Gov. Phil Murphy (D) swore in Craig Guy as the 5th Hudson County executive at a ceremony at the Earl W. Byrd Center at County Prep High School in Jersey City in front of a crowd of roughly 1,000 people last night.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We have people from Cape May, from Hunterdon County, from Passaic County, I think that speaks to the importance of today: It’s been 20 years since the last new county executive of Hudson County, it’s been 20 years since we’ve had a new county executive in Jersey City, the single most diverse city in the entire country, in the single most diverse county in the entire country,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, a Democratic candidate for governor.
“And we couldn’t be more proud to have a new county executive that understands the challenges of Hudson County.”
Guy, a retired Jersey City police lieutenant, served as the chief of staff to now former Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, the latter of which received many thanks at the podium for his over two decades of distinguished service.
A longtime political insider in Hudson County, Guy won last year’s primary by roughly a 3-to-1 margin and then went unopposed in November. Federal, state, county, and local officials all gushed about the four years ahead during the inauguration ceremony.
“I cannot think of anyone better equipped than Craig Guy to take on this responsibility. He’s dedicated his life to public service: his career is a shining example,” said U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9).
“He’s dedicated his life to public service, he’s dedicated to Jersey City, to Hudson County and when he thinks about the future of this county, I know he thinks about his grandson Connor – what type of county and community his grandson’s gonna grow up in and he wants the best for Connor just like he wants the best for every one of your children and grandchildren and neighbors and that’s what’s gonna drive him every single day!” added U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-8).
State Senators Angela McKnight (D-31), Raj Mukherji (D-32), and Brian Stack (D-33) all spoke as well, touting Guy as a man with compassion who understands the intricacies of how the county ticks.
“When I spoke to others in the county I said ‘who’s ready on Day 1 to step in and be the county executive. Who was there during COVID? Whose there when there’s an emergency at night whether it be on the road, whether there be a fire, and when do you find a county executive, or the chief of staff of a county executive, reaching out to say ‘hey, how can I help?’” noted Stack, who is also the Union City mayor.
“Whether it’s in Union City, whether it’s in Bayonne, whether it’s in Guttenberg, no matter where. [Weehawken] Mayor [Richard] Turner’s a little different, he’s a little hard to deal with, we’ll deal with that on another day. Albio’s alright, he’s a good guy,” Stack joked.
The governor also threw in some kind remarks before administering the oath of office.
“Because of the complex, complicated, largely very good – but not without challenges – world, we need experienced leaders like never before and there is no more experienced leader to be the next county executive of this great county than Craig Guy,” he stated.
After being sworn in, Guy highlighted that the Statue of Liberty is in Jersey City, before emphasizing that his administration would focus on curbing gun violence, safer streets, affordability, and much more.
“People come to Hudson County for opportunity. We are one of the most diverse counties in the country. People come here for opportunities that are different for everyone. For some, it’s having their own place to live, not in a shelter. For some, it’s a safer neighborhood. For others, it’s a good education and the ability to establish a career,” he stated.
“I learned early on in my career that you can’t have a good quality of life if you are constantly worried about your own personal safety. We are all well aware of our senseless national gun violence epidemic. This is a crisis, period, full stop. Gov. Murphy, you and your legislative partners have set a national example by enacting some of the toughest gun laws in the country and for that we’re thankful.”
Guy also singled out the work of Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez and the partnerships she has built with county and local law enforcement in Hudson and vowed to continue pursuing initiatives at all levels of government to reduce gun violence.
The ceremony was blessed by Father Vic Kennedy and Rabbi Leana Moritt. HCST students Zachary Yabut and Brianna Paulino performed duties as masters of ceremonies.
Welcoming the crowd was the High Tech High School “Voices” Choir, who sang a rendition of “Beautiful Day” by U2.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by HCST Explore Middle School student, Nia Jackson, and the National Anthem was performed by HCST High Tech High School freshman and local singing sensation, Lola Castellano.
Closing out the ceremony was the County Prep High School “The Wonder Collective” band with a cover version of “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi.
The long list of dignitaries present also included New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman LeRoy Jones, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11), Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, East Newark Mayor Dina Grillo, Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle, North Bergen Mayor Nick Saco, Assemblymen Will Sampson (D-31), John Allen (D-32), Julio Marenco and Gabriel Rodriguez (both D-33), Assemblywoman Barbara Stamato (D-31) and Jessica Ramirez (D-32), Essex County Executive’s Chief of Staff Phil Alagia Hudson County Democratic Organization Chair Anthony Vainieri, Hudson County Board of Commissioner Chair Anthony Romano, Commissioners Caridad Rodriguez (D-7) and Bob Baselice, among many, many others.
