Paterson Mayor Jeffery Jones says he did not make a mistake following Tropical Storm Irene, though some have said receiving overtime pay after the storm devastated the city was wrong. Jones explained that the policies that have been in place for decades were unclear and the situation was an emergency that required a large response. Jones sat down with NJToday Managing Editor Mike Schneider to discuss several issues Paterson currently faces.

Jones says that while the city he leads has failing schools and a large budgetary deficit, he has helped bring about positive change. He points out that the deficit has been reduced to $30 million from $77 million. He also says officials have a rapport with the state, federal and county governments “unlike we’ve ever had before.” Jones said Paterson received an additional $6 million in state aid last year — totaling $28 million — which he sees as a sign officials are moving in the right direction.

The city lost 125 police officers, but Jones said progress can be made in the fight against crime by engaging the community and having members of law enforcement who understand the needs of the urban community.

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