Despite protests from immigration groups, lawyers, and pastors, the Essex County Freeholders okayed a deal that would allow the federal government to house 1,250 illegal immigrants in Essex County. 450 of these immigrants would be housed at Delaney Hall, a for-profit agency Community Education Center (CEC) at 451 Doremus Avenue in Newark, the others would be placed in Essex County Correctional Facility. The $250 million contract was approved in August, but since there have been residual complaints about the living conditions of the immigrants; protesters have summonsed to the Freeholders to have more oversight at the facility and acknowledge the mistreatment of inmates.
Alfaro Ortiz Jr., the Director of the correctional facility, stated the new area where 450 low-risk inmates are being housed is high tech and geared toward the inmates comfort. “None of the complaints about abuse or lack of food are true,” he stated. “If someone complains about their food the menu is changed to accommodate them, especially if for religious reasons.”
Representatives for the facility testified the illegal inmates are treated very well and that there are layers of security to handle complaints made by inmates. They also stated the facility also houses federal agents from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who are also there to oversee the facility.
Freeholders Rufus Johnson, Rolando Bobadilla, and Leonard Luciano surprised the public by stating they made unannounced visits to Delaney Hall and found a state of the art facility, with basket ball, televisions, a weight room and other amenities. They stated they saw the portion of food being served with their own eyes and that is was good. Johnson gave the facility the “thumbs up” and Luciano said he was very satisfied with the care the facility gives the inmates. Freeholder Director Blonnier Watson said she was also pleased to hear the report that her colleagues came back with, which will allow the freeholders to make more informed decisions regarding the immigrant housing situation.
Ortiz added that the new facility will remove class A or “not dangerous” illegal immigrants from the dangerous ones such as the gangs and allow them a more secure place. John Clancy, spokesperson for the EHCA, the non-profit affiliate of CEC, stated that about 75% of the illegal inmates have returned to their country; he assured the freeholders that there is no mistreatment of anyone despite what protesters are saying.
Freeholders who visited the facility stated they will continue to make future unannounced visits.
All nine freeholders voted to allow $129 million dollars to be paid to a private company, Education and Health Centers of America, Inc. (EHCA) for five years to help manage the lower class facility.
ICE listed the following on its website concerning Delaney Hall:
Feedback/ Complaints
We strive to provide quality service to people in our custody, their family, friends, and to their official representatives. If you believe that we have not lived up to this commitment, we would like to know. If we have met or exceeded your expectations, please let us know that as well. To comment on the services provided at this office, please write to:
Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 614 Frelinghuysen Avenue, 3rd Floor Newark, New Jersey 07114
If you feel that an ICE employee or contract services employee mistreated you and wish to make a complaint of misconduct, you may:
Contact the Field Office Director at: Field Office Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 614 Frelinghuysen Avenue, 3rd Floor Newark, New Jersey 07114 (973) 645-3666 Write the Office of Professional Responsibility:
Director, Office of Professional Responsibility U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement P.O. Box 14475 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20044”

Delaney lists their “Overview of Programs” online as:
Community Education Centers, Inc. (CEC) is a leading provider of re-entry treatment and education services for adult correctional populations throughout the United States. CEC is firmly committed to partnering with government agencies to provide intensive re-entry treatment and education programs that focus on changing addictive and criminal behaviors, preparing offenders for reeentry, and ultimately reducing recidivism.
Why Community Education Centers? CEC operates in 18 states and provides a full range of therapeutic residential and non-residential re-entry services with a documented record of reducing recidivism. The company's goal is for each offender to make a successful transition back into their community. We specialize in the re-entry process and have developed an effective reentry treatment model that focuses on assessment, treatment, and aftercare. The company contracts with local, county, state, and federal government agencies, as well as non-profit agencies and provides the following services:
• Residential Re-entry Centers
• Residential Assessment Centers
• In-Prison Treatment Programs
• Jail/Detention Management
• Specialized County Programs
• Therapeutic Community Programs
• Parole Violator Centers
• Work Release Programs
• Day Reporting Centers
• Native American Treatment Programs
• Out-Patient Treatment Drug Court Programs
• Women's Programs
• Mental Health Programs
• Healthcare Services
• Global Positioning Systems
• Drug Testing Services
Source: http://www.ice.gov/

RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER AS CHRISTIAN HERITAGE MONTH IN THE CITY OF PATERSON

WHEREAS, Christians arrived in America desperate yet determined and in search of religious tolerance and freedom from persecution, and they devoted their talents, skills and relentless energy to building the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, in 1787, the forefathers of our country, The United States of America, drafted our Constitution and laid the foundation for laws and rules of order that our nation would be governed by and based on the principals of Christianity;

WHEREAS, Christians have served the United States as educators, journalists, scientists, physicians, lawyers, artists, and humanitarians; Christian Americans have made vital contributions to the development of our communities, academic institutions, civic organizations, governments, and businesses; and

WHEREAS, By making inroads into every facet of American society, Christian Americans have infused our nation’s civic, social, economic, and cultural life with their own unique culture, customs, and dynamic heritage; and

