The City of Jersey City has placed former Mayor Jerry McCann, who now works as a senior auditor, on paid administrative leave as they investigate whether he is using city resources and/or city time to campaign for ex-Gov. Jim McGreevey, who is running for mayor in 2025.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We can confirm Jerry McCann has been placed on administrative leave pending a hearing, at which point next steps will be taken,” city spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said in an email following an inquiry from HCV.
“Broadly speaking, it is well known that McCann has become very close to Jim McGreevey, and while McCann is entitled to advise, support, and be in the inner team of whomever he wants in the upcoming mayoral campaign, he is not allowed to use social media, city resources, nor city time to bully residents or public officials on behalf of Jim McGreevey’s mayoral campaign.”
She added that the city would take the same approach for anyone participating in the campaigns of any other declared candidates, which also already includes Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) and Council President Joyce Watterman.
In response, McCann indicated that his Twitter was hacked at some point and many of the posts he had come under fire for had not been done by him (though a few like one mocking local teachers for taking free turkeys was).
He also said that he does not currently have a city hearing scheduled and continued that city policy is that he cannot threaten his colleagues, which he did not do, and that he has not been doing any political campaigning out of City Hall.
“When Mayor Fulop comes to work every day, then we can conclude that he’s working as the mayor. But when he very rarely comes to work, we can conclude that he’s doing something else and he’s very, very rarely at City Hall,” McCann questioned.
“If he’s using a city police officer or city car to campaign for governor, that would be totally inappropriate.”
McCann also contends that he’s had friction with the administration since last week, when he made the assertion that 22 of the 25 five-year abatements were done improperly, alleging that cost the city $57 million in revenue.
Resigning in the midst of federal fraud charges in 1991, McCann eventually made a bit of a political comeback nearly two decades later: being hired by the Jersey City Incinerator Authority in February 2010 before winning a school board seat about two months later.
He has been an early supporter of McGreevey for mayor, to the chagrin of some others in the political class, who formally announced his candidacy on November 9th.
The non-partisan Jersey City municipal elections, which includes the mayor’s seat and all nine city council seats, aren’t until November 4th, 2025.
What has Jersey City come to, is this no longer HudCo? That’s just Gerry being Gerry. Not like he’s filling out voter ballots in City Hall 8-4 or something.
Jerry and Jimmy sitting in a tree
Not crazy about McCann, but I do respect him for taking on the teacher’s union. But he does rotten things. I know this is Jersey City but give me a break.
Most of the people misusing the power . There are concerns about Osman Gani, also known as Ozzie, a city inspector, who allegedly misuses his position of power. It is reported that he abuses his duty time by intimidating small business owners, threatening them with complaints and eviction if they do not comply with his demands. It is also claimed that he assists political campaigners by selling tickets, arranging meetings, and engaging in personal construction work during office hours. Until recently, he owned a restaurant in Newport Mall and spent most of his day there. Furthermore, there are allegations that he makes false promises and exploits the vulnerable. Unfortunately, there appears to be a lack of oversight on his actions, leading to frustration and discontent among the public. He presents himself as if he were the mayor of the city. These serious allegations should be thoroughly investigated to determine their validity.
There are allegations that Osman Gani (City Inspector) along with Peter Horton, the business administrator for the city, are involved in a mutual exchange of favors with city officials & Residents. It is claimed that Osman Gani assists city officials in their campaigns, while receiving favors in return that’s how he is in this position today as parliamentarian in Jsersey city democratic organization. Additionally, Peter Horton is said to be interfering in ward C issues and using office hours to negotiate for his own campaign & heard he is planning to run for city council in 2025. There are rumors that Peter Horton is heavily involved with ward C councilman Richard Boggiano, making decisions on his behalf and engaging in meetings with constituents. It is also rumored that Osman Gani and Peter Horton engage in giving favors to the builders, residents, business owners particularly since Peter Horton was a planning board member. These allegations suggest a concerning exchange of favors occurring in the city. They both are misusing the powers. It is important for appropriate authorities to investigate these claims thoroughly to ensure transparency and accountability in the city’s operations.
Is it result of taking on some elements in City?
The cities taxes are on roof top in certain area property taxes have shot up by 70 plus percent making it expensive for common man to survive in Jersey City. One wonders what what schools are doing special for children that school taxes has shot up to $ 1 for every $ 100 assessed value of property?
In last school board election only one candidate talk about taxes, I guess the sleeping citizens did not give any attention to his call either.
The common man renting in city thinks that taxes are not his problem as he just pay rent, but forgetting the fact that taxes also impacting his rent amount too.
There is need for the joint efforts of people to send in representatives who can stand up for common man, if not keep paying and eventually take flight when it is totally unaffordable and beyond your means.
Good luck to all.
Allegations, claims, rumors, suggestions. You’re a regular Gladys Kravitz, aren’t you?