Unveiled as the latest candidate to run on the ticket of Mayor Felix Roque, Margarita Guzman, a commissioner on the West New York Housing Authority, joined other officials in the raising of the Dominican flag outside town hall on Feb. 27.
Five candidates will run in may for the Board of Commissioners, and from among them, one will choose a mayor.
Roque’s slate will run against candidates from the West New York United Team, consisting of current WNY Commissioner Dr. Count J. Wiley, Carlos Betancourt, Myrli Sanchez, Hector Hernandez, and Thomas Leung.
The Roque ticket includes commissioners Cosmo Cirillo, Gabriel Rodriguez, and team member Susan Colacurcio, along with Roque and Guzman.
Last month Cirillo replaced Rubin Vargas on the town’s five-member Board of Commissioners. Rodriguez replaced outgoing Commissioner Caridad Rodriquez (not a relation) who became a member of the Hudson County Board of Freeholders in early January.
“Margarita will help me set new initiatives to build on West New York’s progress,” said Roque, who is the only candidate running this year that ran in his successful 2011 run against then-Mayor Sal Vega.
Guzman, a Dominican, was named “Community Leader of the Year” in West New York and has a significant track record for community involvement from cleaning streets to helping provide for the underprivileged. Three years ago, she was recipient of a Juan Pablo Duarte Award as well.
A resident of West New York for almost 30 years, Guzman is well-known for her community activities that include finding clothing and shelter for the poorest in the community.
“Margarita will help me set new initiatives to build on West New York’s progress.” – Mayor Felix Roque
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Frias announced this week that she would not run to retain her seat. Frias was the last of the original candidates that ran with Roque when he won against then Mayor Sal Vega in 2011.
Roque is running for a second term, taking credit for keeping taxes stable while delivering high quality municipal services, expanding youth and senior programs, investing in the town’s infrastructure, leading efforts to reduce crime and keeping the Town of West New York as one of New Jersey’s business destinations.
Guzman, he said, a passionate educator with over 10 years of experience in preschool education.
“She is particularly passionate for supporting the success of children and families as well as a true desire to advocate for those who do not have a voice,” Roque said.
Guzman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Law from Universidad Tecnologica de Santiago and a Bachelor of Science in Advertising from Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo. Additionally, she completed two certification programs at New Jersey City University for Secondary Education Spanish Teacher and Preschool Education.
“Since her migration to West New York from the Dominican Republic, Margarita has been an enthusiastic civic leader that volunteers for programs serving seniors and children. Margarita will bring a fresh perspective and will work to support the needs of early childhood education,” Roque said.
Guzman has been living in West New York for 12 years has been active in a number of initiatives for upkeep of the community.
During one cleanup campaign last years, she said she had strong reasons for being involved.
“I’m trying to help my town,” she said. “I want to see it cleaner so that the value of our houses goes up. We can be better. If we all cooperate, we can progress as a city, and people will notice when they come visit our town. Visitors come to West New York and think that only dirty middle class and poor people live here. We want to improve things and we want to live well. Just because I’m poor doesn’t mean that I have to be dirty.”
Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.