In a letter to the editor, Jersey City resident Michael P. Hussar gives his take on why trying “to force a runoff” election for mayor next year is not democratic.
Dear Editor,
I am writing to bring to light a concerning tactic that has recently emerged in our nonpartisan Jersey City mayoral elections, set for November 2025.
It has come to my attention that certain candidates, specifically Bill O’Dea and James Solomon, along with Jersey City Mayor Fulop, have been engaging in a behind-the-scenes strategy to manipulate the election process.
Their aim is to force a runoff election, leveraging this tactic to undermine the democratic process and dilute the impact of voters’ choices.
In nonpartisan municipal elections, we expect a fair and transparent process where candidates are chosen based on their individual merits and their ability to serve our community.
However, O’Dea, Solomon, and Fulop appear to be working together covertly to ensure that no single candidate can secure a clear majority in the first round.
By strategically positioning O’Dea and Solomon as alternatives, they hope to create a scenario where a runoff is inevitable. Their goal is to gain an advantage in a second round of voting, despite their initial lack of broad support.
This tactic is profoundly undemocratic. It undermines the principle of direct representation by manipulating the election process for personal gain rather than letting the best candidate win based on demonstrated qualifications and public support.
It creates confusion and disillusionment among voters, who may feel their votes are being invalidated or undermined by such maneuvers.
Moreover, elections are a significant cost to taxpayers. Forcing a runoff election represents a waste of taxpayer funds that could be better utilized in other community services or initiatives.
Every unnecessary election incurs additional expenses, including the costs of organizing and administering the runoff, which ultimately come out of our municipal budget.
It is also worth noting the hypocrisy of these politicians. O’Dea, Solomon, and Fulop all campaign as champions of grassroots movements and opponents of political bosses.
Yet, their actions contradict their rhetoric by attempting to handpick candidates and manipulate the election process rather than allowing the constituents of Jersey City to make an informed decision.
I urge all residents to be vigilant and not fall prey to these undemocratic strategies. Your vote is a powerful tool in shaping our community’s future.
By supporting candidates who genuinely represent our values and have a demonstrated ability to lead effectively, you help uphold the integrity of our electoral process.
Let us choose leaders based on their merits, not on manipulative tactics that waste taxpayer resources.
Michael P. Hussar
Jersey City resident