Politics & Government
Mayoral Candidate: Ray J. Rodriguez
Ray J. Rodriguez is a candidate for the Newark mayoral race in November.
We sent an e-mail questionnaire to every candidate running in the local November election. Here are the answers we received from Ray J. Rodriguez, who is running for Newark mayor and has lived in Newark since 1973.
Q. What is the primary reason you are running for this office?
A. Newark just had a 32-year mayor announce his retirement. I feel my 37+ years of servicing my community and my years of experience as a small business owner/elected school board member have allowed me to see Newark from various perspectives and will help me take Newark to the next level of greatness.
Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Q. What will be your top three priorities if you get elected?
A. First is Safety (break-ins and youth violence). Second, Revenue (develop an aggressive marketing plan to address the issue of businesses leaving Newark and attracting new businesses to our city, NewPark Mall. Third, Performance Arts/Music Center at the Cedar Boulevard Community Center.
Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Q. What sets you apart from the other candidates?
A. I am bilingual (I am fluent in Spanish, which will help me tremendously as mayor of a very diverse city). My 37+ years of being of service to the Newark community as a volunteer, parent, grandparent and 15 years on the Newark School Board, [and I’m] the only candidate that is a small businessman having a business in the city since 1984.
Q. What date were you born and where?
A. Born in Puerto Rico, raised in New York City. I moved to Newark in 1973 after serving my country in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine.
Q. What is your spouse’s or domestic partner’s name, if any?
A. Anna Marie Rodriguez
Q. What are the names and ages of your children, if any?
A. I have seven children and five grandchildren. Eight have graduated from Newark schools, two have college degrees, five are presently attending college.
Q. List the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.
A. I am a high school graduate with have two years of college.
Q. Provide details about any military service (branch, date, honors).
A. I am a veteran serving my country in Vietnam as a U.S. Marine Corps sergeant.
Q. Have you held an elected or appointed public office?
A. Yes, Newark School Board for 15 years.
Q. Have you run unsuccessfully for an elected public office?
A. No
Q. About how much money do you expect your campaign to spend on this election?
A. I expect to spend $6,000 to $8,000 of my own money.
Q. Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy?
A. No, never.
Q. How do you plan on building the City of Newark’s relationship with businesses? with the Newark Unified School District?
A. Promote and strengthen local partnerships such as the partnerships with NUSD, Ohlone and Mission Valley ROP and with local business. Create an advisory board consisting of different stakeholders such as the Newark Chamber of Commerce and other multi-ethnic business organizations as well as regional industry to bring in much needed revenue to our city.
Q. List your past and/or present involvement with city or school organizations.
A. 37+ years serving my beloved City of Newark, as a volunteer with many different organizations/non-profits such as LOV, HCAC, Newark youth sports, Avanzando as well as playing Santa for special needs children for the last 20 years.
Q. As an adult, have you been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? If so, please explain and include dates and locations.
A. No, never.
Q. Where do you work and what is your job title?
A. Ray J. Rodriguez Insurance Agency, located at 6657 Thornton Ave. in Newark, agency owner.
Q. Do you have a website where people can learn more about your campaign?
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
