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View Full Version : Eliu Rivera running for Freeholder on June 3rd



Sonia
May 27th, 2008, 07:23 PM
Eliu Rivera is a good community leader, who has worked hard for the people he represents, mainly seniors and lower income residents. So does he really need someone like Robert Vivien falsifying his bio? According to Robert Vivien,


For those who live in Newport, Eliu was instrumental in ensuring that the State of New Jersey's Moderate Income Housing program was available to residents within the 4 older buildings. This was a major concession from the developer that enables us to live among folks not only from a rich variety of ethnic backgrounds but also a variety of income levels. This program has been a major success in Newport as the peaceful nature of this community is evidence of this success.

We checked the statement with the Lefrak organization, and learned it is inaccurate. The Moderate Income Housing program was done by the Lefraks through New Jersey Housing and Mortgaging, and was a speculative investment planning decision, not the results of a concession. It was a good thing for a segment of the community, which was provided with affordable housing, but it's highly unlikely, it will be applied to additional units anywhere in Newport.

The last sentence of the statement is silly, and stupid. The fact that there hasn't been a rumble between the Moderate Income, and Market tenants is not an indicator that the Moderate Income Plan is successful. Of course one must realize Robert Vivien is a moderate income tenant, and take it in this context.

The Newport Moderate Income plan is not section 8 housing. Eliu Rivera has been involved with Section 8 affordable housing in Villa Borinquen, on Manilla Avenue.

Here is more information on Eliu from his website:


Eliu Rivera has worked with the P.A.C.O. Organization since 1970. For nearly forty years, he has gained valuable experience in Housing, Economic Development, Health and Education. This expertise has been very useful in his position as Executive Director of the P.A.C.O. agency.

Mr. Rivera has been recognized for his work and service to the community. For nearly four decades, he has been a tireless advocate for the community and has been the bridge between the people and the government.

Eliu was instrumental in organizing many groups: Hispanic Merchants, Tenant Organization, Roberto Clemente Little League, Adult Leagues, Boys and Girls Scout Troops, Voter Registration Drives and aid for victims of disasters throughout the world.

Eliu Rivera has made the American Dream possible for minorities through better education. Eliu provided college admission fairs and training for police, firemen and postal examinations. He has transitioned thousands of individuals off of welfare and in to the work force.

Because of Eliu, the political process works for the people. He's made certain that elected officials remember residents every day of the year, not just during elections.

Eliu Rivera is the Executive Director of the P.A.C.O. agency. Mr. Rivera is a former Deputy Mayor of the city of Jersey City and represents as Freeholder the fourth district. He also is the founder and Vice President of the Liberty Academy Charter School, President of Puerto Rican Lutheran Housing Corporation and Vice President of the Paulus Hook Community Housing Corporation.

I know Eliu as a good guy, whose friends in Newport sincerely like him. He's vibrant, cheerful, and likes latin music. He’s an overall, down to earth, nice person. We wish him well in the election.

Sonia
May 28th, 2008, 11:09 AM
We checked Eliu's web site, where he has posted his bio. The Newport statement is not reflected anywhere on Eliu's web site, and apparently was fabricated by Vivien (see above post).

The crux of the matter is that Vivien is misleading voters, apparently to get them to vote for a specific candidate. And that is WRONG, VERY WRONG for a 501(c)(3).

Sonia
May 29th, 2008, 10:01 AM
Eliu Rivera returned my phone call this morning, and confirmed he was invited to Vivien's wine gathering, and attended with Armando Roman. He made it clear that Vivien was "twisting" things around in the following statement:


For those who live in Newport, Eliu was instrumental in ensuring that the State of New Jersey's Moderate Income Housing program was available to residents within the 4 older buildings. This was a major concession from the developer that enables us to live among folks not only from a rich variety of ethnic backgrounds but also a variety of income levels. This program has been a major success in Newport as the peaceful nature of this community is evidence of this success. .

According to Eliu, it was the Lefrak organization which implemented the moderate income housing program in Newport by securing the money, and constructing the units. Whatever procedures were in placed were followed by the Lefrak organization without Eliu's intervention or involvement. At no point, did Eliu try to take credit for the Lefrak effort. Eliu and others supported the tax abatements for the project, but the Lefrak organization never made any concessions to him in return for his backing.

Eliu is especially proud of the role he played in the genesis of downtown Jersey City, and this area. He is a hardworking individual who has contributed much to the growth of downtown Jersey City, and can be expected to continue after his re-election.