The Hudson County Democratic Black Caucus, which includes state Senator Sandra Cunningham, Assemblywoman Angela McKnight (both D-31), County Commissioner Jerry Walker (D-3), and Board of Education Vice President Lekendrick Shaw, is endorsing Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and his council slate.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The investments that Jersey City is making in the Black community under Mayor Fulop’s leadership have the potential to be truly transformative. Mayor Fulop is addressing the needs of residents by creating new job and apprenticeship opportunities, ensuring that local residents will be ready to obtain high-paying jobs at major infrastructure programs like the Gateway project,” Walker said in a statement.
“He’s also worked to improve city recreation programs and after school programs like Team Walker to give our children an outlet and opportunities to excel in sports and other activities.”
Walker competed against Fulop in the 2013 mayoral contest, coming in a distant third place when Mayor Jerramiah Healy was unseated by the current incumbent.
The Fulop campaign highlighted that this administration green lit a $120 million Public Safety Complex now under construction at the City Hall Annex at Jackson Square, redirecting numerous municipal functions as well as aiding local businesses.
“Since my time in office, Mayor Fulop has shown to be a strong advocate for several initiatives and issues that I find valuable at the state level, from championing efforts to fund our public schools, supporting the establishment of a civilian complaint review board, and the referendum to help fund the arts; among other things,” added McKnight.
“I welcome the opportunity to work with Mayor Fulop in 2021 and beyond to make Jersey City safer and to provide a better quality of life for all residents throughout the City.”
The HCDBC also commended the administration for hiring more Black and Hispanic police officers, investing in body cameras, and pushing for more community policing on the city’s south side.
In a letter to constituents, Cunningham cited Jersey City being the first to launch free COVID-19 testing sites, putting together a rideshare program with Via, as well as providing financial relief for renters and small businesses during COVID-19 as reasons for supporting Fulop.
“These are just some of the reasons why I wholeheartedly, and without reservation, endorse Steven M. Fulop for re-election for the Mayor of Jersey City,” she wrote.
The state senator’s late husband, former Mayor Glenn Cunningham (who also served as the senator of the 31st Legislative District) was a mentor to Fulop prior to his sudden passing in 2004.
“Jersey City’s biggest strength is our people and our diversity, and I’m incredibly proud to have earned the support of some of the strongest leaders in the Black community,” Fulop explained.
“It’s always been clear that our city won’t succeed without investing in every corner of our community, and making sure that the progress we’ve seen in some neighborhoods is extended to every other area and that we spread new opportunities to all of our residents are our highest priorities.”
Fulop is running for his third term alongside a Council slate that includes incumbents Joyce Watterman, Daniel Rivera, Denise Ridley, Mira Prinz-Arey, Rich Boggiano, Yousef Saleh and Jermaine Robinson, as well as Hudson County Democratic Organization Chair Amy DeGise.
They have not announced who will be challenging Ward E Councilman James Solomon as of yet, but that candidate is expected to be named soon.
The HCDBC also includes County Register Diane Coleman, Watterman, Ridley and Robinson.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a comment from state Senator Sandra Cunningham.
There’s nothing more disgusting than weak politicians with selective memory who sell out their constituents for personal reasons.