Exclusive interview with Newark Mayoral Candidate Darrin Sharif

On August 27 Darrin Sharif announced he would run for Mayor of Newark.
Sharif was an aide to Mayor Booker when Booker was a Central Ward Councilman.
His Father Carl Sharif has long been involved in Newark politics and was advisor for Booker's 2002 run for Mayor and 2006. Today we have an interview the Central Ward Councilman about his run for Mayor.

There is nothing more important at the present time than the murder rate and violence in our city. What is your solution?
Response: the murders and other lawless acts that have occurred in our city are disgusting, reprehensible, and shock the community’s collective conscience. As mayor I will conduct a national search for the most qualified police chief and director and employ the most effective crime fighting and reduction measures anywhere. Additionally, I will find the additional revenue to hire more police officers and to purchase additional security surveillance equipment to keep our community safe. But as I make this important and necessary investment, I will also intensify and accelerate the investment I, working with some great and commitment partners, have made in our residents and the neighborhoods where they live. Some of these important investment include: transforming 3 vacant and garbage-strewn lots into beautiful gardens and pocket parks; creating 4 building-based computer labs at New Hope Village, Pilgrim Baptist Village, Wynona Lipman Gardens, and thanks to a major investment by NJIT a computer lab and learning center at Oscar Miles; the expansion of the Central Ward Youth Ambassador program I started this summer where 25 high school students participated in a community project each week. These are the kinds of investment we should be making in our neighborhoods and as mayor I will make them in each of the other 4 wards.

2. The jobless rate in New Jersey is at high 8.5 percent while Newark's is at a staggering 15 percent or higher. What will you do as mayor to help bring about jobs? 
Response: Over the last  2 ½ years over a third of the economic development activity has occurred in the city of Newark. And over 80% of it has occurred in the Central Ward. Projects like the Prudential Office Towers, Teachers Village, Springfield Village, Food Depot, Springfield Market Place, and Douglass Harrison will generate thousands of temporary construction and permanent jobs. I am proud to have worked with the administration to create these opportunities for Newark residents. Over the next two years there are more than a billion dollars of economic development projects in the pipeline. As mayor I will get them out of the pipeline and across the finish line, fighting to make sure Newark workers got most of the jobs. But we also have to make sure that every Newark resident who wants a job is prepared to compete of it. I would work with our job development office to make sure that more of the money we receive from the federal and state government went to “job training” as opposed to “job placement.” With a 15% unemployment rate the reality is that thousands of Newark residents are going to have to compete for jobs outside the city. And when they compete for 
those jobs I want to makesure that they receive the best possible training we can provide them 
with.



3. The Central Ward  has been the hub of economic development seeing probably over 80 percent of the cities economic development.

How would you bring economic development in the other wards like the North Ward that has not seen such an increase? The good news is that based on the explosive development over the last two years, and the additional development projects in the pipeline, outside investors now have Newark on their development radar. As mayor I will pick up where Senator Booker left off and be an even bigger champion for development. It is important that we send the signal to outside investors that we will continue to be business friendly and open for business. I will use the relationships I have developed with the commuting to attract more economic development activity to other wards in the city.

4. You have recently forged a relationship with Principal Yolanda Mendez at Roberto Clemente School to bring Saturday classes to the school. What are your hopes for that and do you plan on doing that in every ward? 
Response: Principal Mendez is a gifted principal and true community leader. Born and raised in Newark she has a unique understanding of the needs of her students and community. In 2010 after coming into office I established a “Learning Community” at Science Park High School.Science Park High School offers free classes on Saturday from 11am to 2pm. These classes include computer and financial literacy, GED prep, yoga, aerobics, film making, and more! The Learning Community is a model that can be replicated in every school in the city, and that will be my goal as mayor. Schools are the most logical places to organize community events. And schools are excellent venues to organize members of the surrounding community.

5. What is your top priority for the Newark Public Schools?
Response: To provide every single child with the type of quality education, that will allow them 
to compete on the world stage. As mayor I represent all of our children, whether they attend 
district schools, charter schools, or private schools. As we work to reform our system of public education and make it stronger, we have to work more closely with the community of stakeholders (our colleges and universities, our corporations, the development community,our faith and community based organizations, our residents, and most importantly, our parents and guardians/caregivers) to support our children NOW! To that end I started a mentor program for young men and women at the Vision Academy Charter School; I created a partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Media lab to teach children how to code to become computer programmers; I am working with the Newark Public Schools, and hopefully Panasonic to create a special video game to help Newark kids who have physical disabilities increase their manual dexterity. Our challenge is to learn how to work together even when we disagree.

