Lack of Community-Based Participatory Governance and Accountability .Effective governance relies on engaging and empowering communities in decision-making processes. Paterson struggles with insufficient mechanisms for community participation in local governance, resulting in a lack of accountability to residents' needs and preferences. Establishing frameworks for meaningful community involvement in decision-making can enhance transparency, responsiveness, and overall governance effectiveness.
Lack of Meaningful Revitalization Empowering Grassroots Economic Growth Initiatives. Revitalization efforts in Paterson often fail to sufficiently empower grassroots economic initiatives. Sustainable economic development requires strategies that support local entrepreneurship, job creation, and equitable distribution of resources. Without meaningful revitalization efforts that prioritize empowering grassroots economic initiatives, Paterson risks perpetuating economic disparities and stifling potential growth opportunities within its communities.
My 15 years of experience in social organizations, where I crafted business and social action programs for diverse communities, have instilled in me a deep understanding of community needs and effective engagement strategies. In my 17 years working in the nutrition and medical sectors, I tackled complex issues requiring critical thinking, honing my analytical skills crucial for addressing challenges like those facing Paterson. Furthermore, my 5 years of running and founding a nonprofit dedicated to economic empowerment in underserved communities have equipped me with the ability to establish sustainable systems and structures for positive change. Employing 305 individuals, with 80% from Paterson, underscores my commitment to the community and my capacity to create tangible opportunities for its residents. With this diverse background, I am well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to addressing Paterson's challenges, particularly in areas such as community engagement, economic empowerment, and sustainable development.
First and foremost, I advocate for prioritizing a forensic audit of the city budget. This audit is crucial for establishing transparency, accountability, and responsible financial management. Identifying areas of inefficiency and potential waste will pave the way for a more financially responsible future. As we transition off state aid, it's imperative to develop a responsible fiscal plan. This plan should ensure sustainable budgeting practices while prioritizing essential services and community investments.
Furthermore, any pay raises or salary caps awarded to the administration without merit must be reevaluated and potentially rolled back. Taxpayer funds should be allocated fairly and efficiently, with adjustments based on performance and demonstrated value to the city.
Public safety remains a top priority. I advocate for allocating resources to initiatives aimed at enhancing law enforcement, emergency response, and community policing efforts to create a safer environment for all residents.
Additionally, responsible leveraging of tax abatements provided to any development is essential. These incentives should only be granted to projects that contribute positively to our community, including initiatives toward recreation or educational institutions. Development should align with the city's broader goals and benefit all residents.
Lastly, the savings resulting from switching sanitation companies should be used responsibly. Whether it's investing in infrastructure improvements, enhancing public services, or supporting economic development initiatives, these funds should benefit the community in tangible ways.
By prioritizing these areas in the budget, we can work towards building a stronger, more financially stable, and safer Paterson for all its residents.
The role of the City Council in bringing positive change to Paterson is clear: to serve as advocates for residents, effectively communicate community needs, and translate them into legislation that prioritizes both individual wards and citywide progress. By lobbying for resident strengths and needs, fostering transparent communication, and crafting impactful legislation, the City Council becomes a pathway to advancing the city's collective well-being and future prosperity.
What voters should know about me is what they see every day: I prioritize accessibility and transparency. My intentions have always been centered around creating more community inclusivity and accountability. As a representative, I am committed to being present, listening to constituents, and advocating for their needs. My track record reflects a dedication to fostering a stronger, more connected community where every voice matters.
Communication with elected Officials!
It was the opportunity to communicate with citizens and non citizens while obtaining signatures for the petition I was able to understand the needs and wants of the citizens.
Affordable Rent, Homeless Issues Resolved, Road Repairs, Cleaner Streets in which I must thank our mayor to give me the opportunity to have a clean up drive within our city this month, we need our streets cleaned constantly job creation! Black owned Productive Businesses ,Lower taxes for HomeOwners, Affordable Health Care for everyone, Job Opportunties for the Left Behind, Advocates For Health and Wellness checks for Senior Citizens, Recreation for the Youth, Resolve the issues on discrimination, Resource centers for mental Health, Advocates for every ward, Most of All Let us as a people, a nation living in a city better known as Silk Win this War on Drugs and Crime Together!
