Dear Supporters:
It is with tremendous pride and humility that I write to you and tell you that I could never have made it to this point without your continued dedication and support. Every hour of time volunteered and each dollar contributed .... We became a "Big Family" & we will continue to be a family!
Thank you for always believing in my campaign and in my vision.... As the saying goes " We may have lost the battle, but not the war"
I would also like to thank, Chairman and Assemblyman Scott Rumana, for believing in me and allow the opportunity to run as the Republic Candidate for Sheriff.
God Bless You and God Bless The United States of America.
Sincerely,
Felix "Phil" Garcia
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
"RALLY TO VICTORY"
Dear Supporters:
Your are cordially invited to attend the "RALLY TO VICTORY" Event to support Garcia, Garner & Gomez
Monday, November 1, 2010 from 6:00pm- 9:00pm
La Neve's Restaurant
276 Belmont Avenue, Haledon NJ
THIS IS NO COST TO OUR SUPPORTERS AND WE WELCOME ALL OF YOU TO JOIN US AS WE RAISE THE ENERGY TO BRING HOME A VICTORY ON NOVEMBER 2
For more information, please contact Marlene at campaign@garcia2010.org or call 973-563-9279.
Hope to see you all there.
Sincerely,
Felix "Phil" Garcia
Candidate for Passaic County Sheriff
Your are cordially invited to attend the "RALLY TO VICTORY" Event to support Garcia, Garner & Gomez
Monday, November 1, 2010 from 6:00pm- 9:00pm
La Neve's Restaurant
276 Belmont Avenue, Haledon NJ
THIS IS NO COST TO OUR SUPPORTERS AND WE WELCOME ALL OF YOU TO JOIN US AS WE RAISE THE ENERGY TO BRING HOME A VICTORY ON NOVEMBER 2
For more information, please contact Marlene at campaign@garcia2010.org or call 973-563-9279.
Hope to see you all there.
Sincerely,
Felix "Phil" Garcia
Candidate for Passaic County Sheriff
Saturday, October 30, 2010
LIBERAL BERDNIK OPPOSED TO USING CONFISCATED MONEY TO REPAIR THE COUNTY JAIL AND TO HOUSE FEDERAL INMATES FOR A PROFIT
Berdnik Would Rather Make Taxpayers Shoulder The Costs
Paterson, NJ -- Passaic County Democratic Sheriff candidate Richard Berdnik has proven again he is a big spending liberal Democratic who will spend taxpayer money recklessly and fail to capitalize on money making opportunities at the county jail.
Berdnik told a crowd at a debate in Wayne on Wednesday night that he will spend millions of taxpayer dollars to upgrade the jail’s air conditioning system, but will refuse to house federal prisoners even though the federal government pays for those inmates.
Berdnik’s Republican opponent, Felix Garcia, on the other hand, says he will use confiscated drug money -- not taxpayer money -- to make improvements to the jail that will allow the sheriff’s department to use all 2200 beds available in the jail, says Garcia campaign manager George Cole.
According to Cole federal guidelines allow funds confiscated from drug dealers to be used to improve existing detention facilities, such as the county jail.
“It’s really a no brainer,” said Cole. “Why wouldn’t a sheriff want to use money taken from drug dealers to improve the jail so we can put more drug dealers behind bars?” Why would Mr. Berdnik want to put that financial tax burden on the taxpayers of Passaic County , who already suffer from the highest property taxes in the nation?”
Cole said once the jail is upgraded and more cells are available for use, Garcia would entertain a contract with federal authorities to house short term federal inmates in the county jail. Cole noted that the former Republican Sheriff in Bergen County , Joel Trella worked out a lucrative arrangement with the U.S. Marshal’s Service that paid the county $85 a day to house up to 150 short term federal inmates.
The arrangement works out well for taxpayers who do not have fund the building of more federal prisons and for county jails that have unused cells.
“Someone needs to teach Mr. Berdnik to do math. If the federal government is going to give us $85 a day to house a federal prisoner and if we have the space to do so, why wouldn’t the sheriff want to take that money and offset the cost of running the department for taxpayers?” asked Cole.
A former law enforcement officer, Cole says the federal inmates are typically persons who have committed a variety of street crimes and are either waiting for space in federal prisons or are awaiting deportation.
“Felix Garcia wants to put drug dealers and rapists behind bars. I have no idea what Mr. Berdnik wants to do with them,” said Cole.
“The only people who think housing federal inmates in county jails to help offset the costs for county taxpayers is a bad idea are ultra liberals like Mr. Berdnik,” said Cole.
