In a letter to the editor, Jersey City Police Superior Officers Association President Capt. Pawel Wojtowicz gives his take on why Ward E Councilman James Solomon can’t be trusted on traffic safety.
Dear Editor,
Councilman Solomon has recently embraced public safety as a priority in Jersey City. He is now promoting the idea that he can and will address a number of public safety concerns raised by residents. His latest focus is a new traffic plan.
However, it’s important to point out that Councilman Solomon was the original member of the governing body who called for cuts to the police department’s budget, advocated reducing its size, supported a hiring freeze, and opposed collaboration with the Housing Authority.
I’ve previously stated that Councilman Solomon is pandering to voters as part of his campaign for mayor. But don’t just take my word for it, look at his past actions.
Councilman Solomon once hosted a blog on Reddit, inviting residents to ask questions and share grievances. T
his public record spans six years. During his re-election campaign for Ward E councilman, many residents raised long-standing concerns related to traffic, unsafe driving, and broader traffic safety issues.
One resident specifically asked what could be done about reckless drivers. Councilman Solomon responded:
“Combatting reckless and dangerous driving is a priority of mine. Given the lack of enforcement, I’ve focused on road redesigns that do not rely on active enforcement measures- and we’ve slowed speeds on Jersey, Grand, Columbus, Greene, Washington, 18th, Grove, and Monmouth through these measures. To address enforcement, we have finally created a new Traffic Division that will prioritize all unsafe vehicular behavior, from drivers to bikers…..”
This exchange proves that specific issues were raised years ago, and yet they remain unresolved today. Despite his acknowledgment of the problem and his proposed solutions, the same concerns persist. Nothing has fundamentally changed.
And that Reddit response is just one example of many unfulfilled promises made by the councilman over the years.
He has repeatedly assured residents that he would tackle critical public safety and infrastructure issues, yet the results have consistently fallen short.
Now, in the midst of a mayoral campaign, he’s using the same strategy, making bold promises without delivering meaningful results.
If you were to ask him why those earlier commitments haven’t been fulfilled, he would likely say he’s just one vote on the council and lacks the power to bring change until he becomes mayor.
But I disagree. An effective politician knows how to persuade colleagues, build consensus, and move initiatives forward.
Councilman Solomon has repeatedly made promises but has shown he lacks the ability to work collaboratively and turn those promises into action.
It’s evident that Councilman Solomon lacks the leadership skills necessary to run this city.
Captain Pawel Wojtowicz
President
Jersey City Police Superior Officers Association
Editor’s note: The Jersey City PSOA has endorsed former Gov. Jim McGreevey for mayor.