The Journal Square Community Association (JQSCA) held a debate for the Jersey City Ward C council candidates last night, tackling topics including open space, development, and much more with everyone except the incumbent attending.
The debate, which lasted around two hours at Hudson County Community College, featured three candidates: Tom Zuppa, a part of Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea’s slate, Dawn Giambalvo, who is running with Ward E Councilman James Solomon, and Shahab Khan, who is supported by former Board of Education President Mussab Ali.
Incumbent Rich Boggiano, who is on ex-Gov. Jim McGreevey’s ticket, did not attend.
“I have seen all the citizens displaced. Hardworking families are going through struggles,” Khan, an IT professional, explained, pledging to address that if elected.
“…I’m running to put people before profits,” Giambalvo declared. While she is a former Office of Innovation director for the city, she now works for their Department of Parks and Recreation.
“I was invited to Bloomberg City Lab … to solve city problems as a think tank.”
She added that she liked the idea of their philanthropy helping fund programs in cities.
Zuppa noted he is a former assistant Hudson County prosecutor and who was involved with the JSQCA for years, eventually serving as president before leaving to run for city council a second time.
“The role of Councilman Boggiano will be played by an empty chair this year … We have a real chance to bring real change … on issues of quality of life,” he said during his introductory remarks.
Restituyo asked them about their top priority if elected.
“We’re in an affordability crisis here citywide,” Zuppa asserted, reminding everyone that he backed the JQSCA’s plan for 10 percent mandatory affordability housing units in new buildings.
“We need to crack down on developers who illegally raise rents. If that’s reported, the rent should freeze for tenants,” responded Giambalvo, echoing ordinances Solomon has before the city council on first reading this week.
Meanwhile, Khan believes parking is a very serious issues that needs to be addressed.
“Parking is horrible: Mandate they give a certain number of parkings also,” he said of the ongoing development in Journal Square.
Restituyo also asked what they would do to increase the green space in Journal Square.
“I’m the only one sitting here who has an urban park management degree. I have more experience creating and managing green space than anyone in this room,” Giambalvo asserted.
“We want to see that happen already. I will make sure that happens as quickly as possible,” added Khan.
Additionally, Zuppa argued he is a longtime advocate of Courthouse Park.
“When the county wanted to delay moving into the new courthouse … I was the only one criticizing that move with Commissioner Bill O’Dea,” he exclaimed.
Restituyo then asked specifically about how they would see Courthouse Park through to completion.
“I do want to see my kids and other kids play there. I’m 100 percent in,” Khan said.
“… I’ve been fighting for it since 2012 … I’ve already been doing it,” Giambalvo stated.
“Maybe we don’t need $23 million for a French art museum. I’d rather have the park. Maybe we can redirect those funds,” Zuppa joked about the Centre Pompidou project to applause.
He further stated that Hudson County is concerned about the city covering their share of the cots, which is why it is important who the next mayor is.
Furthermore, Restituyo asked about increasing the tree canopy in general.
Zuppa noted the need for mandatory green space in new developments, while Giambalvo said she formed the Canco Park Conservancy and defended the land from a developer.
Khan also said more trees would be a reasonable concession from a developer.
Restituyo asked if they’d commit to making ward-specific crime data available to the public since it currently is not.
“I absolutely would … I was attempting to get better data … Without that data we can’t move forward and we’re always stuck,” said Giambalvo.
“Public Safety needs a culture change as well. Police morale is low,” Zuppa argued, adding that at police captain’s meetings, they advise residents not to call 911 for emergencies since their is often problems with operations.
Khan succinctly agreed that crime statistics should be publicized.
Restituyo then asked about implementing affordable housing in all zones of the ward.
“Absolutely: I used to pay $825 for my 2-bedroom apartment … Now you can’t even get a garage for rent for that money,” stated Khan.
He liked the idea of homes being rebuilt higher with more units, which is part of Ali’s plan.
“Every other candidate in Ward C is taking developer contributions … I can’t be bought,” Giambalvo exclaimed.
“Team Solomon is taking money from developers who are raising money for them Charles Epstein is a great guy. He’s a developer from downtown. He wrote Team Solomon a minimal check,” Zuppa hit back.
He also defended maintaining one- and two-family homes as well.
During closing remarks, Zuppa took the hypothetical gloves off.
“The cost of living has gone up substantially whether you’re a renter or a homeowner. The quality of our services have gone down consistently. That’s why it’s regrettable there’s only three of us up here,” he stated.
“ .. We need a culture change at City Hall too. Dawn, you’re too inured to go to work while taxpayers pay your salary, but you’re not too injured to campaign,” he said, alleging she is out on worker’s comp but is still running for office.
Restituyo said he didn’t want this to turn into a back-and-forth, with Giambalvo claiming Zuppa’s remarks were “inaccurate.”
“It’s getting intense here,” Khan remarked to laughter.
“I am not a career politician. I am one of you. I am an immigrant … I just want to make this life and quality of life better for this Ward and everybody else,” he concluded.