Hope, Stability, Growth, Love, Communication for English And Non English, Striving for a Better School System that will give the children of our future a sustaining Career,
I am a Speaker in the house of God, I am the president and founder of harvest ready ministry and I have discern that the seed is still yet in the barn, and I get that the harvest is white already and the laborers are few! with that being said we need volunteers for the clean up taking place within our city all month and you can sign up at ramonablizzard5@com.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Poor fiscal management
22 years of business in a challenging environment, where disposable revenue is well below the national average.
Reduce the city’s output to over priced 3rd party vendors.
Build capacity to create local employment and keep tax dollars local.
Take accountability for past poor choices, turn a page on correcting those decisions.
I’ve been very firm and consistent in my voting history, a vary large percentage of items I’ve contested or supported has proven to be the best choices for our residents.
The City of Paterson is facing many challenges. If we have to highlight some of those challenges: crime rates, infrastructure deficiencies, and affordable housing shortages are among my top priorities to focus on.
Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that involves collaboration with community stakeholders, government agencies, and private sector partners. Most importantly, we have to make the residents feel connected to these efforts if we are going to see real and lasting change.
I have developed a deep understanding of the issues affecting our city through involvement in a variety of public service roles. My professional experiences have provided me with the skills to take on the many challenges affecting our city. For the last 5 years I have been a member of the Planning Board, requiring critical and ethical decision making that has a lasting impact on our city. Working for public transportation as a field representative and contract administrator for Transit Oriented Development has equipped me with knowledge and experience in urban planning and navigating complex government systems. My involvement in a variety of social and political organizations has deepened my understanding of the unique needs and strengths of Paterson's diverse population, from civic engagement, to workforce development, accessible healthcare, and more. I have learned to approach every challenge with strategic planning, effective problem-solving, and a commitment to community engagement.
Every life experience is a learning experience if you view things in the context of your community. Immigrating from the Dominican Republic at age 15 and navigating high school in a new country, then working to pay for college and graduate school was a tremendous challenge, but also helped me grow as a person. After graduating from Eastside HS, I earned a BA in political science with 3 minors, and in 2019 I obtained a master’s degree in public administration. I recently completed a second BA in Jurisprudence. I believe we must always continue learning if we want to keep growing. That goes for academics, as well as community service. I understand the struggles many of our neighbors share, and as a result I am driven to help others grow and succeed. I believe no matter where we come from, we can all go to great places. I have had help from some amazing people along the way, and now I want to help others improve their lives and realize their own dreams.
In the next budget for Paterson, my priorities include allocating funds for initiatives that promote economic development, enhance public safety, improve educational outcomes, upgrade infrastructure, and expand access to affordable housing. By investing in these areas, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all residents of Paterson. I want to see us invest in making Paterson a place where every person has an opportunity to succeed, and every family can continue to call home for as long as they choose to be here.
A Council Member - especially a ward representative - is really the connection between the people and the government. They are a messenger to listen to and report the needs of the people. They are a translator from complicated bureaucracy to real world action. They are a voice for people when they most need to be heard. But that’s only if they do their job effectively. The City Council can play a crucial role in bringing positive change to Paterson by enacting legislation, overseeing city operations, and advocating for the needs of constituents. I believe that a council person should work collaboratively with other council members, city officials, and community leaders to address pressing issues, promote transparency and accountability, and advance policies that benefit all residents of Paterson. To accomplish this we need ethical and professional decision-making processes that focus on results for our residents, and don’t get sidetracked by personal issues or political grandstanding.
Paterson deserves leadership we can be proud of, with higher standards that can lead by example - and that is what I represent. Respect and professionalism should be prerequisites to represent our city. I will listen to and work with our residents and the city administration to make the first ward a better, safer, cleaner, and more prosperous place to live. With your support, I am confident that together we can build a brighter future for Paterson.
