The Alternative Press

PATERSON, NJ – After being short-handed the past five months, the Paterson City Council is back to full strength.

Kenneth McDaniel, who won the May 8 at-large election to fill Benjie Wimberly’s unexpired term, took the oath of office on May 29. McDaniel took office before the other winners of the May 8 elections because he is filling an open term.

“It’s refreshing to know that we have nine council members again,’’ said Council President Anthony Davis. “This way we can fully take care of city business.’’

At times in recent months, the city council failed to make quorum because of its reduced numbers. In other instances, the vacancy made it more difficult to generate enough votes, especially on the adoption of the budget and on bond ordinances.

In fact, the city council had to hold a special meeting last Friday to vote on an ordinance borrowing money to cover tax appeal settlements. Previously, just five members voted on the ordinance, while the law requires six affirmative votes.

“Massive and multifaceted challenges await us,’’ McDaniel said in a statement issued subsequent to his swearing in. “Our priorities must remain clear. While following sound fiscal principles, we must make every effort to provide the highest level of services we can possibly deliver to the citizens of Paterson. To ensure that their interests and rights are recognized and protected, we must be resolute in our call to listen to and include the voices of all our citizens.’’

“It is imperative that we address the City’s deficits when it comes to fleeting financial resources,’’ McDaniel continued. “We must be committed to working with the State, the business sector and other funding sources to ensure that future funding is sufficient and predictable. This is the only way we will find ourselves in position to adequately staff our departments and run our programs.  This is the only way we will be able to significantly improve the quality of services we provide to our citizens.”