The Jersey City Council voted 7-2 to approve Peter Vincent as the new director of the Department of Recreation Director and Youth Development after several expressed support for Tommy Best at last night’s meeting.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
During the city’s caucus, it was explained that Best would become director of community relations in the department, as only HCV reported.
Tina Nalls, an aide to Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore who said she was speaking for herself, was among the those who endorsed Best during public comment (Gilmore said he was supporting Best in an editorial published Saturday).
“I was here when Solomon and Educational Gilmore said he [Best] would actually do a good job in that position. To see them take that away, it feels just like how it was when I was asking the other mayor for help with me doing a nonprofit in the community,” she said.
“It seem that we are good to build our community up, and take care of the community, and do all of the hard work, but we not good to get that pay. That’s what it seem like to me, it seem like they always overlook us …”
Another city resident, Stephanie Starz, expressed dismay about the direction of the new administration.
“For now, the Fulop administration is the scapegoat, next it will be the governor and the budget committee, and then it’ll be the state financial monitor. These are kind of Steve Fulop-esque behaviors and I’m concerned that we’re repeating some bad behavior,” she began.
“The mayor seems determined to repeat the same mistakes with the recreation department, it seems he’s already campaigning for governor, instead of these grammatically incorrect tweets, there’s these random, feature-length videos, including one marketing his recreation director pick as some sort of LeBron James figure.”
Ward B Councilman Joel Brooks acknowledged that support for both Vincent and Best is widespread.
“I did meet with Coach Best and had a great conversation with him. I also met with Acting Director Vincent and had a direct conversation with him. Coach Best was offered the director (of community relations) position, and I wish him well,” he explained.
“I didn’t vote for (Mayor) James Solomon in November, but we did partner in December, and I view him as a partner. There was a thorough process, and that process yielded Acting Director Vincent.”
He also seemed optimistic the city would get “at least one free summer camp south of Communipaw,” under Vincent, which he brought up at caucus.
“I got to meet with Vincent. Saw and heard a very clear and detailed plan for the recreation department,” Ward D Councilman Jake Ephros noted.
“We heard from the community that come out in support of him … I also talked with Tommy Best. I really appreciate his reaching out.”
Ephros also indicated Solomon that Vincent committed to prioritize a community center in Ward D.
“I do acknowledge I had some questions for Acting Director Vincent at caucus that I think he was possibly not able to fully answer,” Ward E Councilwoman Eleana Little said.
She asked him about Liberty State Park and past commercialization issues, to the dismay of some of her colleagues since it’s a state park.
“I left the meeting without my questions being fully answered. But I’m happy to report that yesterday, the mayor spoke with Mr. Vincent, and also Mr. Vincent made time to have a 30-minute meeting with me at 9 o’clock at night,” Little said.
“I’m happy to report my concerns have been addressed. This is an appointment I can support. I also want to recognize the service Mr. Best has provided to this city. I wish him … immense success in his new position, which will also be reporting directly to Deputy Mayor [of Education Dia] Bryant, same as the recreation director will be.”
She also recognized that department directors have not been as diverse as they could be, with Linda Ivory-Green, who will lead the Department of Health and Human Services, being the only black director.
“That concern is very valid. I expect the administration to take this into consideration,” Little concluded.
Gilmore said he respected Solomon’s authority, but still strongly believes Best should have gotten the nod over Vincent.
“Tommy has spent decades invested in our community, mentoring people, building relationships throughout the community, and developing a deep commitment to this city. The support he received from the city is genuine,” he declared.
” … This is no knock to Pete. Tommy Best is the best person to represent rec. So I’m going to vote no.”
Gilmore continued that he supported Best’s appointment last January (though it was voted down) when there was no Black male city department directors, which he noted is still true.
Councilwoman at-Large Mamta Singh noted Vincent is a Jersey City native who is highly qualified, therefore she would be supporting him.
Further, Councilman at-Large Michael Griffin echoed Gilmore’s sentiments.
“Kids wanted to go to Lincoln [High School] to play for Coach Best … He is a legend in our community. My vote will be no,” he said.
Like Brooks, Councilman at-Large Rolando Lavarro said both Best and Vincent are qualified, also recognizing the desire to have their directors reflect the diversity of the city.
“I do want to recognize Mr. Tommy Best as a longtime qualified servant of this city and someone I am proud to call a friend. I am glad the administration has brought him into a senior role within this department. I will be watching to make sure he is fully empowered to do his work,” Lavarro explained.
“This department deserves reform, accountability, and strong empathetic leadership. The residents of this city deserve better … I am confident you are the director who is willing to do that work … Welcome, Mr. Vincent.”
Council President Denise Ridley said Vincent’s resume speaks for itself before congratulating him, since it was clear he had the votes for the appointment, as well as thanking Best on his new role.
The Council approved Vincent’s nomination 7-2, with Gilmore and Griffin voting no.
