The Jersey City Council grilled Peter Vincent on potentially being the new Department of Recreation and Youth Development director and was also told that Tommy Best, another potential contender for the gig, has been promoted to a newly created six-figure job.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Vincent, who was nominated by Mayor James Solomon on Friday, began by explaining his background at yesterday’s over four-hour caucus.
“Jersey City resident of over 30 years. My background is in education and in youth development. Spent the majority of my life working with youth,” he explained.
He continued that for the last five years he worked for the United NJ AAU Basketball Program and served K-12 students, and was raised in Ward A.
Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa asked about his experience with parks.
“Now, in my current role as the director of athletics at New Jersey City University, we do have the turf. So, I worked with a whole different group of vendors and learned a lot about turf …. and those contractors … but also the difference in financial upkeep,” he replied.
Ward D Councilman Jake Ephros stated that he wanted to bring more contracts in-house to save the city money.
“I would have to see what our capacities are,” Vincent said, noting that he understand the need for fiscal responsibility, but technology moves quickly.
“Our meeting was great. I loved the presentation you had with vision,” added Councilwoman at-Large Mamta Singh. She also said she wants to provide more after-school programs and trade skill education.
Ward E Councilwoman Eleana Little also thanked Vincent for meeting with her before asking about his vision for the future of Liberty State Park, despite the fact that it is a state park.
“… It’s learning more about that park and learning, what the future of that park can hold for our children … We do not have an indoor rec facility in our second largest city in the state …Our community does deserve it and need it,” Vincent responded.
Council President Denise Ridley reiterated that Liberty State Park is a state park and didn’t asked the relevance of Little’s question.
“My reason for bringing this up is he has worked with the Hurley Family Foundation for three years and Coach [Bob] Hurley has been a very vocal, active organizer of what’s called ‘The People’s Park Foundation,’ which is funded by billionaire Paul Fireman, who owns Liberty National Golf Course,” Little argued.
Ridley asked if that meant that the question is if he is affiliated with that organization to which Little said she was getting there.
“Yeah, well I have volunteered for them, it’s not a secret. I believe Coach Hurley is also a Boston Celtics fan too. I’m not a Boston Celtics fan, so all of his affiliations are not mine. I am a self-thinking individual,” Vincent said.
Little continued that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) revitalization plan for LSP has been adopted. She asked Vincent if a program of that nature would have his support.
“… Does that mean it’s a resource for our community and our department?” Vincent asked.
“It could be,” Little answered
“You’re getting set up my friend,” Councilman at-Large Rolando Lavarro told Vincent.
Vincent agreed that he was not aware of the history, but further stated he would like to be more educated on the issue.
“And that is fair and I contest the accusation that this is a setup … Have you ever been involved in advocacy around Liberty State Park in any way, shape, or form?” Little asked.
Vincent said he attended an open house at the terminal two years ago that presented the options for the park’s revitalization.
Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore said he felt Little’s line of questioning was “reasonable” before reiterating that he said he still supports Tommy Best for rec director, as he said in an editorial this weekend.
“It’s navigating municipal government, understanding relationships with the board of ed, school principals … We had this conversation last year. We talked about the need to promote from within … I believe Tommy Best is the best person for the job.”
Singh interjected that the new council, sworn in on January 15th, never got to see his resume, acknowledging that many residents spoke in has favor during public comment at their prior meeting.
“Mr. Best was offered the director of community development role for recreation. It’s a role that he has accepted and would be starting later this week. The role reports directly to the deputy mayor of education, Dia Bryan,” Acting Business Administrator Peter Horton said.
“It’s something the Administration is really excited about. We can’t wait to have Mr. Best down there.”
Singh then congratulated Best before Zuppa asked if this was a new position.
“It was created,” Horton replied, prompting Zuppa to ask if that position bypasses the director of recreation.
Horton said the deputy mayor does not have the authority to give orders to any department director, noting they are a liaison to the mayor’s office.
Following more questioning from Zuppa, Horton said Best’s new base salary will be $100,000, which was made possible by “consolidated vacancies.”
Lavarro then called back to Vincent’s remark about how there’s no indoor rec facility, noting that the city used to lease out the armory years ago.
“We could have built a facility, and it would have paid for itself twice over,” Vincent declared.
Ward B Councilman Joel Brooks asked Vincent his thoughts about a potential free summer camp hosted somewhere south of Communipaw Avenue.
“I would love to see how we could maybe make adjustments,” Vincent exclaimed.