WHEREAS, Enriched by contrasting stories of achievements and adversities, successes and unparalleled tragedies like September 11, 2001, the culture and heritage of Christian Americans have provided our State and the nation with a pathway to guide us through periods of growth and expansion as well as those of depression and conflict; and

WHEREAS, In times of despair and extraordinary need, Christian culture and heritage has uplifted, inspired, and provided solace wile at the same time demonstrating and teaching our nation the virtues of bravery, persistence, persistence, perseverance, liberty, and freedom; and

WHEREAS, In the month of September of each year, Christian shall come together to celebrate Christian Heritage Month to reflect upon our nation’s Christian history and foundation; and

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Month will serve to establish, create and highlight the rich culture of Americans who share a common goal in there faith and seek to sustain the essence of our nation’s Christian Culture; and

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage month will encourage young Christians to learn about their Christian inherited faith and propagate the purpose of the founding fathers; and aims to increase public awareness of the rich heritage and traditions of the Christian people; and

WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Month will serve to encourage peace and unity among Christians and people of all faiths throughout the world; and
WHEREAS, Christian Heritage Month will highlight the many contributions and advancement Christians have made in our society, our City, our State, our Nation and throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, In the month of September Christians will be encourage to extend a helping hand of goodwill towards the poor, the imprisoned, the homeless, the ill, the hungry, and all those in need as part of there heritage; and

WHEREAS, Christians Heritage Month will seed to promote, among Christians there are no race, color, economic caps or national origin and that all Christians are brother and sister to one another; and

WHEREAS, In order to properly recognize the diverse contributions and achievements of Christian Americans, as well as to preserve and to protect their compelling stories and unique culture for future generations, it is altogether fitting and proper that the people of New Jersey study and learn from their Christian heritage; now.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Municipal Council of the City of Paterson that;

1. The month of September each year is hereby designated at “Christian Heritage Month” in the City of Paterson to recognize and honor the diverse contributions and achievements Christian/American have made to the development of our City, State and nation.
2. The Mayor is requested to annually issue a proclamation and call upon public official, private organizations, and all citizens and residents of this City to observe the month each year with appropriate events and activities.
3. The joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
4. The City Clerk shall transmit copies of this resolution to its author for appropriate distribution.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

This joint resolution designates the month of September of each year as “Christian Heritage Month” in the State of New Jersey. The resolution recognizes and honors the diverse contributions and achievements Christian immigrants and their descendants have made to the heritage of our State and the nation. It aims to increase public awareness about the role Christian Americans have played in the development of our City, State and nation, and promotes the rich heritage and traditions of the Christian people, who have shaped the fabric of American society and global heritage.


Designates September of each year as “Christian Heritage Month.”
Author: Keith Sirrano Baldeo

Figures look good, depending on how you do the count.
If you listen to the city of Paterson, you would never believe you were in the same town.
Paterson stated, “The city of Paterson has experienced a significant decrease in the overall crime rate for the calendar year 2009.”
The city credits its very successful Operation Impact Program, which they stated was abolished by a court due to constructional violation by several officers in the past.
It also credits its Anti-Crime Unit.
“These units enabled our department to utilize crime-mapping strategies to track crime throughout the city and respond by deploying officers directly into the affected areas to adequately address emerging crime patterns and trends. As crime patterns shifted, these units maintained the flexibility to move right along with them in a continuous and sustained effort to dramatically reduce crime and improve the overall quality of life,” Police Director Glenn Brown read from a statement.
Standing next to Mayor Torres, Brown also praised the Paterson CeaseFire Program, which he stated has been recognized as one of the finest and most successful in the entire State.
“The impact of these initiatives, combined with the hard work of the men and women of this agency charged with their implementation, has resulted in an 18% reduction in robberies, a 22% reduction in burglaries, a 36% reduction in auto theft, a 16% total reduction in all property crimes, and an astounding 34% reduction in non-fatal shootings. Overall, the City has experienced a 12% reduction in the crime rates of 2009,” Brown stated.
Brown also noted that the Paterson Police Department will once again institute a “Gun Buy-Back Program” slated to commence on Tuesday, January 19th; Thursday, January 21st; and Saturday, January 23rd at Second Baptist Church – 72 Carol Street, Paterson. 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Recently, the city has received $3,747,373.00 from the “COPS Hiring and Recovery Grant.” This would fund an additional 25 new officers with no matching funds from the city’s budget. The new officers will graduate on May 7th of this year.
The Paterson City Council recently passed a resolution authorizing (27) new Ford Crown Victoria police cars for patrol officers and (6) new Chevy Tahoe sport utility vehicles for supervisory staff.
Some of these vehicles will be equipped with “License Plate Reader Technology” that allows officers to capture images of license plates as they pass both moving and parked vehicles.
Stationary “License Plate Readers” will also be placed throughout the city.
As reported, the city will soon be installing additional Big Brother projects, such as the “Red light Camera Project.” Drivers who rush through a red light will be ticketed through the mail if the cameras catch them in the intersection when the light turns red. The city stated this will reduce the number of accidents and help in investigating major crimes.
The city also approved several three-wheeler buggies for the city of Paterson. The new technology was tested last year at the Peruvian parade. Used mostly in the summer, it carries one office in a standing position and can maneuver through traffic, sidewalks, and crowds.
Critics of the report stated that not all crimes are reported to the police department and, therefore, are not counted. Most of the time, the party leaves when the police show up. Research should be conducted to analyze whether on-going crimes and crimes under investigation are part of the stats as well.
Paterson also installed cameras at intersections throughout the city years ago. No crime has been solved with these cameras, including a case we brought to the police department.
The city’s calculations trade or cancel out one crime for another, such as in the 3rd ward, there were 3 rapes in 2008 and 7 in 2009; that’s a 133% increase. However, the city’s math is “when you add up all the crimes” -- the “Overall” picture -- adding the murders, with the rapes, with the burglaries equals a drop in crimes. Oddly enough, one of the biggest crimes -- Domestic Violence -- is missing from the list, along with Youth Violence.

