PATERSON – Joined by leaders from across the 9th Congressional
District last night, including Passaic County Chairman John Currie,
Senator Nellie Pou and Passaic Mayor Alex Blanco, Rep. Bill Pascrell,
Jr. was the focus of a rally with members of the Latino community from
Passaic, Hudson and Bergen Counties last night at the Bonfire
restaurant in Paterson to exhibit support in his upcoming primary
battle against Rep. Steve Rothman.
Pascrell used the rally as an opportunity to explain to all present
what he stands for and why he deserves their support in his fight
against Congressman Rothman, made necessary after Rothman decided to
move out of his District, and a fight against Tea Party Republican
Scott Garrett, in order to challenge Congressman Pascrell in his own
district.
“Now more than ever we need a fighter for the folks who drive this
economy, whether it’s the single mom who runs the Hallmark Card store
in a strip mall in Clifton, the family who runs your favorite diner
off of Route 3, or the mechanic who owns the auto body shop in
Cliffside Park,” said Pascrell. “Tea Party hardliners, like Scott
Garrett, will continue their slash-and-burn budgeting tactics with no
thought on the impact of the cuts on the middle class. It’s
unfortunate that my opponent chose to cut and run from a fight with
the extremist Tea Party Republicans instead of face them head-on as I
will continue to do as Congressman. The 9th District deserves a
fighter, someone who will stand up against these extremist Tea Party
Republicans and their continued assault on middle class taxpayers. We
didn’t start this fight . . . but we know how to finish it.”
Last night’s rally follows on the heels of a meeting last week with
dozens of Dominican leaders and community organizers and elected
officials from the city of Paterson, Passaic, and Prospect Park
organized by businesswoman and President of the Dominican Parade, Mrs.
Elsa Mantilla. Passaic Mayor Blanco was also present at the meeting
along with Councilwoman Zaida Polanco, Councilman Hector Lora, and
Board of Education Commissioner Tania Melo, all Dominican Elected
officials from Passaic. Also in attendance were Councilwoman Cristina
Peralta and Council President Felicia Candelario Ortiz both of the
Borough of Prospect Park and former Paterson Board of Education
Commissioner Danilo Inoa..
“I have known Congressman Bill Pascrell for over 20 years, and he has
not only been my mayor, my Assemblyman, and my Congressman, but he is
also my friend. Congressman Pascrell has been present at my
anniversaries and my kids birthdays without hesitation and I will make
sure that I not only support him, but I will get out to the streets to
knock on doors for him” said Miguel Diaz who is also the Vice
President of the Dominican Parade and a long time Dominican Democratic
leader in the city of Paterson.
