NAACP will discuss talk by Gov. Christie

By Chris Sykes, Staff Writer
Tonight, the Irvington Unit of the NAACP will hold its monthly meeting where the main topic of discussion will be a report of Gov. Christopher Christie’s appearance at Christian Love Baptist Church two weeks ago.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. inside Greater New Point Missionary Baptist Church. Kathleen Witcher, the president of the Irvington NAACP, said that she hopes to get a large turnout for tonight’s meeting because there are a lot of issues that Christie raised about his future plans for New Jersey, including Irvington, that need to be discussed.
“Please attend this week’s meeting to hear updates on meetings with Gov. Chris Christie this month,” Witcher said. “We made some demands on the mayor’s office to help us and of course this is the season for the governor where if he goes any further and he ignores us then we can say that we didn’t have a governor for all of the people. That’s why he came to Irvington. I think today’s response to some of our questions regarding home foreclosures, education, vouchers and charter schools were tipped on but not addressed to any thorough degree.”
Witcher said that she is “not accepting” any of Christie’s explanations on teacher evaluations, merit pay and vouchers “at all.” She said that the NAACP is happy to be a part of any discussion on what helps “everyone” in New Jersey but he needs to more specific and provide more clarity on his jobs-training program and anything that makes Irvington a “viable place to live” for the citizens and residents of Irvington.
“He was talking about how taxes drove other people out when he came into office, but our foreclosures that are happening in Irvington are driving us into homelessness,” Witcher said. “We have to stay here no matter what. I think that there is no plan in place to address the wants and needs of people from urban areas and that’s what people want to see – a plan, not just nice words.”
So with that in mind, Witcher said that she is urging anyone in town who cares about themselves, Irvington and what’s going on in New Jersey to attend tonight’s meeting. On a lighter note, she also said that the meeting will feature two local authors who have been invited to make presentations on their recent works.
“Come and hear David Garry and invited guest, Earl Best, who are newly published authors,” Witcher said. “Share this message with others, please.” Witcher said that tonight’s meeting is open to anyone, and not just NAACP members.
Those interested in learning more about the meeting or the organization can call 973-371-5798 or reach the church at 973-373-6948.