In a move that will have significant implications in the upcoming municipal elections, Gabriel Rodriguez was sworn-in on Jan. 21 by Mayor Felix Roque as a new member of the Board of Commissioners. He will serve until May 19, when a newly-elected board will be sworn-in after the May 12 election.
Rodriguez replaces outgoing Commissioner Caridad Rodriquez (not a relation) who became a member of the Hudson County Board of Freeholders in early January.
Roque voted with Commissioners FiorD’Aliza Frias and Ruben Vargas to make Rodriguez the new commissioner, while Commissioner Count Wiley – who has already declared his candidacy to unseat Roque in the May election – abstained.
Wiley said he abstained because he’d had no input into the selection, and was not provided an opportunity to nominate anyone.
The commissioners, again with the exception of Wiley, voted to assign Rodriguez as director of Public Works. In the city’s form of government, each commissioner handles a particular portion of government.
A good man from a good family
Nearly 100 people – mostly Roque and Rodriguez supporters – filled the small chambers to witness the event with a number of residents praising Rodriguez.
With experience on state and federal levels of government and political affairs, Rodriguez comes to his new position after service as the field representative and campaign finance director for Rep. Albio Sires (a former mayor of West New York.)
In comments after the successful vote, Roque said Rodriquez has “worked with local leadership, grass-root organizations, and members of the community, with a firsthand understanding of what it takes to make government work for its residents.”
Rodriguez has also worked for former governors James E. McGreevey and Jon S. Corzine, and with U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez as co-director of the Latino Base Outreach Campaign. According to Roque, he offers a strong and influential voice in political and community affairs.
“[Rodriguez’s]experience has enabled him to build an extensive political network to benefit the needs of the community.” – Mayor Felix Roque
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Rodriguez, who was born in Cuba but attended West New York Public schools, received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from New Jersey City University and an Executive Master’s Degree in Business Administration from New Jersey Institute of Technology.
“I didn’t expect to see so many people, and so that’s very humbling,” said Rodriguez. “It allows for me to share this moment with the people around me, and it allows for me to say what I think are the two most important words that a person can learn to say in life – thank you.”
Rick Solares, during the public portion, echoed a general sentiment concerning Rodriguez, in saying that Rodriguez came from a well-respected family in West New York.
Political bickering continues
While none of the public criticized Rodriguez during the meeting that followed the swearing-in, Roque became a target in what may be the first salvo in what is expected to be a tough campaign.
This became evident over a question of municipal debt raised by one of the residents. The town’s debt has risen from about $37 million when Roque took office in 2011 to $47 million this year.
Roque said much of this went into rebuilding an ailing city infrastructure, and pointed to recent acquisition of police cars and ambulances.
While Roque tried to include Wiley in singing the song of successful cooperation, Wiley said that there is waste and other areas that need to be addressed, which is why he is running for office against Roque.
The mayor said he and his fellow commissioners, including Wiley, had come to office with little municipal experience, but that lessons had been learned over the last four years that have put them in a better position to make decisions for the future.
“Learning lessons is a good thing,” Wiley said, “if you have learned them. But I believe we need to make a change.”
Wiley is part of a ticket that includes Carlos Betancourt, Myrli Sanchez, Hector Hernandez and Thomas Leung challenging a still-to-be announced Roque ticket.
Most, however, believe Rodriguez will be running with Roque. Mayor Roque has announced his own candidacy already.
Jesus Aristor, a long-time resident, encouraged the commissioners to work together for the benefit of West New York. He said the city has become a much safer place since the late 1990s and credited the police department with clearing out many of the gangs that had operated openly.
“We are now one of the safest cities in the state,” he said. “We need to work together to keep it that way.”
Patrick Cullen, a long time activist, is running as an independent for the commission. He spoke at the public portion asking the Wiley and Roque to refrain from using their positions on the commission to seek donations for their campaign.
He said he expected large amounts of money to be spent in the upcoming campaign, but wanted the race to be honest.
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.