Endorsement of Harley Breite, Esq.
Dear Passaic County Resident:
I am writing to set the record straight with respect to all the outrageous and misleading information circulated by the Democrats in an attempt to smear an honest, and highly-principled candidate for Sheriff, Felix Garcia. On this issue, I am in a very unique position to set this record straight.
I was the attorney for former Sheriff Jerry Speziale who actually drafted the termination letter to Felix Garcia. Thus, I can tell you that the truth about this matter is very different from what is now being disseminated by the Democrat smear machine in their desperate attempt to win an election at any cost.
It is important for the voters to know that Felix Garcia was terminated and investigated over allegations that were proven to be absolutely false. In fact, after writing the letter, I continued to monitor the process of the investigation and the case was dismissed because there was no credible evidence whatsoever. In the end, the investigation amounted to nothing more than a massive waste of taxpayer dollars.
The Democrats know this! Yet they continue to present these scandalous ads without making reference to the proven innocence of Felix Garcia, a man who has served the people of Passaic County with great distinction for many years. Further, they never explain the deeply political context in which these events took place. They also never mention that after leaving the Sheriff’s Department, Felix Garcia sued the County for wrongful termination and the case was settled favorably.
Why are the Democrats hiding the truth? In the heat of a political campaign we understand that the very worst candidates will ignore the issues and resort to smears. Even so, we do not expect them to lie! Yet that is exactly what the Democrats are doing in this most deceitful manner with an avalanche of grossly false and shameful attack ads.
Over the years, I have come to know Felix Garcia. He is a good and honorable man, whose personal integrity is beyond question. I believe he will bring honesty, openness, extensive experience and great law enforcement skill, as well as much-needed fiscal responsibility, to the Sheriff’s Department. For these reasons, I am proud to fully support his candidacy. I hope you join me on November 2 in voting for Felix Garcia to be our next Passaic County Sheriff.
HARLEY D. BREITE, Esq.
I am writing to set the record straight with respect to all the outrageous and misleading information circulated by the Democrats in an attempt to smear an honest, and highly-principled candidate for Sheriff, Felix Garcia. On this issue, I am in a very unique position to set this record straight.
I was the attorney for former Sheriff Jerry Speziale who actually drafted the termination letter to Felix Garcia. Thus, I can tell you that the truth about this matter is very different from what is now being disseminated by the Democrat smear machine in their desperate attempt to win an election at any cost.
It is important for the voters to know that Felix Garcia was terminated and investigated over allegations that were proven to be absolutely false. In fact, after writing the letter, I continued to monitor the process of the investigation and the case was dismissed because there was no credible evidence whatsoever. In the end, the investigation amounted to nothing more than a massive waste of taxpayer dollars.
The Democrats know this! Yet they continue to present these scandalous ads without making reference to the proven innocence of Felix Garcia, a man who has served the people of Passaic County with great distinction for many years. Further, they never explain the deeply political context in which these events took place. They also never mention that after leaving the Sheriff’s Department, Felix Garcia sued the County for wrongful termination and the case was settled favorably.
Why are the Democrats hiding the truth? In the heat of a political campaign we understand that the very worst candidates will ignore the issues and resort to smears. Even so, we do not expect them to lie! Yet that is exactly what the Democrats are doing in this most deceitful manner with an avalanche of grossly false and shameful attack ads.
Over the years, I have come to know Felix Garcia. He is a good and honorable man, whose personal integrity is beyond question. I believe he will bring honesty, openness, extensive experience and great law enforcement skill, as well as much-needed fiscal responsibility, to the Sheriff’s Department. For these reasons, I am proud to fully support his candidacy. I hope you join me on November 2 in voting for Felix Garcia to be our next Passaic County Sheriff.
HARLEY D. BREITE, Esq.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Message to Passaic County Sheriff's Department employees
Dear Officers,
I understand the turmoil that the Sheriff ’s Department is now experiencing. The last few years have been characterized by layoffs and unresolved contractual issues. Now Sheriff Speziale has abruptly resigned.
As you know, I have dedicated my life to the Passaic County Sheriffs department.
For over a year, I have been campaigning for the office of Passaic County Sheriff. All my life, Passaic County has been my home. I began my career here at the Sheriff ’s Department in 1972, where I rose through the ranks and retired as Warden, some 30 years later. I was then asked to return to the Department, at which time I served proudly as Undersheriff. I care deeply about the future of this department and the employees that serve within it.