Voters should know that I am deeply committed to serving the people of Paterson with integrity, empathy, and a tireless dedication to improve the quality of life of our residents. Advocating for their interests is my priority. My vision for the city is one of inclusivity, opportunity, and progress, where every resident has the chance to thrive. I bring a fresh perspective, a strong work ethic, and a dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
The most important challenges facing the city of Paterson are the following. The Budgetary constraints that we have within city government, the level of crime taking place within our streets, and the overall cleanliness of our city. Each one of these challenges creates an absolute series of difficulties, that can stifle our overall development. When it comes down in terms of budgetary constraints, we know that in order for us to build a better community we need to invest in academic, social, and mental health resources. Next, crime is a universal problem that affects every parcel of land inside the city. The ratio of police officers to residents is incredibly low here in the city. Paterson is the third largest city and our distribution and procedures are handicapped by the lack of technology and resources that our Police Department can bring. The unprecedented economic difficulties and severe lack of civil services, crime will only be reduced if we attempt multiple strategies. The strategy includes investing into our police department, empowering our community agencies working to reduce crime, and exploring preventative measures to improve outcomes within our youth. This collaborative effort has the opportunity to heal those that have participated in crime, and prevent those to ever engage in this type of behavior in the future. Lastly, cleanliness of the city is significant issue. As a city founded by Alexander Hamilton, it is imperative for us to build and maintain the legacy of this nation. We must have an aggressive campaign that will focus on removing debris, increasing penalties for dumping, and investing in the personnel of the DPW.
Throughout the last two decades , I have graduated with a college degree, volunteered for numerous organizations, co-sponsored targeted Civic events, and remained an advocate for the benefit of the city. I have grown up and educated in the city from kindergarten all the way to high school. I graduated from William Paterson University with a criminal justice degree. While at the University I did a internship at the Paterson police department. This gave me the opportunity to learn firsthand regarding policy and procedure for 21st century policing. I have worked in the local school district where I had a direct impact on the academic success of children. Currently I work for the city of Paterson for their emergency response department. Working with emergency management has allowed me to better understand the allocation of resources, immediate needs of of the residents, and the necessity of upgrading better opportunities for our residents. Beyond all my experiences, working as an advocate on the ground has yielded in the most satisfaction for me. From facilitating food drives for the ones in need, to organizing cleanups, and grassroots initiatives are able to make direct impacts on the lives of those that live here. It is with these experiences that will help me guide my decisions on the city council should I be elected.
Some of the budget priorities that I believe are crucial for the success of the city are the following. We need to invest in bringing in our nonprofit partners to help solve some of our most pressing issues. Anti-violence , youth organizations, and other advocacy groups can help add value to our public services. Not only will it be far more cheaper for us to partner with nonprofit agencies. I will also provide another level of service to help attack some of the serious difficulties that we have here in the city. We also need to operate our City on priorities at a far more efficient level. This includes investing in green resources and technologies, that can cut costs for the taxpayers in the long run. Efficient lighting, greener fuels, and other sustainable investment practices will help yield real savings in the long run. Lastly, we need to provide real tax relief to the voters that live in the city. For far too long, city government has taxed our way out of problems with no real solutions at the end of the tunnel. Tax abatement program for senior citizens, military veterans, and disabled residents would offer a small measure of dignity to those that are overwhelmed by the burden of taxes. Offering these tax cuts to those most vulnerable and respected individuals will help make a fair community for all.
The city council has a crucial duty and responsibility within city government. As the legislative body that helps approve the budget, pay all our outstanding bills, and legislate new resolutions, we also have a further important responsibility. That is to ensure that the city administration is continuing to promote the safety and welfare of the public. In order to create better outcomes for all, the city council must continue to promote good governance and decorum.
As a life long resident of the city, the voters should know that I will always have their backs. My responsibility will be to promote the good welfare of the people, to provide opportunities for growth, and to ensure a fair government for all. When the people decide to go to the polling stations they need to vote for an individual that will promote their overall benefit. Out of all the candidates that are running for the first ward, I'm the only one who has concrete plans, calm demeanor, and most importantly the willingness to listen to the better judgements of the constituents when making decisions. I pledge to work towards the general welfare of everyone regardless if they voted for me or not.
