I’m running for city council at-large to bring an independent and objective voice to our municipal governing body. My aim is to unite Patersonians in an effort to create a bright future for Paterson and all its residents, children, families, employees, businesses, and visitors. I want Paterson, NJ to be thought of as a special place to live, work, and raise a family. I have the experience, problem-solving skills, and vision needed to help move our city forward.
As an educator, public servant, community activist, and former city official, I’ve always strived to bring people together to find solutions and get things done. On the city council, I will continue to be an advocate for our entire city, demanding transparency, accountability, and results. Public safety is one of my top priorities. I’ll utilize experience and knowledge I’ve gained while serving as a Probation Officer for Passaic County Probation, Vice Chairman of Paterson Municipal Council’s Public Safety Committee, and President of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Community Committee to strengthen relationships with law enforcement and ensure that the men and women on the frontlines of public safety have the resources necessary to help prevent crime and make our city safer. I’ll keep a watchful eye on the progress of the City’s “Hot Spot” legislation, an ordinance that I spent several months helping to draft and bring to fruition.
I plan to work to address mental health and substance abuse issues and strive to develop a comprehensive solution to chronic homelessness. I’ll support parks and protect our open space. I’ll foster and strengthen the City’s partnerships with the Board of Education as local control is obtained over the coming years. I’ll work to enhance our City’s recreational programs.
I pledge to continue to be a trustworthy steward of public funds, improving programs while respecting budget constraints. I’ll protect infrastructure investments by planning ahead for future maintenance of roads, equipment purchase/repair, and developing long-term project goals; saving taxpayer dollars by preventing costly mistakes and last-minute crunchtime decisions. As an advocate for small businesses, I am very mindful of what it takes to create jobs and grow Paterson’s economy. I’ll support ideas that foster economic development, lead efforts for a solid master plan, and work to attract investment to make downtown, the Great Falls National Park, and other business and tourism areas destinations of choice for residents, prospective business owners, and visitors.
I’m proud to have the endorsement of many influential residents, civic leaders, educators, elected officials, and constituents of our great city. Additional information will be uploaded to my website in the coming weeks.
Working in unity while focusing on what counts is how we will make Progress in Paterson. To that end, I'd be honored to earn your vote.
In May 2012, in a special election, Ken McDaniel was elected to complete the balance of the City Council term previously held by Assemblyman, Benjie Wimberly. In July 2013, Councilman, Ken McDaniel was elected by his Council colleagues as City Council Vice President.
Legislation:
A partial listing of Ordinances and Resolutions sponsored, introduced and/or supported by Councilman McDaniel:
Ordinance Prohibiting Crowd Loitering -----Seeking to prevent crowds of loiterers from disrupting commerce and other business conducted within the City. View ABC News story regarding McDaniel’s ordinance.http://abc7ny.com/82482/
Ordinance Regulating and Preventing Certain Firearms from Use and Possession in the Territorial Jurisdiction of the City of Paterson ----- to protect our children, residents, and visitors from dangers associated with CO2 firearms and replicas.
Ordinance Amending Sec 435-10 & 435-17 Addressing Inspection Fees for Sidewalk and Curb Repair ----- eliminating the unjust financial burden of the taxpayer to pay exorbitant inspection fees when making appropriate repairs to City sidewalks.
Ordinance Addressing Housing-Property Maintenance for Vacant Buildings ----- addressing the registration of vacant buildings within the City, establishing registration requirements, registration renewal fees, violations, and penalties.
Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Chapter 77 of the Code of Paterson, Entitled Personnel Policies ----- to bar payments to elected officials for unused sick days and unused vacation days.
Resolution Opposing the Threatened Closure of the North Jersey Developmental Center ------ whereas the State saw fit to close NJDC, understanding the unfortunate loss of vital services in our area and a significant loss in jobs for Paterson residents, McDaniel helped to introduce a resolution opposing the State’s action.
Resolution Urging the New Jersey State Legislature to Enact the Passage of Bill A3509/S2479, Establishing Tuition Equality - The DREAM Act ----- this bill allows all students who attended high school in New Jersey for at least three years, and graduated or received an equivalent degree to apply for in-state rates at New Jersey’s public institutions of higher education in addition to state financial aid regardless of immigration status, and, requires qualifying "Dreamers" to file affidavits that they intend to normalize their immigration status. This act will be a major financial and educational benefit to many Paterson students and families.
