In the last week, I have received numerous calls and emails from constituents about the convenience fee charged to pay taxes on line through the city’s website.

First, I want to commend the administration of Mayor Ras Baraka for implementing system that allows our residents to pay property taxes on-line or by phone with credit/debit cards or e-checks. This is a step in the right direction.

Since I joined the City Council in 2006, I have been a longtime advocate for expanding e-government services. I look forward to the day when we also offer this service for water and sewer payments.

Read this article as it originally appeared on nj.com

Following New York City's lead, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said today his administration will explore implementing a municipal identification program for undocumented city residents.

The mayor, who first mentioned the possibility of an ID program at town hall on Wednesday, said the program would give undocumented Newarkers an identification card that could give them access to city services and the ability to hold a bank account.

"We're working hard to get it done by next year. We are bringing together all kinds of stakeholders," Baraka said during an interview today.

Councilman Ramos discussing the Affordable Care Act recently with a group of North Ward Latino residents at the Vince Lombardi Center. Pictured in the background are: Councilman-at-large Luis Quintana, White House Associate Director of Public Engagement Bess Evans and Dennis E. González, executive officer for the Office of the Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Region II. 

Newark residents can now pay their city property taxes on line or by phone.

The city today unveiled a new website that began operating today allowing residents to pay using a credit or debit cards or e-checks.