Because of my experience here, I understand the needs of the department and staff. I have a clear vision for the future of the Passaic County Sheriff ’s Department. I will put together a team of professionals with ample experience in law enforcement, administration, education and leadership. I will not tolerate personal vendettas or harassment towards any employee. My administrators will take an interest in every employee’s goals and help them become tomorrow’s departmental leaders.
My vision to transform the culture at the Passaic County Sheriff ’s Department is built on a foundation of trust and respect. I will stand behind my staff and work cooperatively with the Freeholders.
These values will be at the forefront of the Passaic County Sheriff ’s Department as it fulfills its public safety mission. The department will reward hard work while capitalizing on the ingenuity and resourcefulness demonstrated by its employees. We will offer state-of-the-art training, development, and career opportunities for advancement to improve retention. This will ensure that employees see the Sheriff ’s Department as a
lifelong career, which will encourage them to strive to become the department’s next generation of leaders.
I welcome you to be part of my campaign in any capacity to help motor us to victory this November. I am deeply grateful for your input and participation.
Sincerely,
Felix Garcia
I understand the turmoil that the Sheriff ’s Department is now experiencing. The last few years have been characterized by layoffs and unresolved contractual issues. Now Sheriff Speziale has abruptly resigned.
As you know, I have dedicated my life to the Passaic County Sheriffs department.
For over a year, I have been campaigning for the office of Passaic County Sheriff. All my life, Passaic County has been my home. I began my career here at the Sheriff ’s Department in 1972, where I rose through the ranks and retired as Warden, some 30 years later. I was then asked to return to the Department, at which time I served proudly as Undersheriff. I care deeply about the future of this department and the employees that serve within it.
Because of my experience here, I understand the needs of the department and staff. I have a clear vision for the future of the Passaic County Sheriff ’s Department. I will put together a team of professionals with ample experience in law enforcement, administration, education and leadership. I will not tolerate personal vendettas or harassment towards any employee. My administrators will take an interest in every employee’s goals and help them become tomorrow’s departmental leaders.
My vision to transform the culture at the Passaic County Sheriff ’s Department is built on a foundation of trust and respect. I will stand behind my staff and work cooperatively with the Freeholders.
These values will be at the forefront of the Passaic County Sheriff ’s Department as it fulfills its public safety mission. The department will reward hard work while capitalizing on the ingenuity and resourcefulness demonstrated by its employees. We will offer state-of-the-art training, development, and career opportunities for advancement to improve retention. This will ensure that employees see the Sheriff ’s Department as a
lifelong career, which will encourage them to strive to become the department’s next generation of leaders.
I welcome you to be part of my campaign in any capacity to help motor us to victory this November. I am deeply grateful for your input and participation.
Sincerely,
Felix Garcia
VOTE ROW ‘A’ _ NOVEMBER 2, 2010
1040 McBride Ave., Woodland Park, NJ 07424 •T (973) 907-0746 • F (973) 689-2771 • http://www.garcia2010.org/
Paid for by Friends of Garcia for Passaic County Sheriff 2010
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monday, June 7, 2010
Republicans must hold fast on new bonding
"In October the Passaic County County Employee’s Retirement System (PCERS) will run out of funds. It had been established in July 1967, but actuarial studies were constantly in error, leading to a near collapse of the fund in 1993.
The freeholders thus passed a $30 million bond issue figuring the amount would carry PCERS until 2020! Again this was based on erroneous actuarial data. And even though the Democrats had full control of the Freeholder Board for years now, they simply ignored the problem.
Republicans freeholders proposed that funding of the system should be included in the annual operating expenses, but this was dismissed by the Democrats.
As usual they proposed another bond issue to the tune of about $23 million. This would of course cost the taxpayers and their children lots of money in principle and interest.
The problem is that under the county charter, the Democrats need five out of seven votes to approve a bond issue. They’d be one shy, if the Republicans don’t blink. That would mean extensive layoffs to avoid default in October.
I not only urge the Republicans to vote down the bond ordinance, I urge all county voters to put Walter Garner and Thomas Gomez on the freeholder board and to cast their ballot for Felix Garcia for sheriff.
It’s time to end years of Democratic dysfunction in Passaic County."
http://www.garcia2010.org/
Letters To The Editor
06/07/2010
Steve Raymor
Wayne
The freeholders thus passed a $30 million bond issue figuring the amount would carry PCERS until 2020! Again this was based on erroneous actuarial data. And even though the Democrats had full control of the Freeholder Board for years now, they simply ignored the problem.