Resolution Declaring Violence as a Public Health Crisis ----- to explore funding and grant opportunities that may be made possible through the Youth PROMISE Act for the implementation of programs to prevent violence through the development of customized intervention strategies to effectively address the specific needs of communities that struggle with violence.
Ordinance Amending and Supplementing Chapter 81 of the Paterson Code, Entitled “Police Division” To Create the Category of “Special Police– Class One” ----- to train and utilize special police officer that may offset certain police duties and authorities in emergency and non-emergency situations. Thereby broadening the overall police presence and authority in the City of Paterson. {Ordinance Currently in Committee}
Ordinance Designating Hinchliffe Stadium as a Municipal Historic Site ----- added 186-219 Maple St. aka Hinchliffe Stadium to the Municipal list of Historic Landmarks.
Ordinance Authorizing a Reduction in Salaries for Members of the Municipal Council for the Failure to Attend All Scheduled Meetings of the Council Without Proper Notice ----- encourages City Council members to meet all meeting obligations and imposes financial penalties for failure to do so.
Resolution Demanding Repayment from former Mayor Jose Torres ----- for payments received from unused vacation time and unused sick time.
Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for Certified Local Government Historic Preservation Planning Grant ----- for a survey inventory and integrity assessment of the proposed Dublin Historic District and Grand Street Corridor.
Resolution Designating East 18th St. between 12th Ave. and Hamilton Ave to also be known as Rev. Dr. Albert Prince Rowe Square ----- honoring Rev. Dr. Albert Prince Rowe’s 44 years of Pastoral service at Calvary Baptist Church in Paterson, NJ.
Resolution Honoring the Bronze Shield of Passaic County ----- giving honor to the local minority law enforcement officers’ organization for their valuable contributions to our community.
Resolution Designating Van Houten St, between Main Street and Curtis Place to also be known as Jalalabad St. ----- paying homage to Paterson’s growing Bengali community.
Ordinance Establishing Taxi Stands in Various Locations in Paterson ----- creating a means of convenience, public safety, and control for taxi service providers and users.
Ordinance Establishing the Sandy Hill Special Improvement District ----- to foster economic growth, increased commerce, public safety, and a cleaner community.
Ordinance Amending and Supplementing the Paterson Code to Address the Exemption of Improvements to Real Property from Taxation in Accordance with the Economic Opportunity Act of 2013 ---- to expand economic development incentive programs administered by the State of New Jersey’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) in order to attract and retain business and to further the overarching goal of creating and retaining jobs in the City of Paterson.
Ordinance Appropriating Capital Surplus for the Acquisition of Street Sweepers, Financial Record-keeping Software and Computer Systems ----- replacing outdated equipment with much needed modern technology.
Resolution Honoring Jahmier Wilson, 10-Year-Old Founder of Kids of Incarcerated Parents, with the W.E.B. Dubois Award ----- as part of the City of Paterson’s Black History Month Program.
Efforts on the City Council:
Working with the Passaic County Constables in an effort to broaden and improve special services offered by the association.
Working with the Legal Department, the City Clerk’s Office and Councilman Tavares to update the way the City issues public notices, in an effort to increase public awareness and encourage citizens to participate in local government.
Working to implement and sustain Special Improvement Districts (SID) throughout the City.
Supporting the upgrading of software and computer systems within departments throughout the City.
Assisting residents with the property tax appeal process.
Drafted Resolution designed to update and enhance the standard procedures used for the honorary renaming of streets and other public places.
Drafted an Ordinance addressing the commercial hours of operation for late night businesses. Hotspot Legislation
Urging the Administration and Department of Public Works to aggressively attack our current pothole problem in Paterson.
Researching the pros and cons of Energy Aggregation Programs for the City of Paterson.
Working with residents and homeowners within the designated flood zone and the North Side Property Buyback Program.
Supporting Paterson’s new Recycling efforts through the newly established Recycling Commission.
