The most challenging issue we are facing in the city of Paterson is the quality of life, safety, and enforcement for our residents. The general makeup of the city is changing, but we all still have the same challenges.
I have been involved in Paterson for over forty years. I take pride in always being dedicated, committed, and accessible to all the citizens of the city of Paterson. Those are not just words for me- It is what I live by. I volunteer in our public school system and always. I encourage grandparents, parents, guardians, and others to take a active role in their children's education. I participated on the Eastside High School, Rosaa Park Fine and Performance Arts High School, and public school number 13. President of the PTO and also the leadership teams. I was also the chairperson for Region ll ( New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut) National Coalition for Children, ESPA. I have raised my three children through the public school system. I can say I am a member of New AME Zion Church. I am a legacy Life member of the national council of negro women, inc. Passaic County African American Women Inc.I have worked on many campaigns starting with John Bell in the late 70's. I am a commissioner on the Passaic Valley Water Commission. I am now also on the Executive Board of the New Jersey League of Municipalities being the first female and African American representing Passic County in it's 108 years of existing.
Plan on getting off transitional aid. Having a recreational center in each ward, a community-based building where an organization that is doing community work can meet weekly assess progress, and plan all activities.
My role as a council person is to legislate and I have legislated many ordinances and resolutions. I will continue to fight for all residents for affordable housing and for all people to be treated equally and fairly. My role has shifted a little, especially since coming out of the Covid 19 pandemic, residents were searching for answers to some of the problems and challenges they were facing. I am thankful to help them find the right persons and agencies. Positive change can be effective when people have someone to talk to and steer them in the right direction. What I teach residents then they can teach someone else. With stat strategy, we start seeing positive change in Paterson.
I lived in the fourth ward all my life with my family. The residents know that do not see me during campaign season, but they see me all the time throughout the community and I am always accessible to the people. Again. I am proud to say I am a full-time Councilwoman. I have learned a great lesson from my
ancestors and that is to help as many people as you can, even if you do not know them or are not related to them. I believe God put us here to be caretakers and if everyone would help someone else rise above their issues and challenges, we would see a great deal of change, not only in Pateson but everywhere. RE-ELECT RUBY COTTON Fourth Ward - VOTE Row 1A on May 14th, 2024 " A NAME YOU KNOW AND A NAME YOU CAN TRUST"
As I am out in the community engaging the residents, they have been very vocal about the challenges they deem most important. One of the issues spoken of enormously is access to affordable housing. Paterson is the 3rd largest city in the state and the lack of real affordable housing has become a real issue for our residents. Residents find themselves priced out and unable to afford the rising housing costs. Another challenge that encapsulates multiple areas is the decrease in quality of life. Residents have stated their disdain for the lack of cleanliness, lack of attention paid to ensuring their safety, and ineffective efforts to address the opioid crisis, mental health, and homeless crisis.
With the increase in development within our Great City, especially within the 4th Ward. Residents are seeing an increase in population but a decrease in the quality of services provided. Residents have stated they are not happy with the current state of the city and feel overlooked and ignored.
My experience as a mother, community advocate, program director, social worker, and educator to name a few has prepared me with the ability to address the multiple challenges of our city. In my various roles, I have been responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and projects. I have worked to ensure that programs were delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards. I can Identify people and communities in need of help. My ability to assess community needs, situations, and strengths, and connect to support through various networks and partnerships have prepared me for the role of Councilwoman. I am prepared and eager to learn. I am committed to working in collaboration with the community to move our ward forward. I will use my voice to advocate for the needs and rights of my community.
It’s easy to sit on the public side and say what we would prioritize. However, can I truly make an informed decision about priority without information? I would like us to utilize data as well as open dialogue with residents to assist in determining what should take priority in budgeting decisions. Community input is needed in the budgeting process as well. What does the community place as a priority? We should start there. The community is tired of their voices being ignored. Taxpayers want input in how the city spends their money. My budgeting priority is the people's priority.
The role of the City Council is to be accountable to the public for the decisions it makes. City Council members are responsible for ensuring that the municipality operates openly and transparently. The council is responsible for ensuring that the municipality acts within the legislation. I believe that for positive change to happen within our Great City Leadership must listen, acknowledge, and act on the needs of the very people they were elected to serve. Positive change comes with clear communication and working together to affect the change we need.
This isn’t a popularity contest. Making colleagues look incompetent, arguing, and fighting with each other will not move us forward. We must work together if we want to see real change happen. Long-lasting change takes a commitment to put the needs of the people ahead of our own. Our community has lost faith in our leadership. We must regain their trust by doing the job we are commissioned to do. Write and enforce legislation that will improve quality of life. Provide spaces beyond the council chambers to foster open dialogue with residents regarding their concerns. Listen to hear and understand the concerns of the people. Act on their concerns.
Leadership must foster relationships with the community that are built on trust, transparency, accountability, solutions, and action focused.
I am very optimistic that positive change will happen within our great city if we work together to move our city FORWARD.
I am dedicated to moving the 4th Ward Forward by advocating for change and being a strong voice for the residents. The change we need will only happen if we work together. There must be a collaborative effort that includes leadership as well as the residents. I am committed to open communication, transparency, and accountability which are the core values needed to increase public trust. The 4th Ward deserves strong leadership that will provide direction, vision, and motivation to inspire the community. A strong leader who will be very impactful within the community by implementing legislation that will improve public safety, quality of life, and infrastructure. Vote 2A! Kimmeshia L. Rogers-Jones for the change we deserve. 4th Ward FORWARD!
Some key challenges that face our city are Crime and Public Safety, Housing Affordability, Poor Economic Growth and Job Opportunities, and little to no accountability and transparency from our local government.
I’ve been entrenched with my community for years, I’ve also served my country and the things that I’ve learned from the time in the military has prepared me to serve my community in addressing the many problems or challenges that we face today.
I’d like to see more money earmarked for our department of Recreation. We have to give our children a safe place to be children. I would also like to see rec centers in ALL six wards. In addition to that, I would like to see a greater effort and emphasis on public safety and low income housing in the city.
The council plays a crucial role in helping bring about the change that we all are looking for. They’re able to make policy that will address the issues we face. They also can provide oversight to ensure that city agencies and departments are operating effectively and efficiently and that the residents have access to various services and resources. The council can also bring positive change by engaging with the community, holding meetings with the residents to ensure that the interests of the PEOPLE are being met. And lastly, they can bring about change by introducing legislation that addresses emerging issues and enhances the overall wellbeing of businesses and residents alike.
I believe that it’s important for people to know that I’m deeply committed to representing the residents of the 4th ward. For the past 12 years the community’s needs and interests have not been addressed by the current leadership. Streets are filthy and unpaved, there’s no safe space for our children, senior citizens are afraid to go outside their homes. And the current councilperson has not held the administration accountable. And I want to change that, I plan on working hard to improve the situation that our community has been in all this time. And I am honored to have this opportunity to earn your trust and support. Please vote 3A for representation that you can trust!
