovation of this historic site in 2020.

The Transit Village is what unites all of these spectacular features to the comprehensive future plans of our downtown area. This past year, the American Planning Association awarded the Redevelopment Agency with the Outstanding Municipal Plan Award, for the Transit District Strategy. I want to take a moment and thank other who are part of our downtown growth, the BID, UEZ and the Office of Economic Community Development—thank you for your planning, vision and most importantly execution.

Even before the proposed Transit Village takes form, the City plans to draw more diners and shoppers to the heart of the downtown by introducing a “Parklet Concept.” In the first phase, the sidewalks by the restaurants are being extended to make room for more outdoor dining. Phase 2 of our future plan includes a seasonal Pedestrian Plaza, with outdoor seating and a space for music, art and food to enjoy. We hope to attract even more visitors to our bustling shopping district and increase visibility for our small businesses.

Last year we passed a street performers ordinance for artists to showcase their talent in the downtown area. It’s all a part of making our city more livable. We continue to strengthen our small businesses through seminars, workshops and promotions, like “Café con Wilda,” a social media series that really highlights our restaurants and their bestselling dishes though a one-on-one interview with myself and the owner, over a delicious cup of Joe or as I would say, “café con leche.”

Capital investments enhance this progress, with the replacement of single meters for pay stations throughout the entire length of Smith Street, State Street and the Hospital Zone.  This past year, as the Perth Amboy Parking Utility remains self-sufficient it collected a surplus of $76,000, through continued enforcement and a near ten percent increase in monthly permits. You see, this is just another indicator which proves growth in our community, as our downtown amenities and lots are more utilized. I also want to thank this team for care and devotion to our City.

We all know that small businesses are the backbone to our local economy and investing in them is to invest directly into the families that own them. While many other municipalities have chosen the route of malls and plazas, we honor those who fuel our local economy by supporting their investment, their dreams and their goals.

We not only support the vision of those entrepreneurs, but those of every working family in this City. Through the diligent work of our Office of Economic Development, Human Services and Business Administration, we have heavily invested in the education of our residents by providing resources to assist them in their careers and work endeavors.  It’s one thing for local government to provide basic services, but Perth Amboy doesn’t stop there. Our goal is to be a government that is responsive and responsible. Through our summer employment program, we hired over 100 students, who, while working in various departments, learned how to contribute to our city, while adopting financial literacy and job training.

This summer we will introduce an anti-cyber bullying campaign to instill in our youth a message of care and respect for their classmates and peers. Additionally, the Perth Amboy Public Library provides ESL courses and citizenship classes for all residents. It hosted the VITA program for the past three years established to offer income tax filings for FREE to the residents! The library’s return on investment amounts to over 1.1. million dollars! Every book, film, newspaper and magazine is there to aid, educate and inspire our readers and viewers. The Perth Amboy Public library has a wealth of resources that is just a free library card away. I want to thank them for their dedication to our community!

Overall, we’ve offered expungement programs for second chances in the area of employment and an “employment bank” to assist with available work opportunities. Just two weeks ago, we joined P.A.R.T.N.E.R. and held a successful Career Fair with many co-sponsoring organizations, reaching hundreds of residents seeking career launches or changes. Additionally, a 70-page information directory, which includes a workforce and human development section will soon be made available for public access. Soon, we’ll be running a trade union educational campaign in the near future to expose residents to the benefits of joining a trade union—for security, strength and opportunity.

I believe these initiatives are the stepping stones to future employment opportunities for our residents. I want to ensure that the greatest number of Perth Amboy residents become exceptional candidates for the local job openings, especially when capitalizing on our upcoming redevelopment projects. Perth Amboy has made a remarkable transformation, while being fiscally responsible, expanding services and hiring more staff.  Through the diligent work of our directors and department heads, so much has changed in the past ten years and we still have a great work ahead of us.

