Boricua Woman-1st Latina Mayor in NJ

[Sonambulo]

Wilda Diaz, a 44 year old lifelong resident, became the first latina to be elected Mayor of a city in New Jersey, namely Perth Amboy, which has a large Puerto Rican / Latino community.

Mrs. Diaz who previously worked as a Vice President of Banco Popular for approximately 20 years and was a community activist, was elected soundly over 18 year incumbent, Joseph Vas, himself one of the first latino men to be elected as Mayor in a New Jersey town- [Vas is half Puerto Rican and half Portugese].

Vas who is also a State Assemblyman representing the 19th district, which includes Perth Amboy, has been credited with helping steer a dramatic economic boom in the city. His opponents, however, had used recent tax increases and accusations of political heavy handedness against him and, apparently, the local electorate have accepted these arguments and elected for the change that Diaz promises.

It is very noteworthy to state that Mrs. Diaz only had about $50,000 in campaign money versus over $700,000 and the full backing of the local Democratic party that Vas enjoyed but which was insufficient to maintain him in power.

Mrs. Diaz promises more open government and to maintain the line of property taxes.

Whats up collegas- how the hell are you!!!

[JaneMas]

How are you???

[Sonambulo]

I thought it important to post on this board about one of the few Puerto Rican women in this country to be elected a mayor of a city. Actually if anyone out there knows of another I would like to know.

Oye Jane Im ok, busy as hell with work; a lot of really rough characters have been coming through our doors. Definitely walking into more hairy situations than in the past. The federal system is definitely trying to mop up the mess that states cant handle.

I get the impression Willie has not felt motivated to restart his forum since the crash of the Delphi servers. I checked a couple of times and his old forum is gone. Hablamos pronto.

[Corvo]

I hope Wilda Diaz sets a good example for us. I think we can all set good example of what we are capable of.