Perth Amboy: Any lessons for Plainfield?

Perth Amboy got its first female mayor yesterday, just as Plainfield did in 2006.

There the similarity ends, notwithstanding the fact that Mayor Sharon Robinson-Briggs motored to the 'City By The Bay' for the ceremonies.

Wilda Diaz, who won a stunning upset victory over 18-year incumbent (and Assemblyman) Joe Vas, started her term by announcing she would take a $20,000 salary cut immediately, would propose term limits and new, tough pay-to-play ordinance. Among the guests at her swearing-in was U.S. Attorney Chris Christie.

Taking a salary cut is unheard of in political circles and certainly an attention-getter; only time will tell whether her other initiatives will get approval and make a long-term difference in Perth Amboy.

More importantly, and here is where there could be a REAL lesson for Plainfield, the Ledger takes note of her support among high school youth, who formed an organization and registered about 100 voters in her cause this past spring, even though some of the activist students were not themselves old enough to vote.

Plainfield pols take note.

As an aside, it is noted that borough attorney Frank Capece was immediately replaced.

Perth Amboy is one of several New Jersey communities with nonpartisan municipal elections, which are held in May; the newly-elected officials are sworn in on July 1.

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• Ledger: "New mayor has busy first day"
• HNT: "Diaz sworn in as city's first female mayor"
  

-- Dan Damon

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