Mold Remediation in Paterson, NJ

PATERSON — The Attorney General’s Office on Monday accused city Councilman Michael Jackson of intentionally defying a court order by not providing state investigators with the passcode for his cellphone.

The Attorney General’s Office seized Jackson’s phone more than 16 months ago as part of a probe looking at allegations of witness tampering in the state's 2020 election fraud case against him.

But investigators have not been able to get access to the contents of the phone, even after Jackson gave them what he said he thought were its possible passcodes.

“We think that Mr. Jackson still knows his passcode and this is all a charade to ignore your honor’s order,” Frank Valdinoto, deputy chief of the Corruption Bureau in the attorney general's Office of Public Integrity and Accountability, said during a court hearing Monday afternoon in Paterson.

Story continues below photo gallery.

Jackson’s lawyer, Scott Finckenauer, said Jackson simply couldn’t remember the code for his phone.

“How would you learn that you don’t remember what it is until you try what you think it might be and you learn it’s wrong?” Finckenauer said.

The Attorney General’s Office on Monday was asking Superior Court Judge Sohail Mohammed to find Jackson in contempt of court over the cellphone situation. But the councilman’s lawyer called into question the regulation cited by the state.

As a result, Mohammed directed the Attorney General’s Office to file a revised contempt of court motion in three weeks and scheduled a hearing for Nov. 13.

Jackson consistently has professed his innocence for the past 51 months in the long-delayed original election fraud cause and scoffed at the suggestion that he tampered with any witnesses. The state has accused him of violating New Jersey’s laws regarding mail-in ballots in Paterson’s 2020 council election, in which all voting was done through absentee ballots because of COVID-19.

The state also filed charges in June 2020 accusing Paterson’s current City Council president, Alex Mendez, of breaking election law. The Attorney General’s Office filed a second set of complaints involving the 2020 election against Mendez last autumn, charges that also named his wife and campaign workers.

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Last updated October 1, 2024 at 9:39 PM

PATERSON, NJ - The Paterson Music Project (PMP) will continue for the 2024-2025 school year as the Paterson School District has renewed its partnership with the Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts. The contract, valued at $376,308, supports an After-School Instrumental Music Program aimed at enriching students' music education. PMP serves over 500 students from 25 schools, providing free instruments and fostering community engagement through programs like orchestra, band, and choir.

The program operates four days a week and on Saturdays, targeting students in grades 2-9. It was inspired by the Venezuelan El Sistema model and is designed to increase students’ interest in performing arts, with opportunities to participate in orchestras and ensembles.

The program has garnered recognition for its impact on students’ lives, providing instruments at no cost and fostering parental involvement.

Sign Up for FREE Paterson Newsletter

Get local news you can trust in your inbox.

The district evaluated the Wharton Institute’s proposal based on a range of criteria, including past success and program cost, to ensure high-quality music education for Paterson students.

The Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts, based in Wharton, New Jersey, has a longstanding relationship with Paterson. It has worked with local schools and communities for several years, earning a reputation for delivering high-quality, engaging music education. Known for its robust arts education programs, the Institute has previously collaborated with Paterson schools to provide instrumental music instruction, fostering young talent in music and the performing arts.

The After-School Instrumental Music Program will be integrated as an extended learning opportunity available to students across the district who are interested in learning instrumental music.

The expected outcomes for the program during the 2024-2025 school year include exposing students to the performance aspects of instrumental music, whether as part of a full orchestra or jazz ensemble, officials said. Additionally, the program aims to increase student interest and participation in the performing arts, encouraging more students to explore music as a potential career or lifelong passion.

Erik Mendez’s day looks like this.

Rise in the middle of the night for his job at the airport where he helps disabled passengers navigate the terminals. In the early afternoon, he heads home and works out on his own before putting in some hours at Ike & Randy’s with the heavy and speed bags, rope skipping, one-on-one with Ossie Duran or another trainer, maybe some rounds of sparring.

He heads home, eats, and heads to bed around 8 p.m. before repeating.