Republicans freeholders proposed that funding of the system should be included in the annual operating expenses, but this was dismissed by the Democrats.
As usual they proposed another bond issue to the tune of about $23 million. This would of course cost the taxpayers and their children lots of money in principle and interest.
The problem is that under the county charter, the Democrats need five out of seven votes to approve a bond issue. They’d be one shy, if the Republicans don’t blink. That would mean extensive layoffs to avoid default in October.
I not only urge the Republicans to vote down the bond ordinance, I urge all county voters to put Walter Garner and Thomas Gomez on the freeholder board and to cast their ballot for Felix Garcia for sheriff.
It’s time to end years of Democratic dysfunction in Passaic County."
http://www.garcia2010.org/
Letters To The Editor
06/07/2010
Steve Raymor
Wayne
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Democrat freeholders say 'no' to any cuts
Sunday, May 16, 2010
By FRANK HANNON
COLUMNIST
Every town council and board of education in the State of New Jersey is looking to cut staff/programs this year. Most have gotten the message that the days of wine and roses are over and it’s time to reduce costs. It is obvious that the Democrats, who are the majority on the Passaic County Freeholder Board, have not read the memo.
Over the objections of the three Republican freeholders, last Tuesday night the Democrats passed a $427.9 million budget. Not one employee is going to be laid off nor any program cut.
The budget does not contain the money needed to fund the now bankrupt old county pension system. In my column "County bonding… awful awful idea," I explained how the Democrat majority wanted to bond about $23 million to keep the plan solvent. They need five votes to bond and the three Republicans said no. The Republican minority wanted the $3.2 million to cover this year’s pension costs to be part of the 2010 operating budget.
They requested that department heads come up with $7 million (less than a 2 percent reduction) in cuts so that the pension costs would be covered and the tax increase reduced in the 2010 operating budget. The request was reasonable but according to Republican Freeholder Deborah Ciambrone, they got no information or cooperation.
In power for over a decade, much of it without any Republicans on the board, the Democrat majority and the bureaucracy they have installed, are determined to run the county unilaterally. It is a mistake that may cost them the majority this November.
Since the old pension plan will run out of money later this year, the bonding issue has not gone away. By passing the budget without paying for the pensions, the Democrats hope later this year to pick off the one vote needed to bond the plan. By law those pension costs must be funded.
Do you see the political shell game they are playing with your tax money to get what they want and keep the patronage machine intact? By not including the cost in the 2010 operating budget, will they argue that Republicans are violating the law if they don’t vote later this year to bond the pension expenses? My guess is that is their strategy. I say hold fast and make them take you to court. Let the court tell the freeholder board it must bond operating expenses.
Citing the 2010 3-percent tax increase and forgetting about the 10-percent-plus tax increases he voted for a few years back, Democrat freeholder and finance chairman Pat Lepore said, "This is a good budget. It doesn’t raise taxes any more than WE (emphasis added) have to." The "WE" are fellow Democrat Freeholders Bruce James, Greyson Hannigan and Lepore’s November running-mate Terry Duffy.
Last year, voters elected three Republicans to the freeholder board hoping that things would change. Obviously the Democrat majority did not understand the message sent by the electorate. It is obvious the only way we are going to get transparency and an honest discussion of the budget at the Passaic County Freeholder Board is to elect a Republican majority this November.
By FRANK HANNON
COLUMNIST
Every town council and board of education in the State of New Jersey is looking to cut staff/programs this year. Most have gotten the message that the days of wine and roses are over and it’s time to reduce costs. It is obvious that the Democrats, who are the majority on the Passaic County Freeholder Board, have not read the memo.
Over the objections of the three Republican freeholders, last Tuesday night the Democrats passed a $427.9 million budget. Not one employee is going to be laid off nor any program cut.
The budget does not contain the money needed to fund the now bankrupt old county pension system. In my column "County bonding… awful awful idea," I explained how the Democrat majority wanted to bond about $23 million to keep the plan solvent. They need five votes to bond and the three Republicans said no. The Republican minority wanted the $3.2 million to cover this year’s pension costs to be part of the 2010 operating budget.
They requested that department heads come up with $7 million (less than a 2 percent reduction) in cuts so that the pension costs would be covered and the tax increase reduced in the 2010 operating budget. The request was reasonable but according to Republican Freeholder Deborah Ciambrone, they got no information or cooperation.
In power for over a decade, much of it without any Republicans on the board, the Democrat majority and the bureaucracy they have installed, are determined to run the county unilaterally. It is a mistake that may cost them the majority this November.
