VTMBH Article: Body
Sharpe James, mayor of the Garden States largest city, is seeking reelection on May 14. He agreed to an exclusive interview with Brazilian Voice newspaper reporting team. During the dialogue, Sharpe James extended several compliments to the Brazilian community in the Ironbound neighborhood of Newark, N.J.
What will be your platform for the next administration?
S.J.: I believe that the importance of these elections is to provide continuity for the marvelous progress that the City of Newark has achieved. We are a city that at one time was a model for the entire country, and have now returned to that kind of growth. Some well known achievements have taken place in our city, such as reductions in the crime rate, the return to growth in real estate, tax cuts, construction of the Arts Center and sporting stadium, IDT Corporations move from Hackensack to Newark, and Blue Cross/Blue Shields return to this city after 10 years away, among other examples. Once again, people are proud to live in Newarktheyre not making excuses any longer.
In what ways can the Brazilian community contribute to that growth?
S.J.: I have visited Brazil at least three times, and I call it my home away from homeit is such a marvelous and beautiful place. I have visited many different countries, but in Brazil I never want to leave, because of the kindness, the joyful spirit, and the friendliness of the people. Many Brazilians come to America and head for Newark, and I believe we should help them with respect to immigration issues, or even better, help them to become part of our society. Theres a real mountain of red tape when a person moves from one country to another. Despite the good intentions of the bureaucrats, it is sometimes really difficult to understand local laws relating to immigration, education even finding a place to live can be a headache. In keeping with the principle that Newark is the home away from home of thousands of Brazilians, especially in Ironbound, we recognize that diversity is synonymous with strength, not weakness. In solidarity with Newarks Brazilians, I hope to establish an office that can give assistance to the growing Brazilian population.
What do you think of the Brazilian community?
S.J.: I think the Brazilians are coming on quite strong in the United Statessee how many are opening their own businesses? They possess so much energy, and they are so proud of their cultural heritage. I have attended some diverse celebrations in Newarkfor example, Columbus Day Parade, Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Irish Parade, and Portuguese Day Festival, among othersand I participated in the Brazilian Independence Festival. I saw Brazilians parading down Ferry Street with their colorful costumes and folk dancing. I had an opportunity to perceive the pride of Brazilian youth. The Brazilian community has been pretty active in the economic sector and in the cultural enrichment of the region. I believe that what we should now do is extend that field of inclusion into the political arena with naturalization and electoral participation. That way Brazilians will be able to say: Hey, our lives also matter! Tell us why you want our vote, and after you win we want to take part in this victory!
What are the plans for urban development in the Ironbound neighborhood?
S.J.: It seems that it will mean the general renaissance of the East Ward and the filling-in of urban space. Construction in the area has become difficult, because now we have to think about school construction and about the creation and maintenance of green space so that in the future we dont have areas that are completely built-out with housing. Brazilians are known for playing soccer, so recreational spaces are quite important. We have a project to revitalize the land along the banks of the Passaic River and transform it into a park where residents will be able to have picnics, rollerblade, and play soccer, among other activities. That certainly will be interest to the Brazilian community as well.
What will be your platform for the next administration?
S.J.: I believe that the importance of these elections is to provide continuity for the marvelous progress that the City of Newark has achieved. We are a city that at one time was a model for the entire country, and have now returned to that kind of growth. Some well known achievements have taken place in our city, such as reductions in the crime rate, the return to growth in real estate, tax cuts, construction of the Arts Center and sporting stadium, IDT Corporations move from Hackensack to Newark, and Blue Cross/Blue Shields return to this city after 10 years away, among other examples. Once again, people are proud to live in Newarktheyre not making excuses any longer.
In what ways can the Brazilian community contribute to that growth?
S.J.: I have visited Brazil at least three times, and I call it my home away from homeit is such a marvelous and beautiful place. I have visited many different countries, but in Brazil I never want to leave, because of the kindness, the joyful spirit, and the friendliness of the people. Many Brazilians come to America and head for Newark, and I believe we should help them with respect to immigration issues, or even better, help them to become part of our society. Theres a real mountain of red tape when a person moves from one country to another. Despite the good intentions of the bureaucrats, it is sometimes really difficult to understand local laws relating to immigration, education even finding a place to live can be a headache. In keeping with the principle that Newark is the home away from home of thousands of Brazilians, especially in Ironbound, we recognize that diversity is synonymous with strength, not weakness. In solidarity with Newarks Brazilians, I hope to establish an office that can give assistance to the growing Brazilian population.
What do you think of the Brazilian community?
S.J.: I think the Brazilians are coming on quite strong in the United Statessee how many are opening their own businesses? They possess so much energy, and they are so proud of their cultural heritage. I have attended some diverse celebrations in Newarkfor example, Columbus Day Parade, Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Irish Parade, and Portuguese Day Festival, among othersand I participated in the Brazilian Independence Festival. I saw Brazilians parading down Ferry Street with their colorful costumes and folk dancing. I had an opportunity to perceive the pride of Brazilian youth. The Brazilian community has been pretty active in the economic sector and in the cultural enrichment of the region. I believe that what we should now do is extend that field of inclusion into the political arena with naturalization and electoral participation. That way Brazilians will be able to say: Hey, our lives also matter! Tell us why you want our vote, and after you win we want to take part in this victory!
What are the plans for urban development in the Ironbound neighborhood?
S.J.: It seems that it will mean the general renaissance of the East Ward and the filling-in of urban space. Construction in the area has become difficult, because now we have to think about school construction and about the creation and maintenance of green space so that in the future we dont have areas that are completely built-out with housing. Brazilians are known for playing soccer, so recreational spaces are quite important. We have a project to revitalize the land along the banks of the Passaic River and transform it into a park where residents will be able to have picnics, rollerblade, and play soccer, among other activities. That certainly will be interest to the Brazilian community as well.