6. Who is your role model and why?
Response: My mother and my father. They instilled in me a moral compass and a fundamental sense of right and wrong. They taught me to respect everyone with the dignity and respect they deserve. And they instilled in me a love for learning and knowledge

7. Our property taxes under the current administration hasgone up considerably and yet our services such as sanitation, street cleaning, walking police officers have been on the decline. What would you do to help the citizens of Newark?Tax paying Newark residents deserve relief. And the key to providing them that relief is to generate more revenue. As we bring more development to our city we generate more revenue to fund services such as sanitation, street cleaning, and police officers. As mayor I will also pursue what I believe will be a significant and reliable source of continued revenue for the city – revenue generated from operations of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Each year the City of Newark receives 10% of the Port Authority’s gross revenue. If we find creative revenue ideas for the PortAuthority, we will receive 10% of that additional revenue the Port earns. To this important end, when I become mayor I will amend the administration’s table of organization to create a designated division that will specifically focus on Port Authority operations and ways in which to generate more revenue for the Port. When the Port Authority wins Newark wins.

8. If you're elected Mayor, your number one priority is?
Response: Safety, Safety Safety!!!

Exclusive Interview with NJ Gubernatorial Candidate William Araujo talks Marriage Equality, opens up about his Gay brother and puts The Trenton establishment on notice!

1. All over New Jersey Jersey cities and municipalities have been cutting police officers leaving citizens feeling helpless at times, what would you do at the State level to help a city like Newark where Mayor Cory Booker slashed hundreds of jobs?

Today I would like to talk about New Jersey’s Police and Fire departments. Throughout the last few years our very own have been subjected to many layoffs due to budget cuts. Mayors and councilpersons of all municipalities and townships, especially in Newark, have to understand that it takes millions of dollars to train these officers and provide them with new uniforms, weapons, gear, and physical training. The tax payers should not have to waste millions of dollars because their elected officials have to close their budget gap.
THIS MAKES NO SENSE!

I was trained by the Middlesex County Auxiliary Academy in 2002 and went to become an Edison Auxiliary Police Officer in Edison NJ. It was a big step in my life, and although it was a volunteer position, we went through some very intense training. Let me share with you a short story that will give you a glimpse into the reality of what our men and women in uniform have to endure.
I was patrolling with a regular, which means a real Edison Police officer, in a police issued vehicle when a call came in about a man that could not open the door to his son’s room. He had not seen his son for days. We put the siren on and the officer threw a small book of cross streets at me and said, “Look it up and tell me what the cross street is,

“I can save the taxpayers of New Jersey over $28,000,000 per year.”

Hurry! Hurry!” As we approached the address, there were some officers that had just arrived at the same time. The officer I was with ran into the house and I followed. The father was pointing to the basement so the officer pushed the door open and we saw the son hanging from a rope. The officer quickly untied him and began to give him CPR until the paramedics came in. We both got back into the vehicle and he took out his pen and papers to file the report. The officer stopped writing and put his head down for about a minute, looked up at me, and said, “Araujo! Are you sure you want to do this job?” This was the very first time that I realized that an officer does more than just issue tickets.

As the years went on I learned what it meant to “WALK THE BEAT”. I have noticed a trend lately that not only in New Jersey, but throughout the country, almost every municipality, township, corrections facility, and university is hiring directors (civilians) to serve the departments. They get paid well over $100,000 and can only direct orders to the Chief of Police who then directs it to the lieutenants and so on. Based on a simple calculation, we have 566 municipalities in the state of New Jersey. If we were to take at least half of that and remove those positions, we would save the tax payers at least $28,300,000 per year. This is huge! I am not even taking into consideration the fact that they are all given a vehicle to take home, including tolls, and free gas.
As I talk to more officers around New Jersey, I’ve also become aware of the fact that grants are requested by the municipalities from the federal government, and when the funds are received, the mayors or council persons use some of the grant money they receive for purposes other than what they were requested for. As governor, I will work closely with assembly persons and state senators and we will pass a law that requires any grants to be used only as they are intended. This means significant support will be put towards the Police and Fire departments.
I would also work with both the Assembly and Senate to make sure that we pass a bill that would require any Police or Fire personnel that are laid off to be hired first in any part of New Jersey before hiring new ones. They are already trained and ready to work, and it saves millions more.
THIS MAKES SENSE!
Let’s be very clear. We need to leave our Police and Fire personnel alone to do the job they were trained to do.


