Jersey City councilwoman defends comments that 'everyone' in her ward has criminal record

Jersey Journal ^

[SMGFan]

Ward F Councilwoman Diane Coleman addressed members of the public at tonight's meeting, defending her comments that "everyone" in Ward F has a criminal record.

"My statement was taken out of context," Coleman told the crowd tonight. "I was saying that I wished the program could provide the same ability for people who have criminal records like they do for the other smart people in Ward F."

The comment, which Coleman has called a "joke," was said during Monday night's council caucus as the governing body discussed a federally-funded jobs program that is up for a vote at tonight's meeting at City Hall.

Keith Davis, who runs a jobs program that works with the city, told the council that applicants with a criminal history are prohibited from applying for the program.

Coleman said Monday, "So that means everybody in Ward F?" and laughed.

Councilwoman-at-Large Viola Richardson immediately shot back, saying, "No, it does not," Coleman responded that she was only kidding.

Freeholder Jeff Dublin addressed Coleman at tonight's meeting, telling the councilwoman that the statement "should have never been said."

"Not everybody in Jersey City has a criminal record," Dublin said. "As elected officials, we shouldn't make statements like that."

[SMGFan]

Because she is allowed to say that.

[Bullish]

Dianne Coleman is the really stupid looking one in the center.

[Focault's Pendulum]

City of my birth is still filled with idiots. Never going back.

[Jack Hammer]

She’s from Philadelphia?

[Michael.SF.]

If Ward F is one of those 100 per center districts that went for OZero, she is probably correct.

[John O]

hmmmm, party not identified. She must be a democrat

[Cowboy Bob]

"I was saying that I wished the program could provide the same ability for people who have criminal records like they do for the other smart people in Ward F."

So, she's saying that the criminals are smart, but are being discriminated against?

[Daveinyork]

After years and years of trying and failing to get officials elected who would do something about violent crime, I’ve come to the conclusion that a substantial number of urban voters are either criminals, related to criminals, or sleeping with criminals, and do not want effective law enforcement, and will not vote for candidates promising it.

I suspect that this official was telling the truth.

[MaxMax]

And those who don't will be hunted down and arrested.
Or we'll create more laws. Elitist B..

[Teacher317]

Never should have been said? Sure... but once it was said, it never should have been taken as anything but a minor attempt at humor and breaking up the monotony of a boring council meeting. The “instantly-offended” self-victimized crowd is starting to get out of hand, as well.