In a letter to the editor, Jersey City Ward B resident Adrian Ghainda explains why he feels the city council must be thoughtful with their Ward B appointment.
Dear Editor,
Although I am not on the shortlist to replace Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey I want to echo the sentiments shared by Kayla Burell – we need our Council members to take the appointment for Mira’s replacement taken seriously.
I am thankful that Councilman Gilmore took the time in caucus to ask that we take a pause and attempt to replicate the process taken when Council members Solomon and Lavarro vetted replacements for the late Councilman Yun.
I myself have called Ward B home for 20 years and would welcome a solicitation process that is more transparent.
I think we have an opportunity to allow some of West Side’s fiercest advocates to make their case on how they can use their advocacy and professional experience in the Chambers of City Hall.
While I can’t speak on behalf of everyone, I would like to think we’ve moved passed rewarding cronyism.
What we should be welcoming is a process that educates the residents of Ward B on what their representative aims to do in the remainder of this term and what could be possible if their interim representative uses their office to fight for their residents.
We should be welcoming this opportunity to create more civic engagement, more local education on what a city government should look like that’s focused on passing meaningful legislation around affordability, infrastructure, quality of life, and safety instead of rewarding a placeholder who’s vested interests may not be in our ward.
Jersey City is at a crossroads with the fights against housing insecurity, food deserts, pedestrian safety, immigrant safety, urban sustainability and we need someone who’s willing to take a stand to address each and every issue without compromise.
With that being said, if any solicitations will be made to hold interviews for Mira Prinz-Arey’s replacement, I am more than happy to throw my name in the mix.
Adrian Ghainda
Ward B Resident
Former Candidate for Hudson County Commissioner District 2