Meeting with Board of Education Commissioners, addressing matters of significance to the citizens of Paterson - Recreation, the Hinchliffe Stadium Revitalization and Renovation Project, Student / Public Safety, Taxation, etc...
Assisting the Office of Emergency Management with proactive Public Safety Announcements.
Advising the administration to institute a late night for the Tax Office to better serve constituents who require access to the office during evening hours.
Participating in numerous community organizations through donations, strategic planning, information sharing and other means.
Jumpstart Productions, Boys Leadership Summit, Girls Leadership Summit, BROTHERS of Paterson, Inc., Hillcrest Neighborhood Association, 6th Ward Neighborhood Association, Block Watch Associations, Paterson Community Police Unit, Habitat for Humanities, First Ward CDC, Team Charity, Safe Street Community Workshop, Habitat for Humanity, Girl Scouts of America, Fourth and Inches Foundation, Bangladesh National Marty’s Day, and many others.
Assisting with the expansion of opportunities for prospective taxi business operators.
Click the Video Above
Short Bio for Ken McDaniel
Educator - Public Administrator – Entrepreneur – Real Estate Investor
Ken McDaniel was raised in Paterson, NJ’s 4th Ward. He has resided in the 1st and 3rd Wards. He currently lives in the 2nd Ward. He has a BA in Sociology, a graduate certificate in Public Management, a graduate certificate in Substance Abuse Studies, an MA in Administrative Science and a Ph.D. in Education Administration. Kenneth has completed extensive graduate-level coursework and training in Addiction Studies and Sex Education; completing programs at Rutgers University and Montclair State University.
In a May of 2012 special election, Ken was elected to complete the City Council At-Large term began by Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly. In 2013, his City Council colleagues elected him as Council Vice President.
Ken has been duly certified and has served Paterson Public Schools as a Substance Awareness Coordinator, SES Program Monitor, Intervention Specialist, Site Director, and Administrator. He is certified by the Addictions Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey as a Criminal Justice Counselor and as a Chemical Dependency Associate. He was certified by the Crisis Prevention Institute as Specialist and Instructor of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention. He has trained many staff members at Paterson Public Schools in this unique and innovative program.
Ken served as a Probation Officer and Investigator for six years in with the New Jersey Judiciary in Passaic County. Ken served as Vice Principal of Paterson Public School #20 (the school he graduated from). Ken has served as an Adjunct Lecturer at Bloomfield College (the college he where he received his BA). On July 1, 2005, Ken began his tenure as Assistant Principal of Passaic County Technical Institute (the high school he graduated from).
In May of 2004, Ken was inducted into the Passaic County Technical Institute Hall of Fame. Prior to that, he was invited by NJ Superior Court Judge Del la Carrera to sit on the Passaic County Committee on Minority Affairs. In December of 2003, Ken delivered the keynote speech at the Division of Youth and Family Services’ “Aging Out Program’s” - Awards Dinner. In April of 2003, he was awarded a New Jersey General Assembly Citation for his work with the Paterson Police Department’s Domestic Violence Response Team. In 1996, Ken received the prestigious Outstanding Young Americans Award.
Ken served as content and advertising consultant for PatersonOnline.net. Ken was licensed by the New Jersey Treasury Department as a Real Estate Agent. He is Chief Executive Officer of Pharaoh’s Dynasty Investments, LLC; (his real estate holding/management company). He was the owner of Krown Digital Recording; (his production and recording studio). Since 1990, Ken has grown to become a successful entertainment promoter in the Northern New Jersey area. Ken was CEO, Director of Promotions and co-founder of the Grown Folks Entertainment Group; (his event coordinating and promotions consulting firm).
Ken has over twenty years of professional experience with youth advocacy programs and activities. He initiates and supports community service projects through his role in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., The BROTHERS of Paterson, CEASE FIRE, and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Community Committee. Ken is the producer of the Urban Renaissance Internet Radio Show. Ken is in the preliminary stages of developing a non-profit organization that will utilize Hip-Hop culture as a tool for encouraging youth to be proactive in education, productive in their daily lives, and to pursue healthy lifestyle choices.