A recent Instagram post saw him doing dips on two cafeteria chairs at 5 a.m. during a break at work.

“All the coaches help me out,” he explains, and his affinity for the place, the people, and the process is impossible not to hear. “I talk to them. They keep me off the streets. The trainers help me out one way or the other.”

His folks are supportive, he says, as is his girlfriend, Joshlyn, the mother of his daughter, Isabella. His father has been to the gym to check It out.

Ken De Berry, a trainer who also runs the finances for the gym, says Mendez came on strong when he first arrived, winning his first five fights all by knockout. He had trouble getting opponents once word got out.

“Erik has heart. And a great jab,” De Berry said.

“He’s got talent. He listens. He learns and he executes,” gym owner Phil Shevack said. “He learns right away and makes adjustments right away. If he is in with a boxer, he’ll box. If he is in with a puncher, he’ll punch.

“You tell him something once, it’s ingrained,” Shevack said, tapping his temple for emphasis.

With Mendez’s busy schedule siphoning off valuable training time, Shevack recently declared Mendez was not in fighting shape yet. Still, he matched him up with a younger but more experienced fighter from Newark, Ramon Ordonez, who is trained by his ex-boxer father and has about 50 fights under his belt.

Trainer Ron Bacote, aka Rasul, and Duran tag team Mendez’s coaching from the corner.

“Stepping in,” Rasul barks. ’There you go. Back him up with a jab.”

By the sixth, three-minute round, Shevack joins the coaching, and more gym goers crowd ringside as the action intensifies. Ordonez is grunting with his punches. The human eye can’t record the flurry of punches.

“Behind the jab,” Shevack shouts. “Behind the jab.”

The action electrifies the gym and a litany of other young fighters glue their eyes to the bout.

Mendez was 14 when some friends mentioned the gym. “They introduced me to boxing and I said, “Wait, I get to punch people in the face with gloves?' "

Mendez was 9-0 when he suffered his first loss. Then his girlfriend got pregnant, he left the gym, but he stayed with the training on his own. De Berry and Shevack acknowledged his disappearance, and his determination. Mendez soon returned and won his next two fights.

“I had to get settled with the baby – then there was a car crash – there are always little setbacks. That’s life,” he said, hinting at a wisdom beyond his years. “Now, I’m in the best shape of my life. I am ready for the next level of competition.

His quest for pro status drives him. As does his will to provide for his new family. His parents checked out the gym and his mother even worked out there for a few weeks.

“I took her on runs at night,” he smiles. “Some of my friends are out partying and having fun. That is not my path. I can't be hanging around rappers and artists if I want to be a professional boxer. That’s a different world. Everybody has to do it their way. “

He understands the role the gym plays in his life and the lives of others.

“Kids would rather be here and doing something positive,” he said. “You have to get in here and stay away from the streets. Choices. It’s about choices. And I am still making them.

“You can’t have one foot in the streets and one out. You gotta be committed to something.”

He philosophizes in a bit of Muhammed Ali style while he snaps punches: “Skills pays the bills.”

Please support us by turning off your adblocker.

Get unlimited digital access, along with subscriber-exclusive content, and more.

Powered By

2-minute read

In-person voting has begun in New Jersey.

The polls opened at designated early-voting locations at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Early voting will continue through Sunday, Nov. 3.

Polls will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no appointments necessary.

Voting takes place at specific early locations in each county that are likely different from the local polling place used on Election Day.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Polls will be open 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Where to vote early in person in Bergen County

Where to vote early in person in Passaic County

More:Our guide to New Jersey's 2024 elections for federal, local and school races

Where to vote early in person in Essex County

Where to vote early in person in Morris County

Where to vote early in person in Sussex County

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Gabriella Dragone

Occupation: School Administrator

Personal background:

**_Erica Plaza is a devoted parent, passionate educator, and committed community advocate. With a rich background in education and a deep-rooted commitment to the community, Erica brings a wealth of experience and insight to her campaign and promises to be a transformative leader for the Paterson school district._**

Sign Up for FREE Paterson Newsletter

Get local news you can trust in your inbox.

