Jersey City Ward B council candidate Joel Brooks and the team of Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), whose running for Jersey City mayor, opened their campaign office at 546 West Side Ave. on Saturday afternoon.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
After O’Dea and Brooks addressed the crowd, highlighting their collaborative efforts over the years, the latter emphasized his commitment to advocating for affordable housing, rent control protections, and fully funded public schools.
“We need leadership ready to meet the cost of living crisis, unite and defend our neighbors across immigration status, and build a Jersey City for all with good schools, infrastructure, and transit,” Brooks said in a statement.
Additionally, O’Dea expressed his support for Brooks, noting their shared dedication to community advocacy and effective problem-solving.
For those already closely following the non-partisan November 4th Jersey City municipal elections, this is all expected, given that Brooks and O’Dea traded support at the former’s campaign kickoff last month, as only HCV reported.
O’Dea has announce seven running mates, eight including his cross endorsement with Brooks, and now only has to name a Ward E running mate to have a complete city council slate.
For the Ward B seat, Brooks is currently running against Erfrain Badilla Orleans Jr., who is part of former Gov. Jim McGreevey’s slate, and Lorena Loayza, who is on the team of Ward E Councilman James Solomon.
Incumbent Mira Prinz-Arey, who ran on Mayor Steven Fulop’s ticket in 2021 and bested Brooks by 185 votes, has not yet announced her plans for November.