Ken McDaniel recognizes that excellence is a journey, not a destination. He is a Renaissance Man.
Community and Constituent Services:
First Ward
Working with the First Ward CDC addressing matters pertaining to the designated flood zone, the North Side Buyback Program, and other relevant concerns.
Participating with the Habitat for Humanity Homeowners Association - currently a member of the organization.
Promoting Paterson’s recycling program.
Participating in the grassroots Stop the Violence Movement in an attempt to address crime and violence primarily occurring in Paterson’s First and Fourth Wards. A member of the Street Keepers.
Working with Paterson Cease Fire to address violence in Paterson. Helped to write the resolution designating Violence as a Public Health Crisis.
Supporting the Safe Streets Community Workshop and its initiatives designed to promote public safety in Paterson.
Second Ward
Participating with members of the Hillcrest Neighborhood Association to address concerns related to the quality of life, safety, and other concerns.
Rectified traffic safety concerns collaborating with 2nd Ward Residents, 1st Ward Residents, the Legal Department, the City’s Traffic Engineer, the Public Safety Director and Councilman of the 2nd Ward, Mohammed Akhtaruzzaman.
Promoting Paterson’s recycling program.
Established the first Block Watch Association in the City of Paterson via the Paterson Police Department’s Community Policing Unit.
Supporting several economic growth and business opportunities in South Paterson.
Third Ward
Assisting with the furtherance of Paterson’s citywide recycling program.
Assisting citizens with landlord-tenant issues.
Helping residents receive better service from the City, including but not limited to better police response times, road repair, clean-up of litter, customer service at City Hall, etc...
Fourth Ward
Working with the courts, police, Board of Health, Department of Public Works and Councilwoman of the 4th Ward, Ruby Cotton; tackling issues related to abandoned/vacant properties (alleged drug use/dealing, children playing with fire, squatters, prostitution, vandalism, unmanaged property, etc…)
Participating in the grassroots Stop the Violence Movement in an attempt to address crime and violence primarily occurring in Paterson’s First and Fourth Wards.
Supporting the Safe Streets Community Workshop and its initiatives designed to promote public safety in Paterson.
Assisting with the furtherance of Paterson’s citywide recycling program.
Working with Paterson Cease Fire to address violence in Paterson and to adapt the Violence as a Public Health Crisis resolution.
Supported the resolution to designate a portion of Auburn Street as Freedom Boulevard.
Fifth Ward
Working with the principals of the proposed Sandy Hill Special Improvement District to craft a SID structure that will foster public safety and encourage economic development in Paterson.
Working with the Business Administrator, police, Department of Public Works and Councilman of the 5th Ward, Julio Tavares; addressing issues related to abandoned/vacant properties (alleged drug use/dealing, prostitution, vandalism, unmanaged property, etc…)
Promoting the citywide recycling program.
Assisting residents with quality of life issues, specifically addressing abandoned properties and related disruptions caused in part by property owners' failure to maintain their properties; combating drug use, prostitution, noise pollution, litter, etc...
Promoting the Block Watch Program through Paterson Police Department's Community Policing Unit.
Working with Paterson Cease Fire to address violence in Paterson and to adapt the Violence as a Public Health Crisis resolution.
Sixth Ward
Promoting Block Watch Programs; attending various Block Association meetings addressing the importance of neighbors helping neighbors and citizens working with the police to create a better Paterson.
Assisting with the furtherance of Paterson’s City-wide Recycling program.
Attending Neighborhood Association meetings and addressing various constituent concerns including but not limited to quality of life issues, public safety, and economic development.