When I stood before you as Mayor in 2008, Perth Amboy faced many serious fiscal challenges. I am happy to be standing on this side of the timeline, looking back on wage freezes, layoffs and increased taxes that were necessary in order to prevent bankruptcy and a State take-over. All of which came to light at a time when this country sank into the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, but my administration never concealed the facts from the public no matter how disturbing they were. We are open and honest about the condition of the city. It was also a time of shared sacrifice, when I voluntarily took a 30 thousand dollar pay cut for my first year in office and exceeded my pledge by declining any salary increases for eight consecutive years.

On the national and state scene, we are closely watching what is happening in Washington and right here in New Jersey—it’s no secret that the State has a huge deficit and many budgetary issues and it will impact every resident in the State of New Jersey. I was elected by the people of Perth Amboy to serve the people of Perth Amboy and I’ve never forgotten this! The state is struggling to fund the many new initiatives they have planned, but my job is to protect Perth Amboy and I will support those proposals that I feel benefit our residents and will also be an active voice against those proposals which may cause us harm. This includes the conversation about legalizing recreational marijuana. I know that there are many opinions about this subject, but I want to be clear that “weed” will NOT be part of our community garden.

Ladies and gentlemen, process is necessary for any worthy effort and challenges push us to new heights. There is nothing more that I would like to see, than for this city to reach its full potential in education, safety, commerce and that comes from good government! I want to personally thank the work of our Finance, Tax, Clerk and Business Administration Offices for making this possible.

And good government in every area matters to all of us, especially when it comes to the well-being of our children. I’m so grateful to the many students who are here today. Thank you for participating in our program and for joining today’s ceremony. I am so impressed on how today’s youth are courageously speaking out for important political topics, such as school safety and gun control. Please stand and let’s give it up for them!!! The future of our youth depends on the work we deliver today.

Every decision made by our local governing body will impact our youth moving forward, whether fiscal or academic. That is why we must create greater partnerships to ensure them a balanced and well-rounded future. We have created a stronger bond with the Board of Education to help aid our children to quality education. I want to congratulate and thank the School Development Authority and the Board of Education for their investment in our children by building learning facilities such as the Seaman Street Elementary Education school, currently underway and the future High School on Convery Blvd. I look forward to opening of these facilities. Together, we are putting our children first.

And when it comes to the work of our Office of Recreation, it is second to none. I’m sure of it!  Through countless programs among sports, fine and performing arts, summer programming and activities year-round. They are nothing short of making it happen. This past December, we opened the Brighton Avenue Community Center as the Teen Center, the home base of the Perth Amboy Youth Alliance. It has been buzzing with activity every day.  Studies have shown that teen centers provide a safe environment where youth can engage in fun and constructive activities. Here, students gather to engage and focus on community service, academic success, leadership development, and overall, how to live a healthy lifestyle.

To further this effort, we’ve partnered with the Middlesex County College to administer a summer learning and employment program through the Success Bound Summer Initiative. This will equip our students with the support they will need to be a successful learner, motivated student and gain leadership skills. I want to personally thank the entire team at the Office of Recreation for their dedication to our most precious asset, the youth of Perth Amboy, our future.

I also want to thank a very special person who is no longer with us, but a man who had a life of caring, especially for the youth. Chief Abraham Pitre selflessly served our community for 25 years. He was a humanitarian and he unconditionally loved this City—of this, I have no doubt. Acting Chief Edward Mullen assumed command last year along with five firefighters who were promoted. I want to thank this team for continuing to demonstrate their diligence and comradery during such a difficult past year.

In fact, they far exceed their usual achievements in many areas. The department was awarded half a million dollars in aid, funding that allowed for seven new hires, who completed over 10,000 hours of training and expanded the department to a total of 67 members. In total, nearly 2.3 million dollars have been awarded to the department in the past 4 years. Grants received this year assisted in funding training and new apparatus and equipment of the newly established dive team that will be fully operational this spring.

