FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Perth Amboy Republican Team Stands United, Focused on the Community’s Needs Over Political Expediency

PERTH AMBOY, N.J. — September 29, 2026 — As the November election approaches (ie. vote by mail, early voting), the Perth Amboy Republican council slate is setting a standard of integrity, accountability, and grassroots dedication and neighborhood advocacy. While political maneuvering and flip-flopping dominate social media chatter from the opposing camp, our Republican candidates are community advocates seeking to address the heavy burdens placed on our residents—including skyrocketing water utility rates/bills, poor water quality, surging property taxes, a severe lack of parking, and the overdevelopment driven by sweetheart deals that grant investors 20-plus-year tax breaks through PILOTs. Unlike out-of-touch politicians, our candidates remain steadfastly committed to the hardworking families, taxpayers, and residents of Perth Amboy.

Our candidates stand proudly and united against the wasteful spending of the current administration, which has seen a staggering 17% budget increase since the current administration took office, and are committed to stopping the ongoing abuse of PILOTs that has already cost the city a loss of over $8 million in revenue. Perth Amboy families deserve fiscal responsibility, not financial mismanagement. Our hard-working families are not an ATM machine.

Recent events in the local political landscape have brought a unique brand of political contradiction to light. A Democratic candidate—who aggressively primaried the current Democratic incumbents and openly disparaged their campaign—has executed a complete about-face. After launching a bitter primary campaign against his current running mates, he has reversed course to become a staunch supporter of the very individuals he recently attacked during the Primary. Local observers within and beyond the Democratic camp have noted that this erratic trajectory has become a source of profound awkwardness and embarrassment for their party; indeed, many are certain that this individual is acting entirely on his own accord, driven by personal ambition rather than shared values. This opportunistic behavior highlights a troubling lack of principle, proving that political expediency has overridden genuine conviction.

In stark contrast, the Republican council slate is comprised of proven community leaders with deep ties, balanced experience, and an authentic representation of Perth Amboy’s majority-Hispanic and working-class population.

The Republican team offers unmatched qualifications and a true dedication to the city's future:
• Zoning & Infrastructure Leadership: Jose Amarante is a college graduate who has dedicated nine years to the Zoning Board, and as its former Chair, brought invaluable insight into local development. He also serves as a representative of an organization dedicated to addressing critical sewer infrastructure needs.
• Fiscal Watchdog & Education Advocate: Maria E. Rodriguez, who is retired, is a homeowner who built a successful independent tax preparation practice and previously worked in roles as a Quality Control Administrator, and Computer programmer. Serving on the Board of Education during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, she stood firm as a principled watchdog. Because of her fearless advocacy, special education funding was protected, teachers’ contract renewals were prioritized, and a detrimental school superintendent contract was successfully blocked from extension.
• Construction & Infrastructure Expert: Aaron Yunes brings hands-on expertise from the construction industry. With the current mayoral administration criticized for subpar, rushed paving projects, his practical knowledge is urgently needed on the council to ensure long-overdue, high-quality improvements to the city's infrastructure.

While that one opposing democrat candidate is an "elitist" who is out of touch—looking only at a person's titles and position in society rather than their character or connection to the community—the Republican team represents the true heartbeat and working-class spirit of Perth Amboy and remains focused on what matters most: standing up for the families and the future generation who call this city home. Vote Amarante, Rodriguez, & Yunes for Council on Column A!

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