About two years ago, Guttenberg attorney Ramon de la Cruz wanted to make a difference in the community. So he founded the Guttenberg on the Hudson Civic Association and eventually ran for mayor, albeit unsuccessfully. He also volunteered his services as an attorney for the campaign that eventually got Jon Corzine elected as a U.S. senator.
“I think working on the Corzine campaign started to get my name circulated,” de la Cruz said. “I wanted to get involved with all the Democratic operatives.”
He also actively campaigned for Jim McGreevey in the recent gubernatorial campaign. After McGreevey soundly defeated Republican challenger Bret Schundler last November, de la Cruz received a phone call from someone involved in the McGreevey camp.
“They asked me if I was willing to serve on the transition team, as part of the Law and Public Safety committee,” the 40-year-old de la Cruz said. “They said that the governor-elect was looking for impact and feedback to improve the current criminal justice system in the state.”
De la Cruz was more than willing to serve.
Last month, he was among 50 key personnel to give their viewpoints on the future of law and public safety in New Jersey. Also serving on the committee were Jersey City Mayor Glenn Cunningham, former state Attorney General Robert Del Tufo, former gubernatorial candidate Michael Murphy, former Congressman Carey Edwards and Jersey City attorney Joseph Hayden.
“It was like a Who’s Who of attorneys and law enforcement officials,” de la Cruz said of the session, which was held at the law offices of Goldman, Wilentz and Spitzer in Woodbridge. “The meeting was centered around the issues needed to improve the criminal justice system in the state. I think Governor-Elect McGreevey wants to have a good relationship with law enforcement officials on every level of government and he wants to know what is needed to improve the current system.”
One of the key issues discussed was the racial profiling dilemma that faced the New Jersey State Police, as well as other law enforcement agencies throughout the administration of former Gov. Christie Whitman.
De la Cruz said that he felt honored to be able to serve on the committee. “I guess it’s a sign of recognition for being an active part of the public community, especially in Guttenberg,” said de la Cruz, whose association remains active in the township despite his defeat in last June’s Democratic primary to current Guttenberg Mayor David Delle Donna. “It’s definitely an honor to be included with people like that. Even though I’m from a small town, I was able to make contacts and connections that could possibly help our community down the road. I know that involvement will prove to be beneficial in the future.”
He added, “I mean, there were people in the room with 30, 40, 50 years experience in law enforcement and public safety. Just by virtue of association, I’ve gained a lot.”
De la Cruz said that the McGreevey camp asked him if he would be interested in assisting the transition even after McGreevey takes the oath of office next week.
“I don’t know what the next step will be,” he said. “They said that they would be in contact with me and we have to submit reports about the committee meeting. I think they would like to keep it intact to be able to utilize us down the line.”
In the meantime, de la Cruz, a former Hudson County assistant prosecutor who currently has his own firm in Ridgefield, will focus on his association’s activities. During the Christmas holidays, Guttenberg on the Hudson raised funds that were donated to needy families. He hopes to incorporate the association this year to receive tax-free status and include larger corporations to establish scholarships and other fundraising efforts in the future.