In a letter to the editor, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop gives his take on why Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano is committed to public service ahead of Tuesday’s runoff election.
Dear Editor,
Some people have asked why I’m supporting Rich Boggiano in the Runoff Election on Tuesday for Ward C Council, and I wanted you to know directly from me why this is so important.
On the surface Rich and I aren’t very similar — we’re from different generations, have different political views on some issues and we approach government from a different perspective.
But there’s one area that I consider most important, and it’s where Rich Boggiano and I are in lockstep: commitment to public service.
When I left my job in finance to become a U.S. Marine after 9/11, I did it because I wanted to serve my country, protect my community and give back to the place that gave my parents an opportunity as immigrants to thrive.
Rich was driven by the same impulse when he enlisted and became a Marine in 1963, serving honorably for six years.
He didn’t stop there, and when he got back to his beloved, lifelong home in Jersey City he became a police officer and eventually served there for another 37 years until he reached the mandatory retirement age.
After that he found a new way to serve by leading the Hilltop Neighborhood Association and later successfully winning two terms on the City Council.
Rich Boggiano is only motivated by one thing, which is delivering for his constituents.
When he ran for office in 2013 and 2017 we were on opposing sides, but I had known him for over 20 years and understood that his character and his commitment to Jersey City were second to none.
As we began to work together more frequently in recent years on important quality of life issues, it became clear to me that rather than fighting we could do much more for the residents by working together.
With the Runoff Election for Ward C Council approaching on Tuesday, December 7, I would like to ask for your support for Rich Boggiano.
He’s demonstrated over a lifetime of public service that he can always be counted on to stand up for what he believes in and to advocate for his constituents, and that’s exactly what we need in our elected officials.
Thank you,
Mayor Steven Fulop
