The Jersey City Council discussed a resolution that would begin the process of establishing their own legislative counsel versus the administration’s corporation counsel at yesterday’s caucus.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
“I did send all of you information on this: It’s something the public has been asking us for this for some time. This is a resolution of our intent to establish that position,” noted Council President Denise Ridley.
She also highlighted that she promised this would be addressed if she became council president.
“Before any ill will goes out or any media spins goes out, this is in no way a representation that we are not satisfied with the work [Corporation Counsel] Sarah [Levine] has been doing here. I just want to make that clear,” Ridley added.
She continued that the council has discussed this before and is now looking to explore doing just that.
“Have there been any challenging lawsuits or laws regarding that particular situation?” Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa asked.
“We’re not in a fight,” Corporation Counsel Sarah M. Levine said as Ridley chuckled.
“I take no personal or professional umbrage to council doing whatever it needs to do to do your jobs, which are very hard. I have been vocal about the tensions inherent in my role… and the limitations of my department.”
Levine added that she had “serious concerns” about whether the proposed ordinance is lawful, though noted other cities like Trenton have done so anyway.
For example, she said if legislative counsel disagrees with corporation counsel on an ordinance and it passes, and the city is sued, it could lead to a great conflict.
“How would we pay for it?” Councilwoman at-Large Mamta Singh questioned.
“There’s money for us to do it in the budget. We can cross that bridge,” Ridley said.
“Do we envision this to be a salaried employee?” Zuppa added.
Ridley said that needs to be discussed, with Zuppa noting he was looking forward to hearing more from Levine on this, noting that hiring outside counsel would be cheaper than another salaried employee.
Further, Levine said a lawyer dedicated to the council in her small Law Department would be progress.
“I understand that doesn’t resolve the issues with conflicts with the administration,” she noted.
“You can be strapped. Appreciate that officer,” Ridley noted.
“The resolution is not legally concerning to you?” Ward D Councilman Jake Ephros asked.
“The language of a statement of intent is perfectly fine,” Levine replied. However, she said a resolution establishing the position would be more difficult.
Ward E Councilwoman Eleana Little joked about liking the idea of having a council counsel.
“Would they serve at the pleasure of the mayor?” she inquired
“All municipal employees are provisional … They are not civil service roles,” Levine replied.
Little also noted that if someone serving in that role was removed, it would always appear retaliatory, whether it actually was or not.
“They would still have to report to me. I do have a statuary obligation … to be the final call on things,” Levine explained, reiterating that she was in favor of any idea that clears some work off her desk.
Councilman at-Large Rolando Lavarro has explained he has long championed this idea.
“It’s about checks and balances: I’m open to the conversation.”
The Jersey City Council will convene for the regular meeting tomorrow at City Hall, located at 280 Grove St., at 6 p.m. and the session will also stream live on Microsoft Teams.
