By Carolyn Maxwell & Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – Mayor Wilda Diaz delivered the State of the City Address on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the Perth Amboy Public Safety Complex Auditorium at the YMCA at 7 p.m. The Master of Ceremonies was Chief of Staff Lissette Martinez.
For the full transcript of the Mayor’s State of the City address, click here.
Martinez thanked local officials and City employees.Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. from the 6th Congressional District was the first speaker. Pallone started of his remarks by stating, “How proud we are of Mayor Diaz. I remember walking down Smith Street with the Mayor and everyone knew Wilda Diaz. I’ve never met anyone more proud of our City. She is the ultimate salesperson for the City. She is always calling me about something whether it be dredging, the train station or funding for the library. She is not cheap, but very thrifty. She looks out for the City and knows what to do to put the City in financial shape. I am very proud of her. Diaz was recently elected President of the NJ Urban Mayors Association and is promoting Perth Amboy. She wants you not to worry how your tax dollars are being spent. It is rare that you have all that combined in one person.”
Barbara Johnson, Executive Director of the John S. Watson Institute for Public Safety at Thomas Edison State College was called upon to introduce the Mayor. Before she did so, Johnson wanted to give a brief overview of what Thomas Edison State College has to offer. “The College was chartered in 1972 and it’s for adults only. The average age of a student is 36. The College has the longest and strongest nursing program in the Country and the highest pass rate for the CPA exam. It is one of eleven state schools in New Jersey. The College does public service in urban and rural communities.”
Johnson explained how a think tank which is part of that policy ties into the Mayor’s position as President of NJUMA. “This think tank has resources for residents, non-profits and government agencies. We keep an eye on Trenton to make sure policies and laws that they initiate answer the urban community’s needs. Thomas Edison has been committed to the NJ Urban Mayor Association for 26 years. We provide training for the Mayors. Perth Amboy is one of nineteen communities receiving a $320,000 grant.”
“Wilda Diaz is the first woman leader in the NJUMA.” Johnson quoted the late New York Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, “We need strong women leaders. Being a leader is hard work and Mayor Diaz is the one who is up to the task. Diaz supported the Dream Act. She takes chances and moves forward. I was invited by Mayor Diaz to take a tour of the City. I’m impressed. Urban communities are the backbone of the state. Looking at the Bloustein Study, young people want to live in a city – not the suburbs. They want to come to a place where they can live, work and play.”
Just before Johnson introduced the Mayor, she said, “I look forward to working with her (Wilda Diaz) for the next two years. She has a passion in what she sees. We will do great things.”
When Mayor Diaz came to the podium, she thanked everyone, “As we reflect on our accomplishments. It’s not about building political agenda’s but our goal is to build a firm foundation. Public safety is important. There was a two level upgrade from A- to A+ in stability. This represents the community of property owners. In 2013 $71 million was cut from the annual budget. We will reduce the budget from $250 million to $199 million by the end of 2014.”
“We secured $17.1 million in funds to repair the Perth Amboy Waterfront. By this summer the Waterfront will be free of fencing. $3.4 million in FEMA money will be utilized to repair the Waterfront.”
“We are planning NJ design and value of residents. We will soon hold a ribbon cutting for the Phase II of the recreation facility. The Middlesex County Board of Freeholders approved this State of the Art County Park (across the street from the Vocational School). Last week we were approved for a future dog park. The Harbor will have dining, concerts, fishing and boating. We will have waterway access to the Arthur Kil. Perth Amboy will be using under utilized land. Buckeye and Veridian are taking advantage of this. Buckeye purchased all of the Hess Site and is improving the landscape of the Perth Amboy community.”
Diaz met with labor union leader Kevin Duncan and thanked him for his help. She lauded the small business owners and mentioned that there are 42 blocks that encompass the business district. “We’re looking to develop the Celatex property.”
“The train station needs to be enhanced to increase ridership. NJ Transit awarded us $2 million. Increasing the accessibility of the train station is necessary for the City’s revitalization. We’re taking advantage of the buildings in the downtown area that will increase our value.”
“Perth Amboy is a growing community. Historic buildings are being modernized to make them ADA compliant. The Delaney Homes is being developed to highlight that neighborhood which is one of the gateways to the City.”
“The Gerdaue Ameristeel productivity has increased.”
Diaz thanked the BID for beautifying the downtown, “American Express used Perth Amboy as their model to promote Small Business Saturday.”
Diaz spoke about the Capital Improvement Program replacing outdated overused equipment in the Department Of Public Works. “Automatic garbage collection saved $300,000 in labor expenses and the automated garbage collection will be expanded to the downtown area.” She mentioned the Street resurfacing (including curb replacements). She thanked the Dept. of Public Works for cleaning up in this harsh winter.
Other Departments that she thanked included the Fire Department and noted that Abraham Pitre will be sworn in as a permanent Chief at the end of March. She also thanked retired Chief Dave Volk for his years of service. “Our crime rate is down 12% from last year,” thanking Police Chief Ben Ruiz and our First Responders.” There was a round of applause.
“New jobs being created in Perth Amboy. I supported the Sandy Bill of Rights, and the Affordable Health Care Act. This Bill has given some people health insurance for the first time in their lives. We are one of two cities in New Jersey that are offered assistance with applications.”
Diaz mentioned the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and No Smoking Ordinance.
A recent shooting in Perth Amboy was mentioned. She felt sympathy for the family of the victim and the police officers involved. She also mentioned the late Roland Jenkins, Eddie Felbles Jr. and Gertrude Lincoln who passed away recently and how they contributed to the community.
“I supported the Dream Act which gives students a fair shot at a college education. PAHS is my alma mater.” She thanked PAAFT Union Leaders Diane Crawford and Pam Campbell.
The fireworks will return on Thursday, July 3, 2014. “We will again partner with South Amboy.
Diaz thanked the YMCA, BOE, PRAHD, JRF, RBMC and the Royal Garden Club and all the Houses of Worship and the faith based community.
Jillian Barrack will be replacing B.A. Greg Fehrenbach. Diaz gave a special thank you to Fehrenbach for his service in getting the City of Perth Amboy back on track. “He helped remove the fiscal corruption. We are indebted to you. (Fehrenbach).”
After again thanking the City Council, City Employees and the residents, Diaz ended her speech with these final remarks. “I thank everyone for the privilege of being your Mayor.”
