Hudson County Executive Craig Guy is coming out in support of a mental health court in the county, following Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), asking the board of commissioners to support a resolution before them today.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Since day one, my administration has been wholeheartedly focused on service and making sure all residents know about and have access to the services Hudson County provides for all communities,” Guy said in a statement.
“This resolution affirms that commitment by prioritizing mental health within our courts system through the classification of this mental health court as a special needs voluntary program. I’ve spoken to the county prosecutor’s office who expresses their support for this resolution.”
O’Dea was the first to bring this topic to light, first in an editorial that ran in The Jersey Journal in April and then in a statement explaining why he would support the county budget on Tuesday, as HCV first reported (the budget was approved 8-1).
The mental health court would operate in partnership with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, the superior court, the Public Defender’s office, the Hudson County Department of Family Services and Reintegration and Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office.
“At the end of the day, we need to have this and I can care less who gets credit for it. I clearly made a strong statement on it, but if the county executive and county prosecutor need the credit to get this started, then let them take the credit,” O’Dea said in response.
The resolution before the governing body is sponsored by O’Dea and seconded by the remaining eight members of the board.
A former Jersey City Ward B councilman, O’Dea is a declared candidate for mayor in 2025, a non-partisan contest where Guy was quick to endorse former Gov. Jim McGreevey.
The Hudson County Board of Commissioners will convene at the county administration building, 567 Pavonia Ave., at 4:30 p.m.
