GERARDO FERNANDEZ

September 28, 2008 - 11:30pm

Garcia, the crowd, and the questions

Councilman Jose "Joe" Garcia: Politicker file photoCouncilman Jose "Joe" Garcia: Politicker file photo 

PASSAIC - The streets throb with Mariachi rhythms as the floats and red, white and green-draped cars move slowly through Passaic and the public men and women wave to the crowds that spill finally into the yard of Public School Number 11 in the 2nd Ward: a confluence of food, flags, bodies and music.

All pay homage to Mexican independence.

The lead singer dances on stage and sing about Mexico and women, and arms in the crowd sway to the horns and guitars and in the background in the middle of supporters wearing red shirts with his name printed on them stands a subdued man in a gray suit.

Councilman Jose "Joe" Garcia shakes hands with a lot of people who pass. They know him. He has nine children, and has served on the School Board for 12 years, and as councilman for the last seven years.

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September 23, 2008 - 6:43pm

Fernandez defiant as rumors dog Garcia candidacy

Councilman Gerardo Fernandez: Politicker photoCouncilman Gerardo Fernandez: Politicker photo 

PASSAIC - The arrest last week of Passaic City Councilman Gerardo Fernandez on corruption charges dredged up the Sammy Rivera era again in the middle of a mayor’s election.

A candidate for mayor, Councilman Joe Garcia was on the governing body when the now disgraced and jailed Rivera told an FBI plant that he could deliver four votes on the City Council in favor of a dummy insurance contract.

Garcia defenders say Councilman/mayoral candidate Garcia was not one of Rivera’s four sure bet votes, but rumors persist.

An indictment already identified Councilman Marcellus Jackson as one of the council people implicated in the failed Rivera scheme. Former Councilman Jonathan Soto was also implicated.

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September 19, 2008 - 8:58am

Winners & Losers of the Week


This week's Winners & Losers: Click Here.

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  • Friday, September 19, 2008
    Winners:
    Joseph Ferriero, , Jeanne Fox, , John McCain, , Frank Lautenberg, , Christopher Christie, , , , , , , , , , ,
    Losers:
    THE STAR-LEDGER, GERARDO FERNANDEZ, Roy Wesley, MALCOLM BLUM, JON CORZINE
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