Since the old pension plan will run out of money later this year, the bonding issue has not gone away. By passing the budget without paying for the pensions, the Democrats hope later this year to pick off the one vote needed to bond the plan. By law those pension costs must be funded.
Do you see the political shell game they are playing with your tax money to get what they want and keep the patronage machine intact? By not including the cost in the 2010 operating budget, will they argue that Republicans are violating the law if they don’t vote later this year to bond the pension expenses? My guess is that is their strategy. I say hold fast and make them take you to court. Let the court tell the freeholder board it must bond operating expenses.
Citing the 2010 3-percent tax increase and forgetting about the 10-percent-plus tax increases he voted for a few years back, Democrat freeholder and finance chairman Pat Lepore said, "This is a good budget. It doesn’t raise taxes any more than WE (emphasis added) have to." The "WE" are fellow Democrat Freeholders Bruce James, Greyson Hannigan and Lepore’s November running-mate Terry Duffy.
Last year, voters elected three Republicans to the freeholder board hoping that things would change. Obviously the Democrat majority did not understand the message sent by the electorate. It is obvious the only way we are going to get transparency and an honest discussion of the budget at the Passaic County Freeholder Board is to elect a Republican majority this November.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
“Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success”. "Henry Ford"
Felix Garcia’s roots run deep in Passaic County. He resided in Paterson for over 40 years and continues to reside in Passaic County as a resident of Wayne. He is proud to be a Latino-American and just as his family migrated from Puerto Rico to Paterson he truly relates to the struggle all immigrants make to reach a better life for themselves and their families. He wants to assist people from all ethnic backgrounds whether from Latino to Arabic to African American to Asian to European descent.
Felix can be measured by his genuine and caring behavior that has a long history of engaging with the people of our communities. He has a long history of building personal relationships in every community which is one of Felix’s strongest traits. He enjoys engaging in conversations with people from all backgrounds and understands that diversity is the real strength of our county. He travels through communities meeting wonderful people that have real concerns about issues such as gangs, illegal drug activity and other issues that affect our future. He will deliver on his promise to engage the communities personally on a regular basis to develop solutions to the specific issues of each and every community within Passaic County. He believes in equal representation of all communities and he commits to equal opportunity by putting these words into action.
We all need to be united and put our greatest asset to work. As Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success”.
We must not allow ourselves to be insulted by leaders that only pay attention during election cycles. Diversity is the fabric of our communities that makes Passaic County unique and is a signal of our strength. Felix understands this best and is committed to making this the pillar of which we will build upon.
Felix can be measured by his genuine and caring behavior that has a long history of engaging with the people of our communities. He has a long history of building personal relationships in every community which is one of Felix’s strongest traits. He enjoys engaging in conversations with people from all backgrounds and understands that diversity is the real strength of our county. He travels through communities meeting wonderful people that have real concerns about issues such as gangs, illegal drug activity and other issues that affect our future. He will deliver on his promise to engage the communities personally on a regular basis to develop solutions to the specific issues of each and every community within Passaic County. He believes in equal representation of all communities and he commits to equal opportunity by putting these words into action.
We all need to be united and put our greatest asset to work. As Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress and working together is success”.
We must not allow ourselves to be insulted by leaders that only pay attention during election cycles. Diversity is the fabric of our communities that makes Passaic County unique and is a signal of our strength. Felix understands this best and is committed to making this the pillar of which we will build upon.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
“Road to Victory”
Clifton, NJ- May 4, 2010. The “Road to Victory” gala was held for the Republican candidates, Felix Garcia for Sheriff and the Freeholder candidates Walt Garner and Tomas Gomez, at the Valley Regency in Clifton. They were joined by over 300 supporters from all throughout Passaic County. Assemblyman/PCRRO Chairman Scott Rumana said it best, “The overwhelming display of diversity here tonight is a sign of united strength that will carry us to victory in November”. With loss revenue, deterioration of the jail, frivolous spending, removal of the detention center, over abundance of political patronage and lack of accountability we must reevaluate county government. The message is clear that there is a crisis on the horizon and we need to elect strong leadership to be responsive to these problems. Sheriff candidate Felix Garcia and Freeholder candidates Walt Garner and Tomas Gomez pledge their commitment to the citizens of Passaic County and are asking for every person to get involved to make a difference.
Best regards,
Felix Garcia and the campaign staff
Videos of this event are now online.
http://www.garcia2010.org/
Best regards,
Felix Garcia and the campaign staff
Videos of this event are now online.
http://www.garcia2010.org/
Monday, April 19, 2010
Grand Opening of Campaign Headquarters a success.....more to come!
