Jersey City Councilman-at-Large Rolando Lavarro and Ward B council hopeful Joel Brooks are trading endorsements for the non-partisan November 2nd municipal elections.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I’m proud to endorse Council Member Lavarro for re-election. He has been a leading advocate for working people on the City Council for many years, whether it was as a community organizer on behalf of taxpayers hit with a backdoor water tax or fighting on the City Council for inclusive zoning,” Brook said in a joint statement.
“The West Side is lucky to have such a tireless advocate in the City Council already, and after this election, I look forward to working with him to put the people’s interests first.”
Lavarro is running independently after being a part of Mayor Steven Fulop’s ticket in 2013 and 2017. He is up against colleagues Joyce Watterman and Danny Rivera, as well as Hudson County Democratic Organization Chair Amy DeGise – all part of the mayor’s slate.
Lincoln High School Principal and former Ward B Councilman Chris Gadsden, Morris Canal Community Development Corporation June Jones, and activist Elvin Dominici are also challenging for the three at-large seats up for grabs.
Meanwhile, on the city’s west side, Brooks is making a play for the Ward B council seat currently occupied by Mir Prinz-Arey, another member of Fulop’s ticket.
“I’m pleased to endorse Joel Brooks for Ward B Council. With his deep roots in union organizing, Joel understands the struggles that Jersey City’s working families endure, particularly the nurses and healthcare workers who have been on the front lines in the fight against COVID-19,” explained Lavarro.
“Joel recognizes that Jersey City is gentrifying rapidly and will fight for housing justice for all. We share progressive values and a commitment to protecting Jersey City’s diverse communities and the residents who have made the city what it is today. I’m excited to work with Joel Brooks when he is elected to council.”
Brooks has showcased a strong fundraising acumen since announcing his candidacy in February, tweeting on Wednesday that he was just shy of a $60,000 fundraising goal at the end of the year’s third quarter.
