REMARKS OF BLOSSOM A. PERETZ, ESQ.
DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF THE RATEPAYER ADVOCATE
BEFORE THE UNION CITY BOARD OF EDUCATION
UNION CITY CAREER CENTER
Union City, New Jersey
February 27, 2001 1:00 p.m.
Good afternoon, Mr. Perez, Mr. Highton, Mr. Ramella and Ms. Nasta. I am so pleased that you asked me to come here today to watch the "Introduction to Fashion Design" students demonstrate new technologies that will help them to pursue their dreams of careers in the fashion industry.
This day would not be possible without the generous donation from United Water New Jersey. I thank you, Mr. Iacullo, for providing the funds that will allow the Union City Board of Education to purchase multimedia projectors.
I’m sure that when many people think of fashion, their first thoughts are of glossy magazines and New York’s "Fashion Week." But the fashion industry is a vibrant part of our entire nation’s economy, providing thousands of well-paying jobs for creative and talented individuals. I look forward to seeing how the students of the Fashion Design Center use new technologies to understand design and to help the creative process.
Today’s demonstration is proof of what can result when the public and private sectors work together. I am pleased that the Division of the Ratepayer Advocate had the privilege of helping to make this project a reality.
Whether the students here today continue in the field of fashion or move into other careers, they will carry with them the knowledge of new technologies that they learn in this classroom. I hope that you, Ms. Nasta, and your fellow educators take great pride in knowing that you are shaping a part of our future. We all heard President Bush last night affirm the education of our nation’s children as his top administrative priority.
As the Ratepayer Advocate of the State of New Jersey, I offer my congratulations to Mr. Perez and his staff, and my thanks to Mr. Iacullo and the United Water Company. Perhaps one day we will learn that your efforts and generosity have sparked the career of the next Donna Karan or Tommy Hilfiger.