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Pascrell, Currie, endorse Sayegh; Wimberly backs out | Paterson Times

Pascrell, Currie, endorse Sayegh; Wimberly backs out

pascrell-currie-endorse-sayegh

Standing on the city hall steps, in front of a large group of protesters from his opponents’ campaigns, Andre Sayegh, 6th Ward councilman, accepted the endorsements of Bill Pascrell, John Currie, and the tacit approval of Benjie Wimberly.

“Today we’re here for an endorsement for a young man that is full-well qualified to bring Paterson to a brighter future,” said Currie, chairman of the state’s Democratic Party.

As the chairman delivered his brief remarks, the crowd yelled, “Paterson is not for sale! Paterson is not for sale!” At times drowning out Currie’s voice.

Currie continued, recalling his childhood growing up in the city, and observing the dramatically negative change that has swept the city. “As a youngster growing up in the city,” said Currie, “It is not the same city.”

“Today we’re going to endorse Andre Sayegh as the next mayor of the city of Paterson!” thundered Currie as the protesters, mainly from Jose Torres’ campaign yelled: “Paterson is not for sale!”

Pascrell, congressman representing New Jersey’s 9th District, began, “I did not come here to speak ill of anybody.” The congressman attempted to settle and quiet the protesters, but they continued.

Seeing mostly Hispanic protester, Pascrell, said, “When this rally is over I go back to Washington and fight for immigration reform, that’s my job and that’s what I’ll do.” The congressman briefly received cheers.

crowd-at-sayegh-endorsement

Large crowd at the city hall express displeasure at Democratic Party officials endorsing Sayegh for mayor.

“I think Andre is ready, I think he is capable, and I think he will make a great mayor,” said Pascrell as the crowd booed him.

The congressman said under a Sayegh administration every race will be treated fairly saying, “Fairness isn’t that what we all want?” The crowd continued to booing Pascrell. “We’ll I’m glad you are booing fairness,” remarked the congressman.

Wimberly, who presumably made an appearance to back the 6th Ward councilman, spoke two sentences before stepping away from the microphone. “I realize that we’re one city of 52 nationalities, that we need to move forward, with that I say, let’s move our city forward in 2014,” said Wimberly.

“You know it’s wrong!” yelled Russell Graddy, a prominent African-American restaurateur and ardent Jones supporter to Wimberly. “I’m telling you it’s not right! You said you wouldn’t do it!”

Sayegh looking at the crowd with signs that read the city is not for sale shouted, “Paterson is not for sale, but Paterson is in danger if we don’t get this election right.”

Flanked by two of his council colleagues, who reiterated their endorsements, said, “This election is not about the past, this election is about the future, we represent the future of this city, Councilman Tavarez, councilman Akhtaruzzaman, and myself — a new generation of leadership.”

The crowd booed Sayegh.

“What we’re seeing today is a part of the past, where it needs to belong is back in the past,” remarked the councilman. It was not only Torres’ campaign, others campaigns had their representatives at the protest as well.

“I’m proud to be here today to endorse Andre Sayegh for mayor,” said Pascrell. “I think he represents hope for our city.”

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  • truelove

    I believed in Andre wholeheartedly until I heard he was getting all these funds from outsiders.. Why are these people so interested in the fate (if that) of Paterson?! I guess that is why the crowd is yelling, "Paterson is not for sale!"

  • Dave Gilmore

    This is just the beginning… There will be many casualties as a result of this heavy handed political influence peddling, we will see…

  • DYA

    Candidates have long been endorsed, from the Governor to the President, and receive funding to support their campaigns. As usual the residents of Paterson are focused on the wrong things. Who is the best candidate to bring Paterson out of the mess that we are in…

    • truelove

      Yes but I think in this case we all know that something more than just "generosity" is taking place here. Most if not all just want to benefit in one way or another and in the end Paterson will remain just where it is; one of the top 10 worst cities to live in America.

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