Community Involvement - (Organization Membership & Participation):
Passaic County Sheriff’s Community Committee - President
BAND Against Neighborhood Destruction - Founding member and first Chairperson
B.R.O.T.H.E.R.S. of Paterson, Inc. - Member and spokesperson
Hillcrest Neighborhood Association - Member
Put Down the Guns and Stop the Violence Movement - Providing planning and financial support for the furtherance of the goals espoused by the collective consortium of Paterson grassroots organizations
Elberon Block Watch Association - Organizer and Block Captain
Blame It On The Alcohol – Theatrical Presentation – Jumpstart Productions
Hispanic Multi-Purpose Center – Board of Directors President
Back-to-School Backpack Give Away along with Team HOPE, Bronze Shield & Masonic Temple Lodge #51
Day of the Babies with BROTHERS and Nation of Gods and Earths
Clothing Drive and Give Away with Grace Gospel Church Youth Group
Annual Coat Drive and Give Away with School Board Commissioner Corey Teague
Free & Safe Halloween programs/parties for Paterson children with Councilwoman Ruby Cotton
Family Day In The Fourth Ward with Councilwoman Ruby Cotton and BAND
Boy’s Leadership Summit seminar presenter through School Board Commissioner Kenneth Simmons
Annual Winter clothing Giveaways for Fourth and Inches Foundation and the Girl Scouts
Unsung Community Heroes Program with Do It 4 Love Foundation
Annual Winter Holiday Program Giveaways of full/complete Thanksgiving Dinners and Christmas Gifts with BROTHERS of Paterson, Inc...
Annual Winter Holiday Program Give-Aways of full/complete Thanksgiving Dinners and Christmas Gifts via Paterson Policemen's Benevolence Association (PBA)
African Heritage Parade Committee - organizing/planning, financial contributions, advertising and marketing, master of ceremonies
Blanket Drive and Give Away to less fortunate and homeless individuals with Seminary Baptist Church, YSB, Teens to be Heard and the Chill Youth Group
Municipal Council Committees:
Department of Public Works Committee
Public Safety Committee
Street Renaming Sub-Committee
Planning Board (Council Liaison)
Education Committee (Chair / Council Liaison)
Community Development Committee (Vice-Chair)
Municipal Services / Statutory Agencies Committee (Vice Chair)
Youth Services Committee
Videos and Other Information on the Internet from City Councilman Ken McDaniel
Professional Resume for Kenneth D. McDaniel II, Councilman At-Large
Experienced public administrator with a strong background in logistics and operational management
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Twenty-five years of involvement in youth and community advocacy programs, including counseling, municipal governance, school administration and juvenile justice programs.
Advanced degrees and graduate certificates;
Counseling, Instruction, and Administrative certificates.
Exceptionally skillful at managing projects and tailoring programs to meet specific objectives.
Proven track record in fair and objective problem-solving, mediation and conflict resolution.
A high rate of prevention and intervention success with youth of all grade levels.
Effective speaker/educator; adept at stimulating interest and getting messages across.
Ability to gain the trust of individuals through leadership, understanding, and execution of plans.
Detail-oriented when organizing responsibilities, writing reports and delivering presentations.
Dedicated to assisting constituents, children, and families by marshaling resources to achieve desired goals.
EDUCATION
Doctorate of Education Administration - 8/2004 – GPA 3.5
Madison University – Gulfport, MS
Master of Arts in Administrative Science - 5/2001 - GPA 3.7
Graduate Certificate in Public Management - 3/2000 - GPA 4.0
Graduate Certificate in Law and Public Safety Administration - 12/2000 – GPA 3.5
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Teaneck, NJ
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology - 5/1993 - GPA 3.5
Bloomfield College - Bloomfield, NJ
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Passaic County Technical Institute – Wayne, NJ - 7/2005 – Present
Assistant Principal:
Supervising administrators, teachers, support personnel, security personnel and other staff members.
Managing, coordinating and overseeing specific departments, special programs, and staff.
Conducting staff observations and evaluations.
Planning, implementing and overseeing various aspects of school operations.
Creating, updating, implementing and enforcing school policies and procedures.
Preparing, submitting, monitoring and administering departmental budgets.
Supervising, coordinating and managing all aspects of student discipline, attendance and transportation.
Facilitating the District’s Anti-Bullying programs and efforts.
City of Paterson – Paterson, NJ - 5/2012 – 6/2014
City Councilman At-Large: (Council Vice President)
Overseeing, reviewing and approving/denying aspects of municipal fiscal management.
Constituent services
Developing, reviewing, revising, introducing, and sponsoring municipal legislation.
Committee Memberships include Public Safety, Community Development, Planning Board, Education, Youth Services, Municipal & Statutory Services, and Department of Public Works.
