Silverio Vega recall, West New York, New York, 2009
From Ballotpedia
| Recall |
|---|
|
| Historical recalls |
| Recall news |
| Recall laws |
A petition has been submitted for the recall of West New York Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega.[1]
Dr. Felix Roque, the director of pain management at St. Mary’s Hospital in Passaic and an Army reservist,and more than 300 community members are leading the effort because Roque said the city is in disarray, alleging that schools are suffering from a lack of funding, the streets are rampant with trash and potholes, and that the police department does not have the tools it needs to do its job.[1] He has offered to take over the job without pay, as Vega receives $15,000 for his mayoral duties. "The streets are filthy with garbage and animal waste,” Roque said. “There are potholes everywhere. You can see and smell the neglect."[1]
Dr. Felix Roque filed the petition for the recall in April 2009. Roque submitted the petition to recall the mayor, and the Board of Commissioners, on behalf of himself and the group, Together We Can.[2]
Vega denied most allegations, but admitted that there were a lot of potholes, saying they were working to fix them. "This spring, you will see us taking care of the worst streets that have not been taken care of in 10 years," he said.[1]
Support
On April 18, 2009, supporters of the recall marched from Union City to West New York. The march, organized by Roque, had 200 protesters calling for the recall. Roque spoke to the protesters, stating that he and others would gather the required 5,000 signatures needed to force the public vote.[3]
Opposition
Vega has stated that he has done well for the town of West New York. He highlighted the $2 million package of special aid he obtained from the state. He argued that the money he secured would to towards efforts to put the town in a position of fiscal comfort.
According to Vega: "Only somebody who has nothing to fear and wants transparency would do this.”[4]
Controversies
Tactics
Controversy has been swirling around the recall effort as, according to Vega, numbers are shrinking in support of his removal. On October 21, 2009, Vega met with approximately 20 members of the Dominican Civic Association inside the West New York Municipal building when a group of protesters began chanting.
Vega then went outside to speak with the protesters, who held signs depicting him with red horns. According to Vega:“I’m trying to figure out what happened. The reason I went to greet them is obviously their numbers have dwindled down to a small enough group that I can have a personal conversation with them.”
The protest comes amidst rumors that Vega has been using intimidation tactics against petition signers. The allegations come from Dr. Felix Roque, the organizer of the petition to recall the mayor. According to Roque, potential petition signers have reported that Vega’s supporters threatened to revoke their public housing buildings if they do indeed sign.[5]
Vandalism
Dr. Roque filed a police report on November 6, 2009 after discovering that his car's windshield was smashed and two tires were slashed. The police report did not mention Roque's political efforts, but according to reports, the vandalism was the second such incident in the same week that the recall leader believes was related to his efforts.[6]
See also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 North Bergen Reporter: "Petition to ‘heal’ West New York," Jan 11, 2009
- ↑ nj.com, "West New York doc to announce petition to recall Mayor Sal Vega", April 17, 2009
- ↑ nj.com, "Marchers demand recall of West New York mayor", April 19, 2009
- ↑ nj.com, "Marchers demand recall of West New York mayor", April 19, 2009
- ↑ Hudson Reporter, "Vega confronts protesters", October 24, 2009
- ↑ NJ.com, "WNY recall leader's car vandalized outside home; dispute over political signs", November 7, 2009
