Former Gov. Jim McGreevey has named retired Police Lt. Israel “Izzy” Nieves to his Jersey City council-at-large slate, marking the second former law enforcement officer to join his team.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Nieves now serves as the volunteer treasurer of the non-profit organization Puertorriqueños Asociados for