Newark Mayor Ras Baraka attended a fundraiser to re-elect Jersey City Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore and elect Ward E Councilman James Solomon as mayor at The Factory last night.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Former Ward B Councilman Chris Gadsden introduced Gilmore, who noted the grassroots nature of his 2021 campaign.
“I texted so many people my phone froze,” Gilmore joked. I wanted to advocate for affordable housing. I wanted to make sure, while the city was developing, that we included people whose blood, sweat, and tears have been in this city for generations,” he exclaimed.
“I wanted to make sure their voices were included … Jersey City residents should have first dibs at those apartments. I’m not anti-development. I’m pro responsible development,” Gilmore explained to applause.
Gilmore continued that he is passionate about recreation for seniors and youth.
“If you don’t provide something meaningful for young men and women to do, they’ll find something to do themselves. Odds are it’s not going to be something that’s not beneficial,” he further stated.
“We want to make sure police officers are walking in the community, talking with residents, building a relationship. For me, I just don’t like the thought of a car on the corner with the lights flashing. The officer looks bored. The community don’t look safer. The roads in Jersey City, they are terrible … We can’t ask for more money and diminish the services.”
Gilmore also said that he wants to bring garbage collection in house, an idea that has been floated for years, before declaring that an anonymous attack flyer in 2021 actually helped him win.
“I’m so grateful they did that. They spent money I didn’t have!” he joked.
Shortly thereafter, Solomon spoke and began by continuing his policy not to take contributions from developers to applause.
“Too often developers work for developers and not for all of you,” he argued, recalling that a downtown developer who had a 20-year tax abatement was selling condos for $1 million each. He did not mention them by name.
“If you’re a homeowner, do you have a 20-year tax break?” he asked.
“No!” the crowd replied.
He cited also cited the right-to-counsel measure he championed on the council as a success to build on for renters in the city before highlighting successful efforts to defeat the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO).
Most recently, the downtown councilman was part of a progressive movement to elect Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Katie Brennan to the state Assembly in the 32nd Legislative District – both who won the June 10th primary and were in attendance.
Solomon then spoke about lingering issues in Jersey City that need to be addressed immediately.
“Things in Jersey City are tough, tougher than they need to be. Property taxes have gone up 50 percent in five years. Rent has gone up 50 percent in 5 years. 911 calls go unanswered. Potholes remain unfilled … Politics as usual cannot solve those problems,” he asserted.
Furthermore, Solomon proclaimed that he and his team will “reimagine Jersey City politics” to address such significant issues.
“There are fewer opportunities for youth than there were 30 years ago,” Solomon noted, pledging to create 1,000 summer jobs and internships next summer to applause.
“With a tyrant in the White House who is attempting to tear apart our communities and erase our histories, we will not give an inch!” he exclaimed.
On that note, Solomon noted that Baraka was unjustly arrested by federal agents when protesting at Delaney Hall, an immigrant detention center in Newark.
“He stood for all of us when he stood, and he told the Trump administration I will not back down, and then he sued them!” Solomon shouted, adding that Jersey City will be affordable and corruption free under his watch before introducing Baraka.
The Brick City mayor apologized for arriving late, after the 8:30 end time for the event, stating that community meetings in Newark lasted longer than expected.
“You can take care of the people … and still balance the budget at the same time,” he argued before recalling that he only lost Jersey City by two points in the gubernatorial primary and ended up being the runner-up overall, despite not raising the most money.
“ … The progressive element in the State of New Jersey is growing and getting stronger. People are getting tired of the same old stuff, the same old policies, the same old tactics and strategy … the same old people,” he stated, praising the diversity and size of the crowd.
“These are very dangerous times folks Every single day, something worse happens than the day before. We gotta sharpen our tools, get our minds correct, organize our folks … and push back … We can’t take no for an answer!” Baraka exclaimed to applause. “You gotta smile in the face of the devil!”
Baraka also indicated that while he was not ready to endorse Solomon, he was giving him serious consideration and is “close” to doing so.
Solomon also introduced his slate, which includes former Council President Rolando Lavarro, Michael Griffin and Mamta Singh seeking council-at-large seats, as well as Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley running for a third term.
Team Solomon is rounded out by Lorena Loayza in Ward B, Dawn Giambalvo in Ward C, Veronica Akaezuwa in Ward D, and Eleana Little in Ward E to succeed the man at the top of the ticket.
Anyone is better then the mcgreevy team !