Enlacosa.com Tu Medio Digital
Paterson, New Jersey — In an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie, members of the Dominican community and local leaders gathered at El Cafecito restaurant, located on Park Avenue in the city of Paterson, to celebrate the birthday of Mayor Andre Sayegh and express their support for his reelection.
The gathering brought together a large number of residents, community leaders, and representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties—something uncommon but meaningful. According to several attendees, the purpose of the event was not about political parties, but rather about supporting the well-being and progress of the city of Paterson.
The event was opened by Deputy Mayor Pedro Liranzo, who welcomed attendees and asked for a strong round of applause for the mayor, noting that the evening was also a celebration of his birthday. Liranzo expressed his gratitude for seeing so many people gathered in such a positive environment and formally began the program.
The ceremony started with a prayer led by Jeyss Abreu, also a candidate for Councilman At-Large. During the prayer, he thanked God for the life of the mayor, for the community gathered that evening, and asked for blessings upon everyone present, their families, and the city of Paterson. The heartfelt prayer was received with applause and appreciation from the audience.
During the event, Maritza Dávila, president of the Democratic Party of Paterson and Councilwoman At-Large, also addressed the audience. She clarified that she was attending not as a representative of a political party, but as a community leader and elected official. Dávila highlighted the work carried out by Mayor Sayegh during the past eight years.
“He may not be perfect,” she said, “but no one can deny the work he has done for this city. No mayor can accomplish progress without the support of the municipal council, and together we have seen results.”
Among the accomplishments mentioned was the rehabilitation of more than 170 streets throughout the city, including River Street, a roadway that previous administrations had been unable to repair for years. Improvements to parks and public spaces for families and children were also highlighted.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when Deputy Mayor and President of the Paterson Dominican Parade, Elsa Mantilla, spoke about the pride she feels in supporting the mayor, whom she has known since he was a child.
Mantilla reflected on her decades living in the city and said she has personally witnessed Sayegh’s growth and leadership. She also emphasized the importance of continuing to move forward and not stepping backward in the city’s progress.
“Rome was not built in a day,” Mantilla said. “Paterson still has challenges, but we have seen real changes, and we must continue moving forward.”
Commissioner Frank Campuzano also offered remarks of support, noting that in his decades observing municipal leadership, Sayegh has been one of the mayors who has most actively reached out to all communities in the city, particularly the Dominican community.
Community leader Gaspar Abreu expressed that his support for the mayor comes from analyzing the progress of the city and thinking about the future of new generations.
“My children and grandchildren live here,” he said. “We must think of Paterson as our home and support what is best for the city.”
Other attendees, including Víctor Urbaez, also emphasized the importance of unity and working together for the well-being of Paterson, regardless of political differences.
The evening reached one of its most heartfelt moments when the audience sang the traditional “Happy Birthday” to the mayor before he delivered his remarks.
Visibly grateful, Mayor Andre Sayegh began his speech by thanking God and his mother for the gift of life and expressed his happiness at seeing Dominicans—both Democrats and Republicans—gathered together in the same room.
“We are all Patersonians,” he said. “And we all want Paterson to be great again.”
The mayor also spoke about the family values that inspire his work and reaffirmed his commitment to the city, highlighting projects such as improvements to parks, stadiums, and youth programs, as well as the repair of more than 170 streets across the city.
Sayegh also highlighted a program unique in the state of New Jersey: the Financial Empowerment Services Center, which helps residents improve their credit, reduce debt, and create economic opportunities. He shared the story of a single Dominican mother who, through the program, was able to repair her credit and eventually open her own laundry business.
The mayor also acknowledged the presence of many Dominican community leaders, including Ángel Pichardo, former Consul of the Dominican Republic in New Jersey, as well as María del Pilar Rivas, Ramón León, Ilia Villanueva, Lizbet Cruz, Juan Kevelier Sosa, Edgardo Collazo, Jesús Castro, Rafael González, Gaspar Abreu, Iluminada Rodríguez, Joel Ramírez, Aníbal de Jesús, Fannia Santana, and many other leaders and residents who attended to show their support.
The evening concluded with applause, photographs, and warm expressions of appreciation for the mayor in an event that reflected the spirit of unity, diversity, and commitment that characterizes the community of Paterson.
