Union City and West New York officials, plus both gubernatorial candidates, came out to celebrate Tuesday with local residents on National Night Out, a community and law enforcement event promoting awareness against crime.
The nationwide event takes place every August and is designed, according to its organizers, to “heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anticrime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.”
It was also an opportunity for law enforcement and emergency personnel to meet and greet the public.
Christie, Corzine, Stack, and Vega
In Union City, hundreds of residents gathered between 22nd and 29th streets on New York Avenue.
Mayor Brian Stack and Republican gubernatorial hopeful Christopher Christie spent time greeting residents.
According to the website PolitickerNJ, when asked about the possibility of Stack supporting him for governor, Christie said, “I wouldn’t expect the mayor’s endorsement. He is a Democrat. He invited us here and we accepted his invitation.”
Later, Gov. Jon Corzine and Stack walked the streets together while a crowd of supporters around them displayed Corzine campaign signs and shouted support for the duo.
A few Christie campaign supporters remained to display their campaign signs among the Corzine supporters.
Corzine and Stack got up to address the public on a boxing ring that was set up in the middle of the street.
“It’s very important that we’re all here tonight,” said Stack. “I’d like to thank our governor, Jon Corzine, for all the support that he’s given us in Union City.”
“This is about making sure the community works with law enforcement to protect our communities.”—Gov. Jon Corzine
________
Later Stack said: “We get between eight to 10,000 people every year. People come out and get to know who their neighbors are, coming to one central location in the city and really take a bite out of crime that way.”
Corzine also attended National Night Out events in Plainfield, and went to North Bergen after passing through Union City. “We’re trying to go to a whole cross section of folks to celebrate,” said Corzine.
West New York celebrated too
West New York also took part in National Night Out. Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega started the evening early with a visit to the local McDonald’s on Bergenline Avenue and 54th street, where a crowd had gathered for their new coffee campaign.
The fast food company gave away free samples and invited patrons to sit and enjoy a game of dominoes.
Vega said that the company and the local ownership had been good to the town, especially children and seniors. He said his reason for being there, apart from providing support, was to see the game being played.
As part of National Night Out, Vega went on to Fairview Towers located on 51st street and Park Avenue. Afterward, Vega’s tour included three senior citizen buildings. Finally, it culminated at the West New York swimming pool where Vega greeted those who worked as part of the town’s summer and recreation employment program.
“Night Out is about getting together and coming out to meet your neighbors. It’s a good way to spend time together,” said Vega.
Serious questions
When asked about the pending police layoffs, whose deadline was extended until Sept. 14, Vega said, “I think that some progress has been made and that’s why we decided to extend the deadline.”
He also said that he is not hopeful that stimulus money will provide assistance in the matter since the award for Hudson County was given to Union City. “We didn’t get any [money] so we have to find ways to save within our budget,” said Vega.
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com