Perth Amboy

Yesterday's election results in Perth Amboy are a mixed bag for Mayor/Assemblyman Joseph Vas. Vas' slate eked out a very close election against candidates who made Vas' leadership of the city the focal point of the campaign. Despite the fact that Vas himself was not up for election, the race was viewed as a referendum on his leadership as mayor.

Vas, who is engaged in an uphill battle against former Assembly Speaker Albio Sires for the Democratic nomination in the 13th Congressional District, cannot be encouraged by the fact that nearly half the voters in his hometown voted against his endorsed council candidates. The split in Perth Amboy, where four years earlier the incumbent slate faced no opposition at all, could also encourage Carteret Mayor Dan Reiman and others to challenge Vas for his 19th District Assembly seat next year

VAS DECLARED 'FRIEND OF EDUCATION' BY STATE FEDERATION OF TEACHERS
Annual Award Recognizes Legislative Excellence in Supporting Education

(PERTH AMBOY) - The New Jersey State Federation of Teachers (NJSFT) recently selected Assemblyman Joseph Vas as the 2006 "Friend of Education."

What Is Vas Hiding In The Perth Amboy Budget?
Secrecy and Lack of Disclosure Surrounds Vas’ Budget

West New York – The Albio Sires for Congress campaign today called on Perth Amboy Mayor Joe Vas to stop hiding revenue relating to his FY 2006 budget. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has notified Vas that it refuses to approve his budget because he has repeatedly refused to supply the department with “items of revenue,� despite repeated requests from the DCA over a six month period.

PERTH AMBOY - Today, 13th Congressional District candidate Joseph Vas, Mayor of Perth Amboy, called on his opponent, Albio Sires, to participate in 10 debates before the June primary. “So far the missing component in this election has been the voice of Albio Sires,� declared Mayor Vas.

“Albio is engaged in a deliberate strategy of hiding from the press and the voters,� Vas charged. “To date, we have only heard comments from his paid political operatives. Albio seems unwilling to speak for himself.�

Vas’ proposal is to hold 10 debates to include all four counties, plus major media and constituency groups.

“I’m going to make it easy on Albio,� Vas stated. “I propose that the first debate be sponsored by the Hudson County Democratic Organization, this month. If Albio is reluctant to even speak before them, then what does that tell you?� Vas asked.

“Being congressman is a serious job. As a congressman you need to stand up every day and argue for your district and for your positions. If you won’t speak then how do you do the job?� Vas continued. “Further, the voters have the right to know where you stand on the issues and to take your measure. They can’t do that if they can’t see and hear you,� Vas stated.

“I’m sure Mr. Sires’ reply will be full of phrases like “at the appropriate time� or “having other ways to talk to voters� and they’ll all be excuses for not debating. The public deserves nothing less than a full and repeated airing of the issues and differences between us. Anything else is a cop-out,� Vas concluded.

AMERICA'S YOUNGEST MAYOR TO JOIN VAS ON TOUR OF STATE HOUSE
Assembly Visit Caps Three-Day Tour for Hillsdale, Michigan Mayor Sessions

(PERTH AMBOY) - As part of a sister city agreement with Hillsdale, Michigan, Assemblyman and Perth Amboy Mayor Joseph Vas will introduce the United States' youngest documented mayor, 18-year-old Michael Sessions, to the New Jersey General Assembly tomorrow.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Barry Brendel
(732) 742-4325
(732) 821-5218

January 31, 2006

VAS REACTS TO STATE OF UNION ADDRESS
“America Needs A Leader to Inspire Our Nation,
A Leader With A New Vision For America�

PERTH AMBOY – Today, 13th Congressional District candidate Joseph Vas issued the following statement regarding President Bush’s State of the Union Address.

Honorable Joseph Vas Announces Campaign For Democratic Nomination To Represent 13th Congressional District
"A New Vision for America’s Future"

PERTH AMBOY – Today, Perth Amboy Mayor Joseph Vas, who serves as Assemblyman in the 19th State Legislative District, formally announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for the 13th Congressional District of New Jersey. Vas made his announcement and kicked off his campaign at four different locations spanning the congressional district – Perth Amboy, Newark, Jersey City, and Elizabeth.