Senator Cory Booker, Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Bill Pascrell joined with Paterson Andre Sayegh, HUD Regional Administrator for NY and NJ Lynne Patton, along with Dr. Lilisa Mimms, and Luis Velez of the Paterson Council to celebrate a federal grant of $3.4 million to be used for removing lead paint in the city.

The officials heaped praise upon one another, with Sayegh calling Pascrell “Paterson’s fighting congressman” as he runs for re-election.  Senator Booker, also running to retain his seat in the US Senate, described the octogenarian Democrat as “pugilistic” in his fight for the district.

The officials lauded the grant, saying that the federal Housing and Urban Development money would be applied towards helping local authorities to get rid of lead paint present in scores of older buildings in the city.  Congressman Pascrell said that lead poisoning and the risks thereof disproportionately affect the poorest people in society who “always take it in the neck.”

Senator Booker discussed the nature of lead-related illnesses, including brain health in children.  Senator Menendez said that, “No child should live in a home that’s dangerous to their health and we must continue investing federal resources to ensure all federally-assisted homes are free of lead hazards.”

“This federal investment will provide the City of Paterson with vital resources to address this public health crisis and also help mitigate the threat of lead exposure in homes,” Senator Booker said.  “The coronavirus pandemic has taken a devastating toll on communities like Paterson and we must ensure we are doing all we can to support New Jersey families.”

Booker continued, taking the Trump administration to task over its handling of the COVID 19 crisis.  He encouraged voters not to delay, but to get their ballots out as soon as possible.  “If you vote,” the junior senator said, “help is on the way.”

Congressman Pascrell said, “These funds will help Paterson identify, treat, and prevent lead contamination in our neighborhoods so future generations can be protected from incidental contact or ingestion. Our Senators and I worked hard to secure this award for North Jersey and we will continue bringing home funding like this that helps keep our water clean and our neighbors safe.”  The veteran congressman also had tough words for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who he criticized for delaying a $50 billion relief bill.  “Senator McConnell, you are not going to hold us hostage.  We are going to wear you down.”

Mayor Sayegh also took an opportunity to swipe at the president, referencing Trump’s June 28th blasting of Paterson over allegations of vote fraud.

“Absentee Ballots are fine,” Trump said through Twitter.  “A person has to go through a process to get and use them. Mail-In Voting, on the other hand, will lead to the most corrupt Election is USA history. Bad things happen with Mail-Ins. Just look at Special Election in Patterson, N.J. 19% of Ballots a FRAUD!” 

“If you’re going to Tweet about Paterson,” Sayegh said, “make sure you spell it right.”