Normally a place for making laws and granting funds, not promoting oneself.
It’s election season in Paterson, this means more candidates, promises, handshakes, and well, lies.
It is also a time - and the only time - when these candidates show up at City Hall. They are not really focusing on the issues, just using the city’s cameras for publicity.
Residents viewing the City Council meetings are often disgusted by all the grandstanding council members, and some residents put on at these televised live meetings..
At the council's WORKSHOP meetings (not televised), there are no loud outbursts of long dragged-out speeches or in-depth questioning of items.
Most of the time are not discussed, it seems, these items are put up for discussion at the televised meetings just for show, thus, all the discussion and reasoning, which should take place during the workshops, is skipped.
There are a few culprits known for prolonging air time, some on the council's side and others on the public's side.
A list of rules from the Passaic municipal council was submitted to the Paterson Pulse, by request. It was presented to Council President Jeffery Jones to curb the time wasted at the public meetings and prevent the abuse of the city’s property, equipment and time.
Councilman Aslon Goow, who vied for council presidency in the last reorganization meeting, stated that, under his watch, each member of the public would have only three minutes to speak. Goow further stated that, if he were made president, individual council members would only have two-and-a-half minutes to respond once all speakers were finished - nothing more.
“It wastes valuable time, and most times, it (discussions) has nothing to do with what we are voting on,” Goow stated at the time.
Jones agreed that all speakers must relate to items only on the agenda; any other issues a person has outside of what’s on the agenda should be addressed to the members of the council on the side or during business hours.
During election time, candidates flock to City Hall to speak on issues only as a pretext to gain publicity for themselves. One councilman said he plans to put a stop to it.
This abuse was no more clearer than in the school board elections, when Board Commissioners Willa Mae Taylor, Jonathan Hodges, and a host of other candidates, showed up for the live televised meetings to speak on carefully-crafted issues, only to disappear after the election
Speakers at these council meetings should only address issues being voted on that evening. But such forums have been used for attacking officials, promoting events, speaking about President Obama, the police department, giving someone an award (mostly so the official can show he or she did something), parking problems, imposing a curfew that will never take place, complimenting or criticizing officials, inviting people to parties, crossing guards, and just about anything else not related to the resolutions being voted on.
There are certain laws and rules, such as the “Robert’s Rules” and other state rules, that govern how the city is to conduct its meetings. They have not been followed by the Paterson City Council.
During several meetings it took the council members an hour to vote on one junkyard license, items that were never discussed at the workshops but were only put up during the televised meetings.
The council can go over the three-minute time restriction if it specifically has an item on the agenda for discussion that concerns the public. Members of the public can then support or object to passage of the resolution.
Below is a Statement written on the Passaic City Council agenda.
[“In accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act (N.J.S.A. 10:4-12),"nothing in this Act shall be construed to limit the discretion of a public body to permit, prohibit or regulate the active participation at any meeting ...."
Therefore, please be advised that the Council shall not entertain any comments from persons who communicate obscene material, make statements which are considered bias intimidation in which a person intends to intimidate any individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap or ethnicity or makes comments intending to harm or speak any offensive language. The person who makes these statements will relinquish their allotted five minutes of public discussion. “]
The above was suggested to the Paterson City Council President to consider applying the same rules.
The following rules were also suggested:
Any and all speakers must have a legitimate question or statement directly related to items on the agenda, all other issues should be communicated through the clerk to a council person. Council members are or should be available, during normal business hours to address those concerns.
Any or each council member wishing to address a matter must wait until the end of the public portion and is allowed two-and-a-half minutes to respond if they choose to do so publicly. Members of the public are not allowed to misuse the city cameras or the councils valuable time to publicize themselves or their personal events.
In the next issue of the Paterson Pulse we will evaluate the meetings with each councilperson and public speaker for abuse.
Comments: e-mail: News@PatersonPulseOnl

The Paterson Pulse 2010 Anniversary will be held on Date change due to election, at the Riverside Manor 27 E. 33rd Rt 20.
Tickets are $59.00 in advance. call 201 737 3300