April 17, 2010 - The grand opening of the campaign headquarters in Woodland Park for Sheriff Candidate Felix Garcia and freeholder candidates Walt Garner and Tomas Gomez launched today. More than 250 people gathered to celebrate the grand opening as they enjoyed interacting with the candidates as well as other Republican Leaders such as Assemblyman/PCRRO Chairman Scott Rumana. This grand opening was an extension of the press conference that Assemblyman Rumana held at the headquarters on Tuesday April 13 and was joined by Senator Kean, Senator Pennachio and Assemblyman/NJ GOP Chairman Jay Webber. The diversity of the supporters that joined Garcia, Garner and Gomez was amazing and a strong message that these candidates were prepared to represent all the people of Passaic County. All are encouraged to join the team and be part of a change that Passaic County citizens deserve.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Latino Discrimination by the Sheriff Leads to Lawsuit
Felix Garcia says his campaign to unseat Jerry Speziale as Passaic County sheriff is no grudge match. But there's bad blood between the two lawmen that goes back to 2003, when Speziale fired Garcia as undersheriff — and Garcia countered with a civil rights suit resulting in a cash settlement.
Garcia, who last week was selected by the Passaic County Regular Republican Organization to run for sheriff, claimed in his lawsuit that he was a victim of both racism and politics within the Sheriff's Department. He maintained that Speziale, a Democrat, fired him because he was both a Latino and a Republican with close ties to the former sheriff, Edwin Englehardt, a Republican.
The lawsuit, filed in February 2004 in U.S. District Court, never went to trial. Instead, it touched off nearly four years of litigation that ended when Garcia accepted a $150,000 settlement in April 2008, county records show.
As part of the settlement, both sides agreed not to disclose the terms, even though all the costs of the litigation — which could not be obtained Wednesday — as well as the settlement were borne by taxpayers. To get the amount of the settlement, The Record had to file a request with Passaic County under the Open Public Records Act.
Both Garcia and Speziale were sticking to the agreement. Speziale, through his spokesman, Bill Maer, declined to comment, citing the terms of the agreement. Garcia also declined comment Wednesday.
Garcia said he has no personal vendetta against Speziale, and won't make the lawsuit a campaign issue.
"This is not personal," Garcia said. "This is about spending. This is about how taxpayer money is being spent by the sheriff."
Garcia, 59 and a Wayne resident, works for FJC Security in Jersey City. He first started working for the Passaic County Sheriff's Department in 1972. A close ally of Englehardt, he steadily moved up the ranks and was appointed jail warden.
Englehardt stepped down in 2001, amid a series of state investigations into corruption within the department. Despite his Republican ties, Garcia supported Speziale when he ran for sheriff against Ron Fava in 2001. Speziale won the race and appointed Garcia as an undersheriff.
Only months later, Garcia became the target of a corruption probe. Investigators from the state Attorney General's Office searched his home, after receiving a tip that Garcia had used county employees to do work on his house.Speziale asked Garcia to take an unpaid leave of absence. Garcia complied.
No criminal charges were ever brought against Garcia, and he asked for his job back in August 2002, the lawsuit says. But Speziale refused, and ultimately terminated Garcia in early 2003. Garcia claimed in his lawsuit that he was terminated after he became involved in "planning and promoting" a meeting with other sheriff's officers that was critical about how Speziale treated Latinos, the lawsuit said.
Garcia, who last week was selected by the Passaic County Regular Republican Organization to run for sheriff, claimed in his lawsuit that he was a victim of both racism and politics within the Sheriff's Department. He maintained that Speziale, a Democrat, fired him because he was both a Latino and a Republican with close ties to the former sheriff, Edwin Englehardt, a Republican.
The lawsuit, filed in February 2004 in U.S. District Court, never went to trial. Instead, it touched off nearly four years of litigation that ended when Garcia accepted a $150,000 settlement in April 2008, county records show.
As part of the settlement, both sides agreed not to disclose the terms, even though all the costs of the litigation — which could not be obtained Wednesday — as well as the settlement were borne by taxpayers. To get the amount of the settlement, The Record had to file a request with Passaic County under the Open Public Records Act.
Both Garcia and Speziale were sticking to the agreement. Speziale, through his spokesman, Bill Maer, declined to comment, citing the terms of the agreement. Garcia also declined comment Wednesday.
Garcia said he has no personal vendetta against Speziale, and won't make the lawsuit a campaign issue.