City of Paterson – Paterson, NJ - 11/2010 – 6/2012
Planning Board Commissioner:
Analyzed, consulted and studied the City’s Master Plan.
Accepted testimony from petitioners requesting variances, conditional building usage, and construction plan approvals in the municipality…
Assessed needs; developed and implemented staff training on effective methods of prevention, intervention, and redirection of at-risk youth.
Coordinated all aspects of the District’s Substance Awareness Program.
Utilized communication skills to forge team approach with students, families, treatment facilities, juvenile justice officials, social service agencies, law enforcement and educators.
Worked with at-risk youth using various motivational and behavior modification techniques to promote self-esteem and a desire to succeed in educational pursuits.
State of New Jersey Judiciary / Passaic County Probation Division - Paterson, NJ - 1/1999 – 1/2001
Probation Officer
Assessed individual needs, counseled probationers and made appropriate referrals to address concerns.
Monitored compliance with court orders and assisted with assuring favorable outcomes.
Presented Violation of Probation motions before Superior Court Judges; submitted recommendations for intervention and/or custodial sentencing.
Served as a Team Leader for the Paterson Village Initiative; a consortium of education, law enforcement, clergy, social service agencies, community leaders, and medical professionals dedicated to assisting youth by sharing expertise and resources.
YMCA at Berkley Elementary School, Montclair, NJ- 1/1998 – 6/1998
Developed, implemented and supervised educational and recreational activities.
Utilized leadership abilities to gain cooperation and create an atmosphere conducive to academic achievement, structured recreation and community building among parents, staff, and students:
Mediated disputes, resolved disciplinary issues and executed administrative directives.
ITT Federal Services, Edison Job Corps, Edison, NJ - 9/1996 – 12/1997
Placement Specialist
Provided instruction and professional assistance in all aspects of job search and placement; including personal presentation, resume writing and interviewing skills.
Managed a caseload of program enrollees, monitored post-placement progress and assisted with the pursuit of personal and career aspirations.
Conducted public relations for the Placement and Outreach Department.
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, NJ- 8/1994 – 12/1996
Assistant Director for Student Support Services (a grant funded, independent program)
Coordinated staff responsible for assisting students. Designed programs to meet specific client objectives.
Managed an independent consulting firm involved in assisting institutions with intervention programs for at-risk students:
Supervised a staff of over twenty-five mentors, counselors, educators and support personnel.
State of New Jersey Judiciary, Passaic County Probation, Paterson, NJ - 6/1993 – 9/1996
Investigator of Probation / Probation Officer
Supervised probationers and monitored compliance with court mandates.
Managed/Supervised cases involving New Jersey Child Support Law, punitive sanctions, offender supervision and court-ordered collections.
Coordinated and supervised special community service projects in addition to a myriad of scheduled duties.
CERTIFICATES / TRAINING / AWARDS / ACTIVITIES
2014 Leadership and Community Collaboration Award Recipient
Board of Directors President – Hispanic Multi-Purpose Service Center, 11/2013
Excellence in Education Award – Passaic County African American Women 100 Plus, 3/2012
Committee Member - NJ Council on Juvenile Justice System Improvement, 9/2008
School Superintendent Certificate of Eligibility - State of New Jersey Department of Education, 11/2005
Board Member – Passaic County Advisory Committee on Minority Concerns, 8/2005
Adjunct Lecturer – Bloomfield College, 9/2004
Hall of Fame Inductee – Passaic County Technical Institute, 5/2004
Keynote Speaker – Division of Youth and Family Services - Aging Out Program Awards Dinner 12/2003
Licensed Real Estate Agent - New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance 8/2003
Citation of Commendation - State of New Jersey General Assembly 4/2003
Domestic Violence Response Team Member - Paterson Police Department 2/2003
Active Member – Association of Student Assistance Professionals of New Jersey 1/2003
Substance Awareness Coordinator Certification - State of New Jersey Department of Education 4/2002
Certified Chemical Dependency Associate - Addictions Professionals Certification Board of NJ 3/2002
Certified Instructor of Nonviolent Crisis Intervention - Crisis Prevention Institute 1/2002
