In a letter to the editor, Jersey City resident Riaz Wahid explains why he feels Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) is the best choice for mayor.
Dear Editor,
I am a ‘Billi’ver, and I believe ”Our City, Our Choice”, Commissioner Bill O’Dea (9A) is the RIGHT choice as mayor for our city.
I’ve known Commissioner Bill O’Dea for few decades, and I’ve seen firsthand how his public service benefits our community.
Whether it’s preparing Easter baskets, back-to-school supplies, Thanksgiving meals for seniors, or Christmas toys for children, he has always been present to enrich the lives of our community.
His team’s support has been consistent thru out the year, not just during election campaign season. I’ve turned to his office to organize help for food stamps, medical aid, rental assistance, and countless other needs for our community.
Without fail, they’ve answered. I am sure that County Director Robert Knapp & his wonderful, helpful team could attest to this.
Commissioner O’Dea doesn’t just understand policy: he understands people.
He has shown an unwavering commitment to diversity, economic development, poverty reduction, fair wages, and youth mentoring. When shelters opposed creating a place at Kearny for homeless during winter, Commissioner O’Dea stood firm and opened the Kearny Warming Center for the homeless.
I’ll never forget the night I called him at around 10 p.m. about an elderly woman and her pet dog stranded in the cold. He answered, made arrangements for her to stay in a hotel that night, and ensured she had temporary housing the next day.
During COVID, while so many leaders stayed behind their desks, his team was one of the few I saw in the streets delivering water and supplies to seniors.
He also facilitated to open Christ Hospital nursing wing for homeless persons to make sure that no one was left on streets during COVID.
He also has the courage to stand up for what’s fair, even when the issue is complex. When he voted to allow community members to use the library for religious prayers, it wasn’t a violation of the First Amendment but a defense of equal access.
The Supreme Court (Good News Club vs Milford Central School – 2001) itself has affirmed that public facilities can be used for religious purposes if the policy is neutral and nondiscriminatory.
In this case, the decision not only upheld constitutional principles but also saved us from a lawsuit.
Commissioner O’Dea has also built a team that’s just as dedicated as he is. Kristen Zadroga-Hart fights tirelessly for union labor and community causes. Daniel Rivera is always available to lend a helping hand.
Pam Johnson has always been a staunch anti-violence advocate. Tom Zuppa does more for the community, voluntarily. And Elvin Dominici advocates fiercely for small businesses thru HPAC.
These are people who serve year-round, not just when election season rolls around. Their willingness to stand with Commissioner O’Dea says a lot about his leadership.
Finally, Commissioner O’Dea’s record on fiscal responsibility speaks for itself. He has consistently opposed tax increases and refused pay raises for himself.
In a city where residents feel the constant pressure of rising costs, that alone is a huge statement.
So, no, I don’t have a hard time choosing who I should vote for. I’ve seen enough of Commissioner Bill O’Dea (9A) in action, he is ‘Our City, Our RIGHT Choice’.
I am a proud “Bill-iever.”
Riaz Wahid
Jersey City resident