Councilwoman Ruby Cotton: A Lifetime of Public Service Rooted in Community Care

Paterson – Councilwoman Ruby Cotton of the Fourth Ward is a seasoned public servant seeking reelection for a fourth term, drawing strength from a lifetime of hard work and community care. Hailing from Bishopville, South Carolina, Cotton’s early years were spent laboring in the cotton fields, instilling in her the values of dedication and collaboration.

A proud graduate of Eastside High School, Cotton’s initial foray into politics in Paterson saw her narrowly lose an election in 1986. Undeterred, she entrenched herself in the community, becoming a revered figure through her involvement in various organizations such as the National Council of Negro Women and the NAACP.

Following the retirement of Vera Ames, Cotton successfully secured the council seat twelve years ago. She has since been a stalwart presence in Paterson’s political landscape, especially during the tumultuous tenure of Mayor Joey Torres.

Married to the late Eddie Cotton, himself a prominent figure in Paterson politics, Ruby continues the family legacy of public service with unwavering commitment. Eddie Cotton’s contributions as the first African American DPW director in New Jersey and a deputy mayor marked the family’s dedication to community welfare.

Described as a people person, Cotton’s approach to governance emphasizes direct engagement with constituents. Her network of government contacts, cultivated over years of service, enables her to connect with people effectively. Listening, in Cotton’s view, lies at the heart of genuine representation.

As she gears up for her ward’s reelection campaign, Cotton remains deeply rooted in the community, advocating for unity and resilience in the face of challenges. Her faith, exemplified through her membership in the New AME Zion Church, underpins her unwavering spirit.

In a world often marked by cynicism, Cotton’s message is one of hope and empowerment. With a firm belief in the significance of voting, she urges citizens to remember the sacrifices made for this right. She envisions a Paterson where collaboration between the School Board, administration, and city council leads to meaningful progress.