Newark North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos Jr. today praised Mayor Ras Baraka’s plans to end the practice of providing non-police and non-fire officials with 24-hour vehicles

Beginning Monday, all unmarked vehicles being used by directors, managers, and other administrative personnel will be returned to the city’s motor pool, where they will be fitted with the Seal of the City and be inspected for condition and damage. Employees will also be required to turn in their city-issued fuel cards.

– The Newark City Council today passed a resolution authorizing a question on the November ballot asking voters to approve an Open Space Trust Fund that would generate $1.1 million annually to acquire, develop and maintain parks, and neighborhood playgrounds and ballfields in Newark.

The resolution, which passed by a 6-0 vote, was sponsored by Acting Council President Anibal Ramos Jr.

Acting Council President Anibal Ramos announced today that he is sponsoring legislation to put a question on November’s ballot that would create an Open Space Trust Fund to acquire, develop and maintain parks, and neighborhood playgrounds and ballfields in Newark.

“All 21 counties in the state and more than 200 municipalities in New Jersey have established voter-approved open space trust funds,” Ramos said. “Our parks are vital to the quality of life of our citizens and we need a dedicated stream of funding to acquire parkland as well as maintain it for the enjoyment of all of our residents.”