Residents press council over Alex Mendez case; critics and supporters trade charges over prosecutions

Dozens of speakers filled the public-comment period at Paterson's May 19 council meeting, with many urging the council to support Alex Mendez and criticizing the state's handling of his case.

Public commenters alleged prosecutorial misconduct and raised concerns about prolonged delay and lack of evidence. Miguel Diaz asked, "How can we allow the justice department to be used as a political weapon?" and urged the community to resist what he called politically motivated prosecutions. Victor Urbaias and multiple other speakers argued a six-year delay violated a defendant's Sixth Amendment right to a speedy trial.

Not all speakers agreed. Bill McCoy noted the judge's stated reasons for dismissal and urged respect for the judicial process, saying, "We in The United States would rather 10 guilty people go free than 1 innocent person go to prison for something that they didn't do." Several speakers called for documentation, transparency and a written breakdown of previously approved library funding.

The public-comment period spilled into a contentious exchange on floor decorum and the clerk's authority. Councilman Jackson repeatedly argued there is "no such authority that the clerk has over a council person," contending that elected council members have different procedural status than the clerk. Other council members and the vice president defended the clerk and called for decorum and respect for rules and procedures.

Council President Mims urged unity and order, saying "Patterson deserves better," and told members to respect the clerk and established code while the city moves forward.

No state or prosecutorial representative responded during the meeting; the council did not take formal action on the public comments beyond the record and requests for staff follow-up where noted.