Milton Vorst's April 8 article leaves out important reasons for the yet unrealized political empowerment of Paterson's Arab- Americans. While Paterson may be the economic and ethnic capital of New Jersey Arab-Americans, it is naive to depict its Arab population as thriving or as the political power base for the state's 250,000 residents of Arab descent.

Most of the people interviewed don't live in Paterson. Thus their economic stature hasn't translated into tangible political currency in Paterson. In every city department, we remain terribly underrepresented, and this may be self-inflicted. While Paterson has the most Arab-owned businesses, most of the economic activity is generated by wealthier Arabs from surrounding areas. The local population remains perpetually prey to menial and low- paying jobs with little chance of upward mobility. This is because many have questionable immigration status or are beset by language barriers or lack high-level skills or education. Add to this the city's indifference to the Arab section, which, if fully developed, could become an economic Mecca. Until Paterson is perceived as a place in which to live and raise families, the American dream will elude the community.

Aref Assaf, The writer is president of the American Arab Forum.

Read the original draft on which this letter was based.