For Immediate Release
Cites Failure to Deliver Promised Economic Stimulus Plan
NEWARK, NJ – April 29, 2014 – South Ward Council candidate Brian Logan today criticized South Ward Councilman Ras Baraka for failing to deliver a South Ward “economic stimulus plan” that he promised when he ran for election in 2010.
Baraka promised to introduce a “stimulus plan” for the South Ward to develop small business, to increase police patrols and clean up the vacant lots and abandoned houses throughout the ward, according to a May 12, 2010 article in The Star-Ledger.
“In four years, Ras Baraka has not produced a stimulus plan for the South Ward,” Logan said. “We can see the tragic results of his failed leadership all over the South Ward. You just can’t believe the promises made by Baraka.”
Logan said Baraka’s failure to produce a stimulus plan is just one of his many shortcomings as a South Ward councilman. Logan said Baraka was absent on numerous votes that directly benefited Newark residents.
For example, Logan said Baraka was absent for a June 6, 2013 vote on allocating $216,000 for Newark Hot Spot Transitional Employment for Young People. The funding, which passed 7-0, provided training for 120 young adults. He also missed a July 3, 2013 vote to provide funding for R U Ready for Work, a program that provides training for 60 young adults. The measure passed 5-0.
“You can’t say you care about the youth of our city and not show up for a vote that would have provided training for so many young adults in our city,” Logan said.
Logan said Baraka also missed a Sept. 1, 2010 vote in 2010 that provided $3.5 million in state and federal funding to support job-training programs. The measure passed 7-0. He also missed abstained from a vote to provide $5 million to provide training and employment opportunities through the One-Stop Career Center.
“It’s understandable to miss one vote, but it’s unconscionable to miss so many votes on issues that are so important to the economic well-being of our people,” Logan said. “Baraka can’t even bothered to show up for the job he was elected to do.”
Logan, the head football coach of the Weequahic High School football team and a decorated detective in the Newark Police Department, is running on the ticket of mayoral candidate Shavar Jeffries.
Logan said he will be an advocate for the residents of the South Ward and work closely with Jeffries to bring economic opportunities to the residents of the South Ward.
“I will not be a councilman who promises an economic stimulus plan, then fail to deliver,” Logan said. “I will work closely with the future administration of Mayor Jeffries to bring jobs and economic development to the South Ward.”
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