Assemblyman Jerry Walker (LD-31) applauded the Jersey City Democratic Organization (JCDO) for naming Celeste Williams his successor on the Hudson County Board of Commissioners, also declaring that she will not be a “caretaker” for the seat.
By Dan Israel/Hudson County View
Walker applauded the JCDO’s unanimous vote on Thursday, paving the way for Williams to to the next commissioner in the 3rd District seat. HCV first reported that she was the frontrunner for the seat and that the initial JCDO vote was postponed due to snow.
“She’s somebody that has got boots on the ground. She’s a God-fearing woman, somebody that will try to carry on some of my traditions and the things I had in place to protect my constituents with what I though was important. Me and her align on a lot of different things,” Walker said of Williams in a phone interview with HCV.
He confirmed that former Jersey City Ward A council candidate and Williams were the two names he submitted to the county after he won a state Assembly seat in the 31st Legislative District in November.
Walker ran with Assemblyman Will Sampson (D-31) on the Hudson County Democratic Organization’s (HCDO) slate.
The new state legislator described that he and Williams as having a great working relationship, noting they have previously collaborated together on community initiatives like “72 Hours of Peace” basketball tournaments, among many others.
“It brings all the power groups from the different neighborhoods together to try to curb the balance before they go back to school,” Walker explained.
“Two years ago, it was because of her efforts and other incredible messengers that we had zero homicides in the summer months.”
According to Walker, she already has a network of people ready to mobilize to get the job done and she is his top choice to continue his legacy on the county board in District 3.
While her nomination still has to be accepted by the eight commissioners currently on the board, there’s basically a formality at this point as is expected to happen at next week’s caucus.
According to Walker, her appointment makes history as she will become the first Black woman to serve on the Hudson County Board of Commissioners, which is particularly significant since February is Black History month.
“There was never an African-American woman who sat on the board. I thought that’d be a good thing to make history,” Walker noted, also thanking Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Jersey City Mayor James Solomon for reaching consensus on her nomination.
However, Walker said it was his belief that Williams won’t merely serve as a “caretaker” for the seat who stays out of the June 2nd primary and is likely to be on the ballot.
“If she wants to run, it’s her God-given right, and I think that’s what she wants to do,” he asserted. Williams did not return calls seeking comment on Monday, but she subsequently provided a statement.
“I am deeply honored to serve on the Hudson County Commissioner Board and humbled to be the first African American woman in this role. I want to thank Assemblyman Jerry Walker for believing in me and putting my name forward,” she said.
“I am also grateful to County Executive Craig Guy and Mayor James Solomon for working together to support my appointment. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to inclusive and responsive government. I look forward to serving the residents of Hudson County with dedication and integrity.”
She did not address whether or not she plans to run for a full three-year term in the primary.
“Celeste’s about to do a great job and I’ll be with her every step of the way,” Walker concluded over the phone.
Williams is the founder and CEO of Jersey City non-profit Caring Capable Hands, which aims to “redirect youth behaviors and reduce recidivism by offering interventions and social services,” according to the organization’s mission statement.
Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County Executive Director Pam Johnson, who also sought the Ward A council seat that was retained by Councilwoman Denise Ridley last year (she defeated Warren in the December runoff), has expressed an interest in running in June.