I am especially excited to announce that in 2017, the Fire Department began to receive funding for the new Fire Station 2, which will provide greater fire protection and first responder attention to the northeast side of our city. The Perth Amboy Fire Department continues to protect and educate our families with an outreach program. A 6-week Fire Safety Program in partnership with the American Red Cross was put into action the beginning of this year to continue educating and providing fire and carbon monoxide detectors at no cost to the residents.

I want to congratulate the Department for their Class 3 upgrade. Our administration has worked diligently towards replacing outdated apparatus and increasing staffing to best serve our community.  The rating upgrade is as a result of, increased staffing levels, upgrades to the 9-one-one Dispatch Center, new apparatus, and upgrades to the City of Perth Amboy’s water mains.  As a result of the upgrade, taxpayers may see a decrease in the fire portion of their property insurance premiums. The new Class 3 rating is effective June 1st.

I am exceptionally proud of the work of our bravest! These individuals place a great deal of work, training and care to keep the residents of our community safe. I can truly say that our Fire Department is not only committed to the rescue of fire victims, but also to fire prevention. I commend them for their work in our great City!!! Let’s give them a round of applause!!

Not only has our fire department seen changes, but we’ve also seen major strides in our police department. If you have ever wondered of the efficiency of our Police Department, allow me to assure you by sharing that this Department has been recognized as one of the top six community policing Precincts by the State of New Jersey’s Attorney General’s Office. We continue to see the results of our dedication to building a safer city.  We are transitioning to the use of body cameras as a protection for the police and our citizens. We have plans to locate a police substation right in the heart of our community, the downtown district through a partnership with The Cathedral. Through this endeavor we aim to improve safety and community policing efforts.

This will continue developing partnerships with our schools, businesses and houses of worship and help bridge any gaps of communication. And this continues with our youth outreach, last year the Police Department launched the youth academy to teach them about law enforcement and the work and training of an officer. Additionally, the Department was awarded 10,000 dollars through a Community Policing Grant Program to be used for Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest anti-drug campaign.

In fact, our Perth Amboy Auxiliary Officers became the first Auxiliary Unit in New Jersey to be trained on the use of Narcan, a lifesaving agent for opiate overdose cases. We know there has been an opioid epidemic that has swept across our nation and right here in the State of New Jersey. Because of this we’ve partnered with the Township of Woodbridge on a Shared Opioid Overdose Program Agreement to have recovery specialists available and on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help overdose victims when they are hospitalized. This program will establish a support system to initiate a road to recovery.

When I took office, this department was severely understaffed, with less than 100 officers on duty. In the past ten years the department has seen an 18 percent increase in staffing and this past year alone. Our department stands at full complement with a total of 135 uniforms, as a department that fully reflects the diversity of our community. I am proud to say that the violent crime rate has decreased by 16 percent in the past year. The Perth Amboy Police Department continues to ensure, especially this year an increased emphasis on quality of life for our residents, something that is worthy of recognition. I want to thank them for their due diligence in curbing the availability of street drugs. Their efforts should be applauded. Let’s hear it for the Perth Amboy Police Department!!

But our officers could not do this alone; the spiritual support and guidance provided by our Chaplain Corps have lifted the arms of these men and women, something that I am so thankful for. I am so proud of our departments, students and local businesses along with many others volunteered over 9,000 hours during several weeks when we experienced such devastation across our nation after being hit with Hurricanes– Harvey, Irma and Maria and the earthquakes in Mexico. Perth Amboy was among the first to respond to the unbelievable devastation.

Like many of you, my loved ones were in Puerto Rico when the storm hit. We could not have imagined the horror of that tempest. Right here in Perth Amboy, my administration led a city-wide collection drive.  We collected more than 400,000 pounds of goods of essential supplies.  And while we worked toward a practical response, we had four officers and several chaplains who were deployed through the efforts of the State of New Jersey.

