Dear Editor:
Hello. I am Jersey City resident Erik-Anders Nilsson and I recently interviewed a friend and Democratic candidate for Freeholder Adela Rohena Santiago on May 2nd, 2014.
She’s currently a candidate for Freeholder in the Democratic Primary Freeholder election on June 3rd, 2014, in District 5 which covers Hoboken and areas of Jersey City including parts of the Heights section. I thought it might benefit your readers to hear a few of her answers.
E-A N: You have run in past municipal elections, for example, you’ve run for Jersey City Council seats, but your opposition, usually the so-called ‘machine’ has always received those positions.
Where do you find your energy to continue to run and fight for the people?
ARS: My energy comes from a feeling, a motivation which moves me to make things better for all the people. People are not happy with the way the system works – a system with too many hidden agendas that usually benefits a group and not the citizens. I do not have a hidden agenda.
People inspire me and they keep asking me to continue running. This is not about money or propaganda, it’s about the people.
E-A N: What are your accomplishments for the people in the area you’re running for?
ARS: I volunteered at Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts, and at ’eminent domain’ abuse cases, and protested the PATH train fare increases.
I’ve helped and volunteered with many organizations locally over the years including the Jersey City Puerto Rican Parade committee, the ‘Save the JC Libraries’ group, Jersey City Peace Movement, and an organization that helped save Christ Hospital.
I also advocate for the elderly, the working class, the homeless and help feed the needy and less fortunate in Hudson County for many years. I helped create and co-host local TV program, ‘Jersey City Latino’, and I’ve created many Facebook pages for discussion, information and action, including one that tracks all the fires in parts of Hudson County and another one that discusses violent crimes locally. I’m always in the streets talking to all the people, listening and fighting for them either online or at City Hall.
E-A N: What would you explain to every person, every voter, so they all can know more about you personally?
ARS: That I don’t give up easily. I’m persistent. That I am the option for positive change in Jersey City and Hoboken.
I’m an educator in the school system here in Hudson County. I’m bi-lingual and a community activist. I have a degree in Public Policy and Urban Studies from Saint Peter’s University. I’m currently working on a degree in Linguistics at NJCU.
I’m not doing this for money or for any developers. I want them to know that I will never give up fighting against corruption.
Ms. Santiago is C-4 on the ballot.
By the way, I wrote, produced and directed a new short SAG-AFTRA film that will be premiering soon. The psychological-thriller, “The Third Month Termination” was shot entirely on location in Jersey City.
JCPM does not endorse any candidate in any election.
Erik-Anders Nilsson