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2 HOPEFULS QUESTION REFUSAL TO PASS MENTAL HEALTH PLAN

Record (Hackensack, NJ) - 4/28/2016

Editor's note: This is one of a series of articles about the policy positions of candidates in Paterson's May election for City Council seats in the city's six wards. The responses are in the candidates' own words. Responses may have been trimmed to conserve space.

PATERSON -- Two of the candidates running for the 1st Ward City Council seat disagreed with the council's recent rejection of a plan for the city health division to provide counseling services.

Michael Jackson, the incumbent, and challenger Antoinette Brevard said such services are badly needed in Paterson and asserted that the program should have moved forward. Brevard said the scope of services could have been adjusted to make the plan more viable. Jackson, who voted in favor of the program, said he would continue to push for its creation if reelected.

Council members who voted down the mental health initiative cited a variety of concerns, including security and the credentials of the firm picked to run the program.

In response to a question asking candidates to assess the council's performance in the past year, Veronica Ovalles, the third person running in the 1st Ward race, expressed her opposition to a measure that has not yet come up for a vote -- bonding for the renovation of Hinchliffe Stadium. Estimates for the Hinchliffe project have ranged from $10 million to $44 million, depending on what work is included. Ovalles said the state should pay for Hinchliffe's revival.

Paterson Press: Identify one decision made by the City Council during the past year -- such as passage of an ordinance or resolution -- that you disagree with and explain what you think would have been a better course of action.

Jackson: A few months ago, a local health care provider who offers services for mental health care came to the council for approval for grant funding to render services to Patersonians. That's a service that I think could have served our community well.

For a number of different reasons this resolution failed, as I couldn't gain enough support to move it forward. This would definitely be an item I would like to revisit. Services like this are truly needed, and it would not have cost the taxpayers a single dime. This is an example of how I have been advocating for our residents, and how I will continue to fight for our community.

Ovalles: I am opposed to the possibility of bonding as much as $44 million for the Hinchliffe Stadium project, because the taxpayers cannot afford any additional tax burdens. Furthermore, the state of New Jersey has control over Hinchliffe Stadium through the Paterson school district and should fully fund the project in rehabilitating the stadium because the state has neglected this property for years.

Brevard: Due to the upsurge in trauma-related stressors, it would be beneficial to Paterson's citizens to have somewhere mental health issues can be addressed. The Paterson Department of Health and Human Services director attempted to meet that need by submitting a recent grant. While I agree with the importance of having the information to make responsible decisions, I disagree in letting that resolution fail.

The resiliency of the people in Paterson is one of the characteristics that makes this such a great city. Many of our citizens are burdened with the heavy load of inner city life's pressures, which include witnessing violent acts or crimes, housing displacement, financial hardships, food insecurity, underemployment, unemployment, family relationship issues, et cetera. These are difficult situations to deal with that create psychological stress and negative health issues. Accessible mental health services could identify preventive personal care measures and coping skills in times of crisis.

A viable alternative for consideration may have been to adjust the proposed scope of services to be geared toward people who are simply mentally overwhelmed with an immediate need of a walk-in center to help process a recent trauma or a life-changing personal tragedy. Sometimes people just need a listening ear that is confidential in a neutral, safe and non-judgmental environment. In cases where individuals require in-depth counseling, referrals can be provided to specialized counseling centers.

Email: editor@patersonpress.com