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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Paterson City Council - Ward 5

The City of Paterson operates under the Mayor-Council plan. Municipal elections are non-partisan and held in May. The City Council consists of nine seats. Six seats are elected through the ward system and in the same years as Presidential elections. The remaining three seats are elected at-large and, along with the Mayor, in the same years as the mid-term Congressional elections. City Council passes ordinances and laws, gives advice and consent on the Mayor’s appointments of department heads, and may vote to increase or reduce items in the budget submitted by the Mayor.Members of City Council and the Mayor serve four-year terms. In 2015, Council members earned $41,213. This year, the Council seats representing the six wards are up for election.

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  • Candidate picture

    Jeyss Abreu
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Sebastian Mejia
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    David Soo
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Luis Velez
    (NP)

Biographical Information

What do you consider the most important challenges facing the city of Paterson?

What personal and professional experiences have prepared you for addressing these challenges?

What priorities would you like to see in the next budget for the city of Paterson?

What do you see as the role of City Council in bringing positive change to Paterson?

Is there anything else that voters should know about you?

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The most pressing challenges facing the city of Paterson include ensuring public safety and reducing crime rates, addressing economic disparities while creating job opportunities, improving education and educational resources, upgrading infrastructure to prevent flooding and supporting small businesses to foster local economic growth.
My personal and professional experiences have uniquely prepared me to address the challenges facing Paterson. As a dedicated community activist, I have actively participated in city meetings, advocating for change and recognizing the urgent need for new leadership. Being a first-generation Colombian American and a lifelong resident of Paterson, I possess an intimate understanding of the diverse needs and concerns of our community. My educational background in Political Science & Religious Studies has equipped me with critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of community dynamics, essential for effective governance. Moreover, my roles as an educator in Paterson Public Schools and as a Behavioral Therapist have provided me with firsthand insight into the challenges our children face and the crucial importance of investing in education and youth development. Additionally, serving as the President of "Youth Self Development," a non-profit organization dedicated to scholarships and mentoring for Paterson students, has given me valuable experience in community organizing and advocating for the needs of our youth. These experiences have shaped my perspective and equipped me with the skills necessary to address the complex challenges confronting our city.
In the next budget for the city of Paterson, my priorities would focus on allocating resources to address critical areas of need and foster community development. Firstly, I'd advocate for the allocation of resources towards crime prevention and public safety initiatives, including community policing programs and investments in technology to enhance law enforcement efforts. Secondly, I believe in investing in economic development initiatives aimed at creating new job opportunities and providing financial education resources for residents, thereby fostering economic stability and growth within our community. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of enhancing educational resources and strengthening City Council-School Board relations to improve academic outcomes for our youth, ensuring they have access to quality education and the support they need to succeed. Furthermore, I'd prioritize infrastructure upgrades, particularly sewer upgrades, to prevent flooding and ensure the safety and well-being of our residents, safeguarding our neighborhoods against environmental hazards. Lastly, I advocate for supporting small businesses through grants, loans, and technical assistance programs to stimulate local economic growth and create a more vibrant and resilient community. These priorities aim to address key challenges facing Paterson and pave the way for a brighter future for all residents.
The City Council plays a vital role in positively impacting Paterson through its ability to legislate, advocate, and investigate. It represents the community's voice, addressing residents' concerns in policymaking, while collaborating with stakeholders to ensure inclusive decisions. By advocating for resources, including funding for essential services and infrastructure, the City Council addresses key challenges. Effective strategies for public safety, economic development, education, and infrastructure require proactive leadership. Prioritizing transparency and accountability ensures accessible decision-making processes. By listening to constituents and working together, the City Council can significantly improve Paterson's quality of life.
I am fully dedicated to serving Paterson residents and fostering positive change in our community. Through my roles as an educator, therapist, and community leader, I am equipped to address our city's challenges and advocate for residents' needs effectively. I prioritize collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring all voices are heard in decision-making. My philosophy of We Over Me will have a positive impact on the city and its leadership as we move towards the future .
Campaign Email davidsoo4u@gmail.com
Paterson is under served in public transportation (direct train connection to NYC). Paterson also suffers from crowding in schools caused by over populating the city. Combined with inadequate amount of classrooms to student/teacher ratio.
Still Drafting Edits.
Still Drafting Edits.
Still Drafting Edits.
Still Drafting Edits.
Crime/Quality of Life, Jobs, Affordable Housing, Recreation, Public Trust, Financial Accountability
Longtime Community Leaders and my expirience working with the community in every aspects, my back ground of crimininal Justice and Theology Studies help me understand goverment issue and look for solution with the entire council body
Balace Butget will give us the priority invest in our youth building a recreation center. Strengthensthe core service in our city such as Police, Fire, and DPW and all Employees in our department making givin them a fare salary and contract with out putting the burden to our tax payer.
As a Councilmember since 2016 my goal is always bring positive changes, while obstacle may be aplenty, positive changed is posible. We need to move from demoralizing or catastrophic self talk to a more affirming and empowering internal dialog. We can fullfill this objective by thinking as a Council body
I put God and Family First. I Am Patient, Reliable, Sincere, Self Confidence. Love to Serve with Compassion and Passion the entire Commuinity. Hard working individual and driven individual who isn't afraid to face challege