Jersey City Local Public Employees Union Local 246 President John Kilroy is endorsing former Gov. Jim McGreevey for mayor, stating he is the best candidate to overhaul the city’s 911 dispatch center.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I am proud to support Jim McGreevey for mayor of Jersey City. With his leadership experience, dedication to public service, and commitment to improving our city, I believe Jim has the vision and drive to make Jersey City a better place for all residents,” Kilroy said in a statement.
“His focus on unity and progress aligns with the values we hold as a union, and I am confident he will be a mayor who listens to and works alongside the people.”
The union represents over six hundred local employees across various municipal departments, which includes public safety, health, animal control, and 911 dispatch employees.
Additionally, Kilroy expressed concern over the challenges at the 911 call center, particularly understaffing and high turnover.
“At times, there have been only two dispatchers and two call takers for the police. Best practices would require six call takers and five dispatchers to ensure that public safety requests are answered promptly and professionally,” he added.
McGreevey has previously called for a significant overhaul of Jersey City’s 911 call center.
He prioritizes integrating advanced information technology to provide for recruitment efforts and pre-employment assessment, including typing and a psychological test to evaluate potential dispatchers’ mental stability and stress management abilities.
“The training for 911 call takers should replicate established training protocols, including (1) technical skills (familiarity with the latest emergency response systems and tools), (2) crisis management, (3) emotional intelligence, (4) effective communication, (5) scenario-based training (simulated calls to prepare for various emergencies), and (6) cultural sensitivity,” he added.
“Ongoing training should ensure continuous improvement and adaptation to new challenges.”
Furthermore, McGreevey said he wants to implement a unified communications system between police officers and dispatchers, advanced technology such as GPS tracking and real-time mapping, joint training between police and dispatch, as well as clear established work protocols.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of John Kilroy and Local 246. John’s leadership and dedication to public service have been instrumental in shaping Jersey City, and I am grateful for his trust. Together, we will work toward building a stronger, more inclusive community where all our neighbors may thrive,” McGreevey concluded.
Announcing his candidacy in November 2023, the former governor received the backing of Jersey City’s two police unions just a month later, so his latest endorsement isn’t a huge shock.
The non-partisan November 4th mayoral race pits McGreevey against Council President Joyce Watterman, former Board of Education President Mussab Ali, Ward E Councilman James Solomon, and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2).