"This is not personal," Garcia said. "This is about spending. This is about how taxpayer money is being spent by the sheriff."
Garcia, 59 and a Wayne resident, works for FJC Security in Jersey City. He first started working for the Passaic County Sheriff's Department in 1972. A close ally of Englehardt, he steadily moved up the ranks and was appointed jail warden.
Englehardt stepped down in 2001, amid a series of state investigations into corruption within the department. Despite his Republican ties, Garcia supported Speziale when he ran for sheriff against Ron Fava in 2001. Speziale won the race and appointed Garcia as an undersheriff.
Only months later, Garcia became the target of a corruption probe. Investigators from the state Attorney General's Office searched his home, after receiving a tip that Garcia had used county employees to do work on his house.Speziale asked Garcia to take an unpaid leave of absence. Garcia complied.
No criminal charges were ever brought against Garcia, and he asked for his job back in August 2002, the lawsuit says. But Speziale refused, and ultimately terminated Garcia in early 2003. Garcia claimed in his lawsuit that he was terminated after he became involved in "planning and promoting" a meeting with other sheriff's officers that was critical about how Speziale treated Latinos, the lawsuit said.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Felix Garcia is endorsed by the Passaic County Regular Republican Party
Felix Garcia is Republican Nominee for Passaic County Sheriff
Wayne, NJ – March 18, 2010. Felix Garcia was unanimously nominated to run as their candidate for Passaic County Sheriff by the leaders of the Passaic County Regular Republican Organization, Monday night at a meeting held in Wayne.
Garcia will head the Republican county ticket in the coming campaign against the incumbent Sheriff. The party chose Thomas Gomez and Walter Garner as their candidate’s for freeholder.
In last year’s election the Passaic County Regular Republican Organization, led by Chairman Scott Rumana, bested the Democrats in the race for freeholder, sweeping all three seats. This year the organization is looking to oust 2 incumbent freeholders as well as the incumbent sheriff.
Garcia said, “I am honored to have been elected by the leaders to run for Sheriff. The sheriff’s office has grown fat and bloated, and our tax payers can’t continue to fund the wasteful spending of the current sheriff. Our Chairman Scott Rumana has a strong team and the party has been energized by our sweep of the county freeholder race last year.”
Chairman Rumana said, “Felix brings a wealth of law enforcement experience to the table. He is well known in our community and most importantly, well liked. That gives us a winning combination going forward.”
“I look forward to the campaign. I know it will be a tough fight, but my team and I are prepared for battle.” said Garcia.
Felix Garcia has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. He previously served Passaic County as an undersheriff, warden and deputy warden. Raised in Paterson, NJ since 1954, Garcia attended and graduated from the local public schools. Garcia currently lives in Wayne with his wife of 27 years, Luz. He has five adult children and five grand-children.
Wayne, NJ – March 18, 2010. Felix Garcia was unanimously nominated to run as their candidate for Passaic County Sheriff by the leaders of the Passaic County Regular Republican Organization, Monday night at a meeting held in Wayne.
Garcia will head the Republican county ticket in the coming campaign against the incumbent Sheriff. The party chose Thomas Gomez and Walter Garner as their candidate’s for freeholder.
In last year’s election the Passaic County Regular Republican Organization, led by Chairman Scott Rumana, bested the Democrats in the race for freeholder, sweeping all three seats. This year the organization is looking to oust 2 incumbent freeholders as well as the incumbent sheriff.
Garcia said, “I am honored to have been elected by the leaders to run for Sheriff. The sheriff’s office has grown fat and bloated, and our tax payers can’t continue to fund the wasteful spending of the current sheriff. Our Chairman Scott Rumana has a strong team and the party has been energized by our sweep of the county freeholder race last year.”
Chairman Rumana said, “Felix brings a wealth of law enforcement experience to the table. He is well known in our community and most importantly, well liked. That gives us a winning combination going forward.”
“I look forward to the campaign. I know it will be a tough fight, but my team and I are prepared for battle.” said Garcia.
