The Latino Action Network is endorsing Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea for Jersey City mayor, along with city council-at-large running mates Kristen Zadroga-Hart, Councilman Danny Rivera, and Ward D hopeful Elvin Dominici Encarnación.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The Latino Action Network is proud to endorse Bill O’Dea for Mayor of Jersey City because he has a clear track record of delivering for his constituents and fighting for working families,” LAN President Javier Robles said in a statement.
“As a county commissioner, Bill stood up for our community and our shared values by opposing Hudson County’s contract with ICE and as a mayoral candidate he is supporting three Latino council candidates on his ticket, once again proving his commitment to diversity and representation. Bill O’Dea will be a mayor for the people and we’re excited to support his campaign.”
O’Dea and his slate mates likely had an ace in the hole here, given that the LAN Vice President of Public Policy is Cory Garriga, an aide for O’Dea and big supporter of his campaign for mayor.
The Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council, Jersey City Education Association, 32BJ SEIU, Hudson County Central Labor Council, Jersey City Firefighters Union Local 1066, Jersey City Public Employees Union Local 245, Teamsters Local 560, District 1199J, among others, have all backed O’Dea for mayor.
“I’m honored to receive this endorsement as a recognition of how I’ve always stood up for the Hispanic community here in Jersey City, and how I will continue to do so as Mayor,” he added.
“From standing up against Hudson County’s contract with ICE to working to build the affordable housing that Jersey City needs, to exposing abusive landlords who ignore our rent control laws, I’ve always been an advocate for Latino residents of Jersey City as well as everyone else who calls our community home.”
O’Dea is in a seven-person race to succeed Steven Fulop, who ran for governor instead of seeking a fourth term.
The non-partisan November 4th contest also features Ward E Councilman James Solomon, former Gov. Jim McGreevey, Council President Joyce Watterman, ex-Board of Education President Mussab Ali, Police Officer Christina Freeman, and Jayne Kalki-Rose.
