Jersey City Council votes down measure urging Best to become next rec director

The Jersey City Council voted down a resolution urging that Thomas Best be appointed as the new director of the Department of Recreation and Youth Development.

By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View

Keith Donath is the acting recreation director in light of former Director Lucinda McLaughlin becoming a Hudson County Superior Court judge, effective January 2nd.

Before the vote was called, Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano expressed reservations.

“Did we agree to sit down on 10.37 and speak to the individuals in recreation?” he asked before the vote.

“Anyone can put someone up to be considered,” Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore, who sponsored the non-binding measure, said.

“If we sit down, we should down with everybody. I don’t know Tom. A lot of people are calling up,” Boggiano said.

Gilmore noted that was still possible since the acting director will be at his post for a 90-day period.

Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley said many people from within the department have inquired about the leadership role, noting that it is ultimately Mayor Steven Fulop’s decision (though council consent is needed).

“I was contacted by several individuals in the rec department inquiring about possibly being appointed as director. We know it is the mayor’s appointment. Mr. Best was not one of the people,” she said.

“I wouldn’t want to recommend somebody having spoken to some of the other individuals in recreation that I have done work with. We should look within. I echo Councilman Gilmore’s sentiment on diversity as we continue to tout being the most diverse city in the nation. We have to make sure we are doing that within as well. I wish Mr. Best the best.”

Ridley voted to abstain before Ward B Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey largely agreed with her, noting there are many qualified candidates who should first meet with Fulop. She also abstained.

Boggiano and Ward D Councilman Yousef Saleh made it four abstentions in a row during the roll call.

“I just met Thomas Best. I take everything that Councilman Gilmore said to be true. I’m sure he’s an amazing man and could be a great director. I also know a lot of other people in that department,” Saleh noted.

“A lot of wonderful folks could be a director of a department. It’s obviously an appointment from the mayor. Mr. Best is extremely qualified for the position,” Ward E Councilman James Solomon said before voting yes.

Gilmore said he’s known Best for years and that his resume speaks for itself, being involved in municipal government for two decades (he’s currently a system analyst for the department).

“To not have a home grown individual not have an opportunity is beyond me,” he asserted before voting yes.

“The Council needs to have a more active collaboration with the administration on our vision for departments like recreation. We should be made aware of the candidates. We should be looking within our department and our own city for them,” Councilwoman-at-Large Amy DeGise said before abstaining.

While Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera spoke to Best’s character, calling him “top of the line,” but said he felt there had not been a comprehensive interview process yet.

“I’m going to abstain. Other people in the department, are putting in their concern over wanting to get the same position,” Council President Joyce Watterman said.

“In order to be fair everyone should have a chance to go after that position. But I’m a firm believer of hiring inside … When you look at the high position in the city, a minority is needed. It should reflect what this council looks like. Others would like to apply.”

Ultimately, resolution was voted down 2-0-(7), with Solomon and Gilmore voting yes.