Tensions escalate amidst allegations of rule changes favoring incumbents and calls for electoral integrity as the June 4, Democratic primary election for Perth Amboy mayor and council draws near but a cursory investigation of the incumbent’s claims reveals a sinister degree of dishonesty.
Parroting complaints detailed by Joseph B. Vas in a February 27 letter to Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe, Ken Gonzalez lodged a protest against a rule change instigated by incumbent Mayor Helman Caba, who is also the Democratic party boss.
Caba changed the rules so that only seven of the 64 Perth Amboy Democratic Committee members will participate in a nominating panel to decide which candidates get an unfair advantage in ballot placement.
Vas and Gonzalez both plan to challenge Caba in the June 4, Democratic primary election for Perth Amboy mayor.
Gonzalez and his City Council running mates, Ana Maria Zevallos and Kevin Kowitski, assert that this maneuver, orchestrated by his opponent, aims to restrict candidate selection and preclude democratic control over the nomination process.
Meanwhile, Vas, who is running for mayor on a slate with Doris Fonseca and school board commissioner Junior Iglesia as council candidates, presents a formidable challenge in his second bid for leadership over City Hall even though another change instigated by Caba will exclude more than 20,000 residents from the process of choosing local elected officials.
Voters approved a switch from nonpartisan to partisan elections in a question on the November 2023 ballot, in a move that granted Caba a virtual dictatorship over the City by the Bay, effectively stripping 80% of the citizens of their voting rights.
Perth Amboy is such a predominantly Democratic community that while independent or Republican contenders may compete, anyone seeking to be elected as mayor or to the city council with those labels is all but certain to lose.
Vas and Gonzalez should expect to encounter another disadvantage on the primary election ballot, as party bosses may place their preferred choices alongside other political machine candidates, relegating rival contenders to what has been described as ‘ballot Siberia’—a spot where voters could have a hard time even finding their names.
Ignoring these obstacles, the Vas campaign team outlined comprehensive plans to address pressing issues facing Perth Amboy residents, focusing on public safety, electoral integrity, and community empowerment.
Vas emphasizes strengthening community policing initiatives, appointing experienced and accountable leaders within law enforcement agencies, equipping law enforcement with cutting-edge technology, and developing programs to engage youth in positive activities and address the root causes of crime through education and support services.
Caba, who seeking an election to a second term, claims that his track record is one of fiscal responsibility, economic development, and public safety but his rhetoric does not square with the facts.
In a recent statement, Caba boasted of significant economic growth and fiscal stability under his leadership. However, a closer examination of economic indicators reveals a starkly different reality for residents of the city.
Despite Caba’s claims, trends in employment and housing costs paint a troubling picture for Perth Amboy.
Since the city council’s decision in 2022 to limit rent increases to 3%, rental prices have surged, according to data from Apartments.com and Zumper. Rent in Perth Amboy has increased by 10.53% in the last year, equating to approximately $194 more per month for residents. Zumper reports a staggering 9% increase in rent prices in just the last month and a 15% increase over the past year.
Moreover, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics contradicts Caba’s assertions of economic prosperity.
The unemployment rate in Perth Amboy has seen a concerning rise, climbing from 4.3% in September 2022 to 9.7% in August 2023. This increase in unemployment translates to a surge in jobless residents, with the number rising from 1108 to 2672 over the same period.
A closer look at historical labor force data reveals fluctuations that challenge Caba’s narrative of economic growth and stability.
While there have been periods of employment growth that coincide with the end of the coronavirus lockdowns, recent trends suggest a worrying reversal, with unemployment rates on the rise.
Residents and critics are quick to point out the discrepancy between Caba’s rhetoric and the economic realities faced by many in Perth Amboy.
The failure to enforce rent control laws coupled with the significant increase in unemployment raises questions about the efficacy of Caba’s leadership and his commitment to telling the truth to his community.
As the city grapples with economic challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are calling for transparency and accountability from local officials.
With the upcoming election, the economic landscape of Perth Amboy will be a central issue for voters, who must hold their leaders accountable for their handling of economic matters if citizens expect the politicians to have a positive impact on residents’ livelihoods.
Caba also claims that investments in public safety, specifically expanding the police force and implementing community policing programs, have made residents safer but again the facts obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Data Explorer tell another story.
There were 137 violent crimes reported in Perth Amboy in 2020, the year Caba was first elected mayor. In 2022, the latest year for which statistics are available, that number rose to 182. While the violent crime rate is going up, more than a third of the offenses reported to police have consistently remained unsolved.
The number of property crimes reported to the Perth Amboy police department went from 508 in 2020 to 808 in 2022. More than 90 percent of those offenses are unsolved.
Additionally, Caba says he has focused on revitalizing the city with new parks but all the projects listed on the municipal website were initiated by Mayor Wilda Diaz, who Caba defeated.
As the primary election nears, the candidates are expected to present divergent visions for Perth Amboy’s future.
The incumbent’s claimed accomplishments appear to diverge from reality, so voters should seriously consider the challengers who are advocating for change and demand more transparency in governance.
The outcome of the Democratic primary could shape the trajectory of Perth Amboy’s leadership and policies for years to come.
Victor Coronado, who is Caba’s cousin and served as his campaign manager in 2020, issued a full-throated endorsement of Vas.
“Four years ago, I served as campaign manager to Helmin Caba in the local election for Mayor and his ‘2020 Vision’ campaign in which he promised to deliver ‘Real Solutions’ and a positive ‘Change.’ Sadly, I must now admit he took on this challenge without a true vision or a plan to succeed. It’s simply a fact,” said Coronado. “He lacks the knowledge and qualifications to do the job.”
“My decision to support Joseph B. Vas was very emotional for me,” said Coronado. “I love my cousin Helmin but, as a new homeowner, there is no doubt Perth Amboy needs real change, with qualified leadership, professionalism, and a plan.”
For Perth Amboy residents, the primary election on June 4, 2024, represents a pivotal moment in determining the city’s future direction. Stay informed and exercise your right to vote.