Alex Valdez, running for Hudson County commissioner in the 9th District – the only contested race in the June 2nd Democratic primary – is being backed by StreetsPAC NJ.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Alex Valdez is a policy leader who understands that mobility is a matter of both equity and safety. His proposal for a West Hudson shuttle loop shows he knows exactly how to move the needle for communities that have been left behind by traditional transit,” StreetsPAC NJ Executive Director Kevin Bing said in a statement.
“We need a commissioner who will champion bus priority and safe street design with the same tenacity Alex has shown as a local advocate, and we are thrilled to support his candidacy.”
Valdez is a dedicated “safe streets” champion who views transportation through the lens of human dignity and community health, SafeStreets NJ added, noting he is committed to “Target Zero” – recognizing that safer streets encourage the walking.
By formally committing to “Target Zero,” Valdez is prioritizing a transportation system that protects human life over vehicle throughput, recognizing that safer streets encourage the walking and social interaction essential for a thriving neighborhood.
He is a vocal proponent of creating a frequent shuttle loop – similar to the “Hoboken Hop” -to serve the underserved Kearny Avenue and Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard corridors.
Furthermore, he plans to tackle universal speeding on Passaic Avenue by implementing protected bike lanes and narrowing lanes to protect residents accessing Kearny Riverbank Park, the organization added.
Valdez is the consensus pick among Hudson County Democrats including County Executive Craig Guy, Jersey City Mayor Jame Solomon, Secaucus Mayor Mike Gonnelli, and Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle.
He is running against Kearny Policemen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) President Mina Elkadious and Harrison 3rd Ward Councilman Larry Bennett to succeed retiring Commissioner Al Cifelli (D-9), who has endorsed Bennett.
Bennett also has the support of Harrison Mayor James Fife and East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo, while Valdez has endorsements from CWA District 1, the New Jersey Working Families Party, and the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council.
StreetsPAC NJ backed Hudson County commissioner candidate Ron Bautista, who is running unopposed in the 5th District, on Monday.
