Jersey City Ward A Councilwoman Ridley will seek re-election on Solomon’s slate

Jersey City Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley will be seeking re-election on her colleague Ward E Councilman James Solomon’s slate in the non-partisan November 4th elections, they announced at a presser at 100 Ocean Drive last night.

By John Heinis and Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View

Former Jersey City Planning Board and Cannabis Board (CCB) Commissioner Jeff Kaplowitz, a longtime resident of the Ward, called Ridley’s resume impressive and gave her high praise.

“She is wonderful … We have with us the best councilperson who has represented Jersey City,” he declared.

Kaplowitz noted Ridley is Chair of Bayfront committee, overseeing the over 8,000 unit development that will come with 35 percent affordable house.

Ashely Sullivan, who served as the emcee, then introduced Ridley.

“In 2017, I made a promise that I would host committee meetings for every development in Ward A. We’re the only Ward that can say we’ve sat down with every developer before they made it to the planning board for a vote,” she asserted.

“I told you there would be no buildings that magically appeared without your input, and I’m committed to continuing that once elected.”

Ridley also acknowledged that parking is an issue and that roughly 100 new spots have been added to the ward during her tenure, also mentioning that they are the only ward that has a $25,000 reoccurring gift that led to summer camps being free.

The councilwoman also mentioned ferry service in the ward, noting that they added parking, discounts, and Via transportation service to the dock, and the city purchased the ferry port to ensure services, as well as the developments on the Bayfront project.

“There have been many but we are working hard to put schools in the ground of the first phase of this 100-acre, 35 percent affordable housing project this spring,” Ridley said to applause, later stating that she is leading the charge to bring a rec center to every ward.

After discussing her proposal to move a firehouse to Communipaw Avenue, Ridley acknowledged that she joined Solomon’s ticket.

“Councilman Solomon has been a friend on the council. A lot of times from the outside looking in, people think we don’t work together, but Councilman Solomon and I have actually worked very well together over the years … He is ready to represent all areas of the city,” she said.

She asked the dozens in attendance to bring both of them back to City Hall next year before introducing the downtown councilman.

“We’re here to make sure you return Denise Ridley to city hall as the Ward A Councilwoman!” Solomon exclaimed to applause.

He noted they used to sit next to each other on the dais during their first four years on the council and said that it’s a little known fact she is the funniest council member, he said to laughter, before praising what she has been able to accomplish in Ward A.

Solomon also took aim at one of his opponents, former Gov. Jim McGreevey.

“Now we have a certain mayoral candidate, I’m not gonna say this person’s name, but they made a big deal about how they’re gonna promise us a thousand new affordable housing units in Jersey City,” he noted.

“And I read that and I say ‘he hasn’t seen what Denise Ridley’s been doing at Bayfront, because Denise Ridley, as the chairwoman of Bayfront, is gonna provide more than a thousand affordable units already coming!”.

“We must have Denise Ridley back in City Hall for the next four years. Give it up for Denise!” Solomon exclaimed to conclude his remarks.

The Ward A council race currently has two other candidates: Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County Executive Director Pam Johnson, who is a part of Hudson County Commission Bill O’Dea’s (D-2) team, and NJCU director Brandi Warren, who is running with McGreevey.