And since so many families have lost so much on the island, many are seeking a new life on the mainland. So far, we have welcomed over hundreds of families to the City of Perth Amboy from Puerto Rico. Through the work of our staff and community partners, we have assisted in getting families settled into our community and finding housing, employment, education and healthcare. It’s clear that my work as Mayor could not be accomplished without the community, and the same stands for the Island of Puerto Rico and all others devastated communities.

We need to help our American brothers and sisters, looking beyond cultural boundaries and agendas.  During a humanitarian crisis, all the luxuries afforded to us of opinions and differences must be set aside for the preservation of life. We are witnesses to the goodwill of our community. Together, young and young at heart, volunteers and workers have united to assist in what I know to be the largest response of our community to a natural disaster, since Katrina.

And I want to personally thank all who were able to lend a helping hand to every community and every person nation-wide who was impacted by the storms last year. You have to understand that the Perth Amboy response is a typical response. We’re a unique caring community that looks out for one another.

We have not forgotten about some of our most vulnerable populations.  People with disabilities, our veterans and our seniors, who find a place called home at the Office on Aging. To meet their needs—the office offers support, friendship and wellness, through over 65 programs, workshop and activities year-round. Through a grant provided by NJ Transit, we were able to acquire a new bus to provide for additional services and medical transportation. I want to thank this entire team for working so diligently with our maturing population.

Another vulnerable population we have reached are the homeless. Our City has worked closely with the County to finds solution on how to best serve and accommodate them. This past winter we hosted more than 50 code blue shelter nights. The work of our diligent staff and generous business owners provided meals and a warm place to sleep during some of the coldest winter nights. And we do not stop there! Quality of life and wellness for all families and youth have been a main priority. Our annual summer food program has fed nearly 100,000 breakfast and lunch meals to children in many of our city parks and through other non-profits, this past year alone. And community gardens city-wide provide families with local grown produce through many of youth programs.

Green space is extremely valued in such a small urban community, and so we’ve made improvements by investing over a million dollars in these areas. This includes renovation and upgrades to Washington Park, Willow Pond and our waterfront. Ladies and gentleman, we have enhanced over 45 acres of green space city-wide. In fact, we received the NY/NJ Baykeeper 2017 Outstanding Leadership Award, and the Outstanding Achievement in Recycling Award, for our extensive sustainable and recycling efforts. Our green initiatives are working toward protecting our aging infrastructure and building a healthier and stronger community. We have developed over 15 green programs that are in line to improve our storm water management, our resident’s health and wellness, among others.

And the Department of Public Works has supported these efforts, among all of their daily duties they aid us in creating a green and clean environment for our City. Their work has served the community in street sweeps, community clean-ups and with their latest launch of the Recycle Coach app.  This year, we will be investing over half a million dollars in grant money for road repairs and paving! In the next 2 weeks both the entire length of Smith and Market Street will be fully repaved. These men and women are an extremely essential part of the Perth Amboy family and I want to thank them for their commitment and their work, even down to the very decorations you see here tonight.

This City is nothing short of a team who truly serves this community above and beyond. Our municipal court handles about 19,000 cases per year. While it’s one of the busiest departments we must ensure that services are provided with respect and compassion. I took advantage of the opportunity for the City to begin a total restructuring of the Municipal Prosecutor’s Office. Perth Amboy is now one of the very few, if any, fully bi-lingual Municipal Prosecutor’s office in the State of New Jersey. Perth Amboy, is now in the top tier municipalities in Middlesex County, to efficiently processing and resolving of cases.

Now in the area of enforcement, our Code Department has reached new heights, as technology has allowed their work to be more efficient and as a result, increased revenue.  They have also extended their implemented extended seasonal hours. I also want to congratulate the skill and expertise of this department for receiving a Class 9 Recognition awarded by FEMA for exceeding the requirements of effective floodplain management. This award also benefits the homeowners with a discount on flood insurance premium rates. Thanks to the entire team at Code Department for leading with concern for the safety and benefit of our residents.