2. The Jobless rate in New Jersey is somewhere around 8.5 while in Newark its a little over 15 percent in some reports, what would you do to lower and bring jobs back to the state?

Today I read an article on CNN Money, where Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos talked about providing some of their employees that work in the warehouse with a $2,000.00 tuition cost for training in well paying, high demand career jobs. I was very excited for the employees, more so that the CEO Mr. Bezos has the confidence in our American workforce.
Under the sponsorship of the Essex County Carpenters of New Jersey, the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship, trained me for four years to be a Building Trade Carpenter. Because of this unique opportunity, I have worked for over 25 years in the field of construction and have benefited greatly. I am forever grateful.
This leads me to my next topic, Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Occupational Training. As Governor, The first step is to sit down with the Commissioner Harold Wirths and figure out what he has done and what will he do to revamp our workforce to compete in today’s global market. I am eager to have many meetings with the big corporations and have a healthy dialogue as to help in the process of training our New Jersey Residents become highly skillful which leads to better profits for corporations and higher paying jobs and of course higher revenues for the state economy.
Human Resources is one of the most critical departments in any organization. Higher education, municipalities, schools, police and fire dept., correction departments, Board of Ed and so on. In fairness to the taxpayer, as Governor I will work hard with our elected officials, Senators, Assembly person, Mayors, Councilpersons to make sure that every entity is hiring the best candidate for these positions. Hiring a friend of a friend or a sister, brother or cousin should not be considered when hiring an individual for employment in the same department. As Governor, I would like to create a division within the state that oversees all applicants for any position within these branches. This division will review all applicants for a position and submit the best candidates to hire from, based on experience and education, to the respective human resources department. IT JUST MAKES SENSE.
As these things take place it’s like a Domino effect… Unemployment will decrease, temporary disability also decrease, this is due to the workforce working smarter not harder. Wage and hourly employees will have a goal to set, the more you learn the better pay will be.
Minimum wage should be set as an entry level position. If the employee has satisfied their employers as a good worker and has a great track record for going to work on time, they should be compensated as such.
Let’s talk about the Social Security Disability Programs. My goal is to make sure that all current individuals that are on this Disability Program meet the medical requisites; A yearly checkup with the Medical Doctors should be mandatory for all individuals that are permanently disabled.
New Jersey has well over 9.2% of people unemployed right now, it may go higher if we do not take action. Just this month, over 26,000 New Jersey residents lost their Extended Unemployment Benefits.
We must continue to educate the American People to compete in this global job market. Let’s start with these 26,000 New Jersey

3.Recently New Jersey own commercial station that services New Jersey decided to drop its nightly newscast and left its station without any daily newscast, Former Senator Frank Lautenberg was a big advocate for keeping a newscast and making sure it was Jersey Centric, what is your opinion on My9's decision.

This is very sad.... I will bring it back. The more NJ residents know whats going on the better we can communicate with them.

4. Who will you be supporting for New Jersey's next Senator?
I believe Mayor Booker will be a much better Senator than Steve Lonegan.
Cory and I have similar views and values of todays World.


5. Name 3 of your top priorities if you become the next Governor of New Jersey?


Immediately negotiate  with big companies to come back to NJ. Remove Red Light Cameras'. Meeting with all Commissioners of the 15 agencies ASAP to evaluate budgets.

6. Who is your role model and why?
My wife's Father Pedro Morales, We were at the VA Hospital  in East Orange when doctors told him that he had 6 months to live.
 He was diagnosed with Bone Cancer. 10 years later with hundreds of chemo therapy and is still going strong.

7. Do you support or would you try to end county government
I support it. I would look to consolidate it to work more efficient.

8. Hurricane Sandy has devasted New Jersey, would you have done anything different than Governor Christie to help the victims

This was a bad storm... I would have taken the time to build the boardwalks out of concrete and used more NJ
companies to rebuild since we have the best construction workers in the country.

Bonus Questions
 Name your favorite New Jersey Diner ?
It was easy for me to say that it was Edison Diner on route 1 in Edison NJ.
But as I travel this great state I find that Diners all over are Fantastic!
Coffee shops and home made food are best


What is your favorite New Jersey Reality Show ?
I'm not a big fan of reality shows but when I do skim through the Television I'll take the time to watch The Amazing Race.  Love to see other parts of the country.

What do you do that defines you as uniquely New Jersey?
NJ is a melting Pot. And so am I.  Rich with diversity and awesome cultures

Our 3 Fitness Experts will be turned into a Book!

