Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon has announced his transition team this morning, which includes Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), a recent electoral opponent who was quick to endorse him in the runoff.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Joining O’Dea as the transition team chairs are Trinity Church COO Jim Johnson and labor activist Hetty Rosenstein.
“I am honored to announce my transition leadership team, a diverse and experienced group of dedicated individuals ready to tackle the pressing challenges facing Jersey City. From day one, we will build a City Hall that not only responds to our residents’ needs but anticipates them – and will take the affordability crisis head on,” Solomon said in a statement.
“Our commitment is to create a government that is accessible, transparent, and proactive, ensuring that every voice is heard. I believe that with this team by my side, we can implement innovative solutions that will make Jersey City affordable and pave the way for a brighter future for our community.”
Keshav Poddar, who was the policy director of Solomon’s mayoral campaign, will serve as the executive director of the transition team.
He works as an attorney with the New Jersey office of the Windels Marx law firm specializing in community economic development projects and the construction of affordable housing.
Most recently, he served as an advisor on economic policy at the Biden-Harris White House, including as an official at the United States National Security Council, and on the staff of former Vice President Kamala Harris.
“As the executive director for the transition team, I am excited to help shape a City Hall that will meet Jersey City’s challenges head-on,” he noted.
“From Day One, we will focus on implementing actionable strategies that promote affordability, growth, and enhance the quality of life for all Jersey City residents. Our commitment is to build an inclusive City Hall that acts decisively and effectively, ensuring no one is left behind.”
Additionally, Stuart Thomas, who was Solomon’s campaign manager this cycle, as well as in 2021, will serve as the political director, while Scott Salmon, the chair of the election group at the law firm Jardim Meisner Salmon Sprague & Susser, will serve as transition counsel.
Also of note, O’Dea was a part of then-Mayor-elect Steven Fulop’s transition team when he defeated Mayor Jerramiah Healy.
Solomon will be sworn in as Jersey City’s 50th mayor on January 15th after defeating former Gov. Jim McGreevey by a margin of about 68-32 in Tuesday’s non-partisan runoff election.