And when it comes to communication, we are always enhancing our outreach and capitalizing on resources available to all. This year we will launch a new user-friendly and upgraded website through a complete redesign set to go live later this Spring. Last November, the New Jersey league of Municipalities presented an award to the City with the Best Overall Public Information Program for having developed successful and innovative techniques to better inform and serve our residents.

Arts, history and culture have always been an area of interest to me and I am proud to say that we have created an atmosphere that nurtures self-expression. I was also very excited to introduce the first mural project, Hometown Girl, transforming public spaces into a vibrant, lively community asset. This was made possible by the vision of the Perth Amboy Gateway Neighborhood Collaborative and residents. It has been my vision, as Mayor to incorporate such things into our programming. We started the summer arts program almost a decade ago and since then it has quickly expanded to the arts movement, we see today—from pop-up art murals, to our Community Theater Program, to various courses offered in music, performing and visual arts. Through these channels, we’re mobilizing creativity for all ages.

From the Arts Festival to our Historic Tours and Sites— Perth Amboy embodies all that is arts, history and culture—through its diversity and through its many firsts during the birth of this nation. Just a few months ago, we opened the doors to the Surveyor’s General Building Museum showcasing artifacts and many integral pieces of Perth Amboy’s early years. And to help preserve Perth Amboy story, with the support of the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission, our Public Library has digitized a 110 year of newspaper of our very own City’s history.

So, as we memorialize our past, we honor where we came from, while looking forward to what’s ahead! And so tonight, I reflect on my recent past and the last ten years of serving you the people of Perth Amboy. TOGETHER, we perform with great service, strong partnership, vision and action. Through the investment of this administration and trust of this community, we have transformed this City.

I also want to recognize those who have moved this City forward in a way that was thought unimaginable just ten years ago. I want to ask all of the members of my administration to please stand. As I take this moment to publicly thank you all from the bottom my heart for your many years of hard work and diligence. You have taken on my vision and molded it into what we have achieved today. I am so proud of this! I want to give a special thanks to my immediate office members, Irving Lozada, Jeannette Rios, Noelia Colon and Margarita Feliciano. Not one project is completed without them.  It’s not an easy task, but they always get it done and for that I am sincerely grateful.

I also want to Thank Dianne Roman for leading tonight’s ceremony, as our Mistress of Ceremonies. We have created a team that works together through both challenges and triumphs. On behalf of the Council and the City of Perth Amboy, thank you for your commitment.

At this time, I would also like to thank the City Council members for being here this evening and their commitment to our residents.  I look forward to continue working with you on all our City’s future endeavors. Hear me loud and clear: The City of Perth Amboy and its people are not only still standing on our feet, we are standing stronger than ever and working together to move our City forward. And the City’s accomplishments in the past ten years stand as a testament to Perth Amboy’s positive and powerful spirits.

The agenda that I sent forth is the agenda of the people. And responding not only to their needs, but what they asked for. That is the foundation of democracy. And there needs to be more of it in our country—on a local state and national level. This is not about the agenda of any politician, but of the office holder to take in account what their constituents need to create an agenda for the people!

So what is the agenda of the people???

You asked for vision, we gave you a plan!

You asked for safer street, we hired more first responders!

You asked for transparency, we gave you honesty!

You asked for more jobs, we created them through numerous redevelopment projects!

You asked for cleaner streets, we improved your quality of life!

You asked for fiscal stability, we gave you sustainability!

You asked for better education, we provided youth engagement and programming!

You asked for more projects, we established partnerships!

You asked for a change, we gave you transformation!

They say… a goal without a plan, is just a wish. We have put our hands to the plow. That’s what a leader does. You can trust that we will make every effort to serve you, not just as citizens of Perth Amboy, but as our family.

Thank you, once again for the honor of serving you these past ten years, as Mayor.  I look forward to continue serving you. God Bless you! And God Bless the great City of Perth Amboy! God Bless the United States of America.