Former Governor Jim McGreevey is among the candidates in a crowded field to become Jersey City’s next mayor.
McGreevey, who is making a political comeback, has spent several years running the reentry corporation, helping former inmates turn their lives around.
He says soaring housing prices in Jersey City are driving long-time residents away.
James Solomon is a two-term city council member who says he’s independent from the developers and the political machine.
“So for me, affordability is the core issue, both because I believe it in my core, but it’s also what I hear in the doors every day,” Solomon said.
But the race features seven different candidates with different perspectives.
City council president Joyce Watterman says her integrity is her strength.
“Integrity. You know, I want to say that having experience, I mean, local government for 12 years. I think that’s important for people to know. I pastor in this city for over 30 years. All right. So I separate myself because I really bring to the table services that people need, understanding how people get through a life which is necessary more so now than ever,” Watterman said.
While some candidates have impressive community resumes, the youngest person in the race, at only 28 years old, says he’s the one with a vision for the future.
“People want to be in Jersey City. It’s one of the most popular destinations across the state of New Jersey, across this region. So to address that problem, we need to make sure that we have housing supply that meets all incomes. Right. My vision for Jersey City is a city where people of all incomes can come and live here,” mayoral candidate Mussab Ali said.
County Commissioner Bill O’Dea says his 40 years in public life shows his commitment and experience.
“I know how to put the projects together. And I know how to make sure developers actually do it. So real hands-on experience getting things done. No gap in my resume, right? My resumà goes 40 years straight. Public service and the last 30 years working within the not-for-profit sector and helping small businesses, developing affordable housing, job training programs, all things that are key to what Jersey City needs,” O’Dea said.
Five of the seven candidates spoke to Eyewitness News.
It’s possible that two of them will meet in a run-off because most believe it is unlikely that one candidate will get more than 50 percent of the vote on election day.
Anthony Johnson has the details.
