PATERSON — In his ongoing efforts to generate positive publicity about Paterson, Mayor Andre Sayegh is looking to hire a private public relations firm.
Sayegh’s City Hall staff already includes a $71,400 public information officer and a $90,000 chief of staff whose last job was working as a press assistant for Sen. Cory Booker.
Exactly how much Sayegh is looking to pay a public relations firm remains unclear. An announcement posted on the city’s website seeking proposals from PR companies did not discuss the fees.
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Sayegh’s chief of staff, Habib Kader, said disclosing the budget figure would “ruin the competitive offers” from the private companies.
The mayor holds numerous press conferences — there were 30 during the first three months of this year — highlighting such things as a $4.9 million park grant, Employee Appreciation Day, and the promotion of Paterson’s first African American deputy fire chief.
Sayegh also sends out frequent robocalls to city residents and posts often on social media.
“By enhancing our city’s communication efforts, we aim to attract visitors from all corners to experience what Paterson has to offer,” said a written statement from the mayor. “Whether it’s marveling at our historic Great Falls, indulging in our diverse culinary offerings, or envisioning a prosperous future here, we want visitors to partake in our city’s vision.”
More Paterson news:The National Park Service awarded Paterson $4.9M for this park rehabilitation
Mixed response from City Council
Most members of the City Council were unaware of the mayor’s PR plans. Some criticised the public relations initiative, while others welcomed it.
“You can’t make this stuff up,” said Councilwoman Lilisa Mimms. “What would be the purpose for something like that? We don’t need PR, we need solutions.”
Council critics noted Paterson’s problems with crime, litter, and drugs. They said whatever money that’s been earmarked for PR would be better spent addressing such issues.
Councilman Luis Velez, one of Sayegh’s allies, said the city should use the money for better garbage collections.
“This is not the right time to get a public relations firm,” Velez asserted. “We have to be smart about how we spend our money. I cannot support this.”
But Councilwoman Maritza Davila supported the mayor’s PR initiative.
“There are so many positive achievements taking place in Paterson, and hiring a public relations firm in my opinion will help us continue to raise our brand awareness,” said Davila.
Councilman Al Abdelaziz said he welcomed any opportunity to share information about city services and events with Paterson residents. After learning that the mayor wants to use the PR firm to attract visitors to Paterson, Abdelaziz said he would “have more questions when the bids come back.”
Councilwoman Ruby Cotton said she doesn’t know what Sayegh plans to do with the PR firm, but added that “most other cities” have hired companies to help them get positive publicity.
The council must vote to approve all city contracts that exceed $40,000. It’s not clear yet what the PR firm will be paid.
Councilman Michael Jackson, Sayegh’s most consistent critic on the government body, said he has not been able to get the administration to provide him answers about how much the city is spending for the robocalls and commercials already being put out by the mayor.
“This is an attempt by the mayor to cover up the poor job he’s doing,” Jackson said of the PR firm. “He’s failing miserably and he’s trying to convince people he’s not. He’s using taxpayers’ dollars to promote himself.”
Jackson then alluded to the opinion poll Sayegh supporters conducted in January when the mayor was considering running for Congress against one of his former political mentors, Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr.
“He’s not fooling anybody,” Jackson added. “His polls are so low he decided not to run for Congress.”