Here's Odalis:

http://newarknow.blogspot.com/2013/04/odalis-urena-personal-trainer-getting.html?m=1 

Here's Donnie:

http://newarknow.blogspot.com/2013/10/donnie-fitcoach-demary-takes-us-on.html?m=1

Here's Anthony:

http://newarknow.blogspot.com/2013/07/fitness-expert-anthony-catanzaro-talks.html?m=1

You have all overwhelming endorsed our 3 Fitness Experts that we are turning it into a book. All 3
accomplished trainers will be include with all there pictures.



To reserve a copy please send your contact information to Newarknews@hotmail.com. When the book is released you will be the first to know!

It is a very exciting time here and we know how much you all liked the series on Fitness.

These trainers all enjoyed giving their advice and time to help you. So don't miss out reserve your copy today.

To get put on the waiting list email to:
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Donnie FitCoach Demary takes us on journey to great health and fitness!

UPDATE: we will be coming out with a book on all 3 fitness and health experts to put your name on the waiting list go newarknews@hotmail.com .
Today we continue our journey of getting our readers into shape and into great health.
In our corner today is Donnie FitCoach Demary from New Jersey.  Demary after leaving the Marines devoted his life to helping others achieve their goals and getting into a healthy happy state of fitness. Demary  runs D3Fitness and Consulting.  Demary most rewarding times he says are when he is working with youngsters getting them on the path to great health! Here is his interview.

1.  How did you get started in training and the health field?

After honorably serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1990-94, fitness was a natural progression considering that much of what the Marine Corps demands from it’s ranks requires a high-level of physical fitness. Not only from an individual standpoint, but educating, guiding, and training those around you. The love was there, but when I found out I could make a career out of it…almost 20 years later here I am.

2. What is one of the most effective exercise routine for the whole body?

The answer isn’t as straight forward as the question. The “most effective” routine would be the one specifically designed to fit the persons “need, not just the “want.” The “want” aspect is what drives most of us, when we should be focused specifically on the need. To clarify “Need” vs. “Want”…for example, Correcting muscular imbalances, postural issues, and inflexibilities take priority over achieving a “6-pack.”

Dr. Drew Pinsky and Donnie

3. What does your diet consist of and what should a great diet consist of?

On a good day or bad day...lol…Seriously, we are all human beings who require fulfillment nutritionally just as we do in any other area of our lives. Nutrition is no different. I “enjoy” my meal times.  I love variety! I love to cook, so fresh works well in preparation and most importantly…taste! Think about it…Why be so restrictive that eating becomes a daily choir and source of stress.  I said, “I enjoy my meals”, but be smart about it. Eating often times serves as the centerpiece to our social lives. Enjoy it!

Follow the basics…

*We already know, low-fat, all natural, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and well balanced

*Everything in moderation

*Follow a track that works for you, not what worked for someone else, but be smart about it. If it doesn’t look healthy, it probably isn’t

*Relax a little! Don’t turn healthy eating into a source of stress. Have fun and be nutritionally creative.

4. Who is your role model?

Wow! So many have been instrumental in defining who I am today. I would say that my Mother, Sister, and Niece…yes my 13-year-old niece… They are definitely my #1 role models. Unwavering faith, courage, perseverance, unconditional love is their attributes. Their love and support pushes me to “Do” and “Be” better.

5. What nutritional supplement do you use or would endorse?

To be honest, I don't indulge in many supplements. A multivitamin and the occasional protein shake is
about it. as far as endorsing...the one(s) appropriate for you. Such a bland answer right? (laughing).

6. What is the most important advice you can give someone to reach their goals?

There is a passage from a famous Martin Luther King Jr speech..." You ought to believe something in life, believe that thing so fervently that you will stand up with it until the end of your days." Well, this is something to definitely believe in. Believe in yourself
...Believe in the process.

7. As an honored Military veteran, what has the military taught you that you carry with you in your daily life?

It's tough narrow the answer down in a few sentences. I would say more than anything, The Honor and Code of Brotherhood.

8. Ten years from now where do you see yourself?

Hmmmm, probably married (laughing again)...Seriously, somewhere, doing something to promote health, vitality, and good living still...fighting the good fight for sure!

9. One word to describe yourself?

"Blessed!"

Also check out our other fitness articles:

http://newarknow.blogspot.com/2013/04/odalis-urena-personal-trainer-getting.html?m=1
http://newarknow.blogspot.com/2013/07/fitness-expert-anthony-catanzaro-talks.html?m=1

Best in Health,

http://newarknow.blogspot.com/2013/04/odalis-urena-personal-trainer-getting.html?m=1