Felix Garcia has more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. He previously served Passaic County as an undersheriff, warden and deputy warden. Raised in Paterson, NJ since 1954, Garcia attended and graduated from the local public schools. Garcia currently lives in Wayne with his wife of 27 years, Luz. He has five adult children and five grand-children.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Problem at the Courthouse
Security is a priority at all law enforcement facilities. The lack of thorough security at the Passaic County Courthouse demonstrates the continuous irresponsible leadership. The jail and courthouse are two primary responsibilities of the Sheriff. It was a problem when a federal judge stated, "that the condition of the jail is a disgrace" and most recently the courthouse was burglarized. Both primary responsibilities of the Sheriff were compromised by the current Sheriff. I want to change that by providing leadership that you can count on. I will develop effective security policies and put them into action. Passaic County citizens need to feel safe and I will provide the security the County needs.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
COUNTY BUDGET HAS 3% TAX HIKE
"But parties clash on debt proposal"
March 12, 2010
By Richard Cowen
The Passaic County Freeholders are in the final stages of drafting the 2010 budget, which as written would raise taxes less than 3 percent on the average home.
The Democrats on the board are touting the 3 percent rise as relatively good news for property owners. But there's a catch.
The proposed budget also contains what freeholders Finance Director Pat Lepore calls a "bonding component". In other words, preserving that relatively small 3 percent tax hike depends on the county balancing its budget with new dept.
Lepore says the freeholders need to come up with at least $8 million this year to replenish both a county pension fund and the workers compensation pool. Both funds are just about exhausted and due to run out of money this year.
Democrats are pushing a bond worth at least $23 million to plug both this year's gap and put the pension fund on solid footing for the next decade. But Republicans are against taking on any more dept. Instead, they want to find money in the 2010 budget to fund this year's pension and workers' compensation obligations, which add up to $8 million.
"If you do not want to bond, you're going to have to have to come up with $8 million in budget cuts," Lepore told the freeholders earlier this week. He estimated that $8 million worth of cuts would likely result in more than 100 layoffs of county workers.
Throughout the budget process, the Republican opposition has been asking county department heads to submit budgets that slashed spending.
"It's just not happening," Republican Freeholder Deborah Ciambrone said Thursday. I've asked that department heads revise their budgets, but instead I've been accused of micromanaging."
Ciambrone has frequently clashed with Lepore, who favors the bonding approach as a way to limit tax increases by "spreading the pain" over many years. But Ciambrone says government is just kicking the problem down the road.
"That $23 million bond will wind up costing us $35 million [including interest] by the time we pay it off," she said. "We'd be bonding for everyday operating expenses, and it makes no sense."
It takes five votes in order to approve a bond. Democrats have only four seats on the board, and the three Republicans have remained steadfast in their opposition to taking on new dept to solve the county's pension problem.
In an attempt to end the impasse, the freeholders have called a special public workshop for Thursday at 4:30pm. The budget is scheduled to be introduced on March 23.
E-mail cowen@northjersey.com
March 12, 2010
By Richard Cowen
The Passaic County Freeholders are in the final stages of drafting the 2010 budget, which as written would raise taxes less than 3 percent on the average home.
The Democrats on the board are touting the 3 percent rise as relatively good news for property owners. But there's a catch.
The proposed budget also contains what freeholders Finance Director Pat Lepore calls a "bonding component". In other words, preserving that relatively small 3 percent tax hike depends on the county balancing its budget with new dept.
Lepore says the freeholders need to come up with at least $8 million this year to replenish both a county pension fund and the workers compensation pool. Both funds are just about exhausted and due to run out of money this year.
Democrats are pushing a bond worth at least $23 million to plug both this year's gap and put the pension fund on solid footing for the next decade. But Republicans are against taking on any more dept. Instead, they want to find money in the 2010 budget to fund this year's pension and workers' compensation obligations, which add up to $8 million.
"If you do not want to bond, you're going to have to have to come up with $8 million in budget cuts," Lepore told the freeholders earlier this week. He estimated that $8 million worth of cuts would likely result in more than 100 layoffs of county workers.
Throughout the budget process, the Republican opposition has been asking county department heads to submit budgets that slashed spending.
"It's just not happening," Republican Freeholder Deborah Ciambrone said Thursday. I've asked that department heads revise their budgets, but instead I've been accused of micromanaging."
Ciambrone has frequently clashed with Lepore, who favors the bonding approach as a way to limit tax increases by "spreading the pain" over many years. But Ciambrone says government is just kicking the problem down the road.
"That $23 million bond will wind up costing us $35 million [including interest] by the time we pay it off," she said. "We'd be bonding for everyday operating expenses, and it makes no sense."
It takes five votes in order to approve a bond. Democrats have only four seats on the board, and the three Republicans have remained steadfast in their opposition to taking on new dept to solve the county's pension problem.
In an attempt to end the impasse, the freeholders have called a special public workshop for Thursday at 4:30pm. The budget is scheduled to be introduced on March 23.
E-mail cowen@northjersey.com
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