Candidate answers to the questions sent to them.
Yvette Martinez
1. If you were to introduce yourself, how would you describe you?
Hello! My name is Yvette Martinez. I’m a mental health technician at Bon Secours Community Hospital. I have worked there for 26 years. I am also an 1199 SEIU union member and delegate. I have also been very active with the 1199 political action team. As far as personal characteristics, I would say that I am hard working, reliable, a good listener, compassionate, spiritual, empathetic and a team player.
2. What motivated you to become a candidate?
I decided to run for 3rd ward council because I feel that there is a need for diversity on the city council. I feel that there is a need for more transparency and communication between the council and the community. I have lived in Port Jervis my entire life and felt it was time to give back to my community.
3.What issues do you believe the city is facing?
I would like for the community to be more involved in the decisions that are being made for them and the city. As a slate we have discussed developing a newsletter to keep the residents informed. Not everyone has social media and we feel this would help getting information out to the public. I think going out door knocking shouldn’t only happen before election. I think this should be done after being elected on maybe a quarterly basis to just remind the residents that we are available for questions and also to share with them any updates regarding our city.
4. Any ideas as to how to remedy them?
I’ve included my suggestions in the previous question.
5. What is your vision for Port Jervis?
My vision would be for as much collaboration as possible between the city officials and the community. I would like to do what I can to bring awareness to the mental health and addiction issues we have in our city. If we do accomplish developing a newsletter for the community, I would like for there to be a section with mental health and addiction information and resources. I would like to set up Narcan training maybe once a month for the community and be able to hand out Narcan kits or at least guide residents to where they can get them.
Jeff Rhodes
Here are the questions and answers from Jeffrey S Rhoades 3rd Ward Councilman Canidate.
1. If you were to introduce yourself, how would you describe you?
I would describe myself as a life-long resident of Port Jervis and specifically of the 3rd Ward. I am married and a father of two who is hard working with strong family values. I am also a dedicated volunteer to the City of Port Jervis.
2. What motivated you to become a candidate?
I was asked to run for the 3rd Ward Councilman and it was not something I have thought about. But after talking with my wife, I realized that I love this city and I wanted to try to make a difference.
3. What issues do you believe the city is facing?
The city is facing many challenges. Families, Individuals, and Seniors are having trouble paying their increasing taxes and sewer and water bills. We need more programs for our youth and new ways to increase economic and community growth.
4. Any ideas as to how to remedy them?
There are many ways we can do this. I think with working with our current departments of making them more fiscally responsible is where we can start. We need to have your tax dollars working harder for you. We also can bring in new business' and new opportunities to the city and this will increase our growth and revenue. It will also make Port Jervis a better place to live and work.
5. What is your vision for Port Jervis?
I would like to keep Port Jervis a small city where people can come here and live, work, and raise a family. So whether you are a life-long resident or someone new to Port Jervis, you can have a voice and be able to grow here.
Thank you
Jackie Smith
1. If you were to introduce yourself, how would you describe you? My name is Jackie Smith. I am a lifelong resident of Port Jervis. I am a hard worker who is willing to put in the time and effort to make sure things get done right. 2. What motivated you to become a candidate? My Dad was a volunteer firefighter for many years. I learned from him about the importance of serving our community. I wanted to find a way to serve our community, and running for Council gives me an opportunity to do that. 3. What issues do you believe the city is facing? Our city is lacking in services for our residents. 4. Any ideas as to how to remedy them? We have to make sure we are using all of our current resources wisely and efficiently. We need to ensure that we are tapping into available resources from the County and the State. 5. What is your vision for Port Jervis? I want Port Jervis to be the city it was always meant to be, a place people want to visit, families want to live, and a place where our citizens thrive.