Jersey City Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro dropped a game-show themed ad this morning, with lifelong city resident and former “Jeopardy!” champ Elise Nussbaum coming out in support of his re-election.
The video’s premise is that Nussbaum is participating in the “Golden Door Game Show” to test her knowledge in Jersey City politics to prepare herself before going to vote in the non-partisan November 2nd municipal elections.
The video leads with the game show host, Isaac Smith, stating, “This city councilman led the fight against the unfair water tax,” referencing the municipal utilities authority’s waste disposal fees that were built into Suez water bills, commonly referred to as the water tax.
Nussbaum’s answer is Rolando Lavarro, with news clipping wit Patch and HCV reinforcing the response. Along with Ward E Councilman James Solomon, Lavarro has led the charge to call for the refund and repeal of the tax.
“My campaign is powered by grassroots support and I’m grateful to volunteers like Elise who help out in whatever way. People believe in what I have done and trust that I will continue to do right by Jersey City,” Lavarro said in a statement.
“She came up with the initial idea of this video and other volunteers contributed various topics and information that they thought represent my experience, track record, and values.”
Additionally, Nussbaum explained why she support Lavarro for a third full term.
“I’ve seen politicians come and go, but Councilman Rolando Lavarro is the only one I’ve ever been impressed with. His values are my values,” said said.
“He fights for regular Jersey City residents: the working class, immigrants, and long-term residents who’ve raised families here. Councilman Lavarro has the experience to actually make things happen in the face of moneyed opposition.”
The roughly three-minute video touts Lavarro as a leading voice for affordable housing and working families, as the primary sponsor of a strong inclusionary zoning ordinance and having passed earned sick days and living wage laws, as well as a watchdog against government abuse, and an advocate for social justice and progressive values.
In the quick-fire round of the video, Nussbaum asks, “Who has the experience that matters?” and declares that Lavarro is “never afraid to be the lone voice standing up for people over profits.”
The video concludes, “In this amazing city that is poised for untold greatness but still rife with various levels of jeopardy, Rolando Lavarro is your right answer.”
Lavarro is one of seven candidates vying for three council-at-large seats, running independently after getting elected on Mayor Steven Fulop’s ticket in 2013 and 2017.
He first took office in 2010 by winning a special election.
