Political protests and campaigning continued to increase in West New York as the date to turn in recall petitions draws near. Dr. Felix Roque, who is leading an effort to remove Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega from office two years early, has until the first week in December to hand in the 5,500 signatures required for a special election.
As residents on both sides continue their volunteer efforts for their preferred candidate, the marches, protests, and accusations also continue.
Wednesday at around 12:30 p.m., a crowd of anti-Vega protesters with signs stood chanting at the corner of 60th Street and Tyler Place near the steps of the West New York Municipal Building.
Vega was meeting inside with approximately 20 members of the Dominican Civic Association when the chanting began.
“Their numbers are dwindling.” – Mayor Silverio ‘Sal’ Vega
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Vega went outside to talk to them.
“I’m trying to figure out what happened,” said Vega later. “The reason I went to greet them is obviously their numbers have dwindled down to a small enough group that I can have a personal conversation with them.”
Vega continued: “When you have groups of hundreds of people and shouting, you can’t really have a conversation. Today I felt that their group obviously has dwindled to 30-35 and I went outside and had a conversation with at least five or six of them on issues of substance.”
Roque said not all of the protesters were his supporters; many were protesting Vega’s actions at the recent Dominican Parade.
Allegations of unfairness
In the meantime, Roque continues to claim that Vega’s supporters are intimidating signers of his petition and spreading rumors. Roque has also charged that while he was asked not to request signatures at public housing buildings, both by the police and by Housing Authority Executive Director Robert DiVincent, Vega supporters have been able to enter buildings.
DiVincent did not respond to the Reporter’s request for an interview.
Roque’s attorney, Arthur Neiss, has sent letters and emails to DiVincent regarding Vega supporters entering and campaigning in public housing buildings. Roque has said that many of his patients have come to him afraid of Vega supporters who allegedly told them their housing would be revoked if they signed the recall petition.
Roque produced DiVincent’s e-mail to him which said: “The Housing Authority’s position is consistent for all solicitation and will remain that way. Please report any ‘breaches of entrance’ to my office and we will take whatever action is necessary to prevent future infractions. I was unable to document any personal complaints of threats or harassment but will investigate any and all brought to my attention.”
Roque said he was told that Housing Authority attorney Frank Leanza would speak to him and his attorney regarding the allegations, but both Roque and Neiss say they believe the Housing Authority is stalling.
Counter complaints
“The proper course is to file a complaint. It’s easy to make an allegation,” said Vega. “If he knows somebody is committing a crime, report it.” Vega said Roque should contact the prosecutor or Superintendent of Elections Marie Borace.
Vega admitted he has filed 12 complaints against Roque, two of which were directed to the County Prosecutor’s Office. “Every time I get a complaint about him breaking the law, I send it to the prosecutor’s office or the Superintendent of Elections,” he said.
Vega said Roque has workers asking for signatures who are not properly registered to do so. He said his complaints are under investigation.
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com