**_As an experienced educator, Erica has spent over a decade in the field, where she has successfully collaborated with fellow educators to enhance the learning environment for students. Her work in schools has always been guided by the belief that every child deserves access to a high-quality education that nurtures their unique talents and abilities. Erica's hands-on experience in and out of the classroom has given her a comprehensive understanding of the challenges teachers face, enabling her to be an effective advocate for educators and students alike._**

Past and Current Involvement in the Paterson Public Schools:

Worked at the following schools:

School 2: 2007 -2009

School 13: 2009 - 2011

School 2: 2012 - 2020

Community Charter School of Paterson: 2020-present

Public service background:

**_Erica has been an active community advocate in Paterson. Through her work at the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) and the Paterson Art Exchange (PAX), Erica has led initiatives to create outlets for expression, creativity, and learning, recognizing that a well-rounded education extends beyond traditional academics. As a dedicated committee member of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Erica has worked tirelessly to celebrate and uplift Puerto Rican culture and heritage. She has been instrumental in developing events that not only showcase the vibrant traditions and history of Puerto Rico but also provide community members with opportunities to explore their passions, develop new skills, and express themselves creatively. Through her efforts, Erica strives to honor her cultural roots and inspire others to take pride in their heritage._**

Reason for running:

**_As a lifelong resident of Paterson, Erica Plaza is deeply invested in the success and well-being of her community. If elected as Commissioner, Erica is committed to bringing her vision of a vibrant, equitable, and inclusive educational system to life, ensuring that every student in Paterson has the opportunity to thrive._**

**_With Erica Plaza on the Paterson Board of Education, residents can expect a dedicated leader who will tirelessly advocate for the needs of students, families, and educators, working to create a brighter future for the entire community._**

Candidate's biggest issue:

Erica will prioritize several key issues, including addressing educational equity, ensuring that all students have access to quality education, resources, and opportunities, regardless of their background or zip code. Erica will focus on:

1. Equitable Funding: Advocating for fair distribution of resources to underfunded schools.

2. Curriculum Inclusivity: Ensuring the curriculum reflects diverse perspectives and histories.

3. Support for Disadvantaged Students: Implementing programs that support students with disabilities, English language learners, and those facing economic hardships.

4. Mental Health Resources: Prioritizing mental health support and counseling services for students.

5. Community Engagement: Involving parents and community members in decision- making processes to better reflect local needs.

By focusing on these areas, Erica will help create a more inclusive and effective educational environment for all students.

Campaign slogan and meaning:

Every Child Matters

Approach to budget cuts and spending:

Erica anticipates coping with cuts in state aid to the local school district by focusing on several strategic approaches:

1. Budget Prioritization: Assessing and prioritizing essential programs and services to ensure that the most critical needs are met even with reduced funding.

2. Diversifying Funding Sources: Actively seeking alternative funding through grants, partnerships with local businesses, and community fundraising initiatives to supplement state aid.

3. Community Engagement: Involving parents, community members, and local

organizations in discussions about funding challenges and potential solutions to foster collective support.

4. Efficiency Measures: Identifying areas where efficiencies can be gained, such as reducing administrative costs or streamlining operations, to preserve funding for classroom instruction.

5. Advocacy: Engaging in advocacy efforts at the state level to address funding inequities and push for increased support for public education.

6. Transparent Communication: Keeping the community informed about funding challenges and the impact on schools, which can help garner support for budgetary decisions.

Additional information about candidate:

**_Being a single parent of three sons has further fueled Erica's dedication to education. As a mother, she understands the importance of parental involvement in a child's education and is committed to fostering stronger connections between schools and families. Her experience navigating the school system as a parent has equipped her with valuable insights into the needs and concerns of parents and students, making her a strong voice for families in the community._**

The template and supplemental resources for this voter guide were developed in collaboration with the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University.

All candidates were contacted for their responses. The information is presented exactly as the responses were received.