Newark, a comeback story in New Jersey, the exception of the rule

Newark’s Mayor Cory Booker, a young raising star in the Democratic Party, praised Hispanic leaders for their contribution to the Brick City’s resurge

Mayor Cory Booker interviewed
by Susana G. Baumann

Newark is not only the largest city but also one of the most diverse in New Jersey, with over 33 percent Hispanic and 52 percent African American residents. 

While many cities around the state are struggling with budget constrains, the Brick City is finally experiencing a long due resurge thanks to the administration of Mayor Cory Booker, the young raising star in the NJ Democratic Party. 

The city has suffered from bad planning to government corruption for decades. The success is due in part, he said, to the industrious and innovative nature of Hispanic leaders in town. 

Booker, who was involved in a controversy that arose this year on Meet the Press, a weekly news show produced by NBC where he criticized an Obama campaign’s ad calling it “nauseating” –, Booker said in an exclusive interview that he is “one of President Obama’s strongest supporters.” 

“This comeback would have never happened if I did not have the support of all my constituents, and the state as well as the federal government,” Booker said. “Both Gov. Christie and Pres. Obama have been supportive of my administration,” said Booker. “As a result, we had important job creation and economic growth in Newark.” In fact, Booker showed a favorable public opinion of 47 percent in recent local polls. 

Booker came into office in 2006 to find a broken government, from a financial and credibility point of view. Following years of government corruption, the new mayor started with a 100-day plan to implement his first reforms in Newark, which resulted in changes in police and law enforcement, youth programs and employment opportunities. 

“Today, Newark has a story to tell, a comeback story, and the Latino community has made an important contribution to this story through its industrious and innovative leaders who have created opportunities for our city. From ‘bodegas’ to corporations, Hispanics have put in their energy and passion in growing the economy, reforming government, and growing and expanding their businesses,” Booker said to a crowd gathered by the New Jersey Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at the One Gateway Center downtown Newark. 

With a new development model in mind that included private sources to fund public projects, Booker’s leadership has attracted over $100 million in private patronage and counting. He established a foundation to raise funds to support projects such as the police department’s upgrade and the city’s charter school system. 

But also a number of initiatives including $14 million in business loans and $700 million in infrastructure projects have attracted 75 new ventures, Booker mentioned. Hosting events such as the NCAA East Regional men’s basketball tournament at the Prudential Center in 2011 not only attracted 20,000 visitors but also showed Newark’s potential for new businesses. 

Shortly after the event, Courtyard by Marriott announced ground-breaking of a downtown first new hotel in nearly 40 years. The new project located at the Prudential Center, a mixed-use hotel and retail stores, will be a significant means of economic growth, bringing new investment and employment to the Brick City. 

As important to residents in the downtown area has also been the opening of The Food Depot, a Hispanic supermarket that launched this year on First Street. Many Latino residents looking for fresh groceries and ethnic products can find their favorites in this new retail store, the first to be opened in this location in nearly 20 years. The project got a $2 million loan from the Brick City Development Corporation and a 30-year decreasing tax break. 

Carlos A. Medina, new Chairman of the NJ Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said, “Booker’s desire to open businesses to minorities is there. It is up to us now, Latino business owners, to follow through.”