22 Jersey City municipal candidates responded to a Streets PAC NJ survey recently, which they’re releasing a week-and-a-half after going public.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The response from candidates tells the story: It’s clear that safe streets are now a central issue in Jersey City politics. That’s a testament to the years of hard work by advocates and residents,” Streets PAC NJ Executive Director Kevin Bing said in a statement.
“Candidates are recognizing that Jersey City residents are demanding safer streets, better walking and biking infrastructure, and a future where traffic violence is eliminated. We are excited to see this political commitment translate into real policy change.”
Mayoral candidates Christina Freeman, Joyce Watterman, James Solomon, Bill O’Dea, and Mussab Ali replied, with Jim McGreevey and Kalki Jayne-Rose did not.
Bing specifically expressed disappointment that McGreevey and his running mates opted not to participate.
“This raises concerns about the candidates’ track record on this vital issue and their willingness to commit to Vision Zero,” he added.
He further stated that all respondents affirmed their commitment to Vision Zero, opposed the $10.7 billion Turnpike widening project, expanding pedestrian plazas, making traffic safety improvements, and personally abiding by local traffic safety laws.
Ward C council candidate Tom Zuppa, Ward D council candidate Elvin Dominici Encarnación, Ward E council candidate Dan Israel, Council at-large candidates Kristen Zadroga-Hart and Saundra Robinson Green – all running on O’Dea’s slate participated, as did Joel Brooks in Ward B.
He and O’Dea have traded endorsements in the non-partisan November 4th contest.
Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, Ward B council candidate Lorena Loayza, Ward C council candidate Dawn Giambalvo, Ward D council candidate Veronica Akaezuwa, Ward E council candidate Eleana Little, all part of Team Solomon, participated as well.
As did Solomon’s at-large running mates Mamta Singh, Michael Griffin, and former Council President Rolando Lavarro. Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore, who cross endorsed with Solomon, completed the survey too.
Ward D council candidates Patrick Ambrossi, who is running with Ali, and Jake Ephros, who is an independent candidate, rounded out the respondents.
The full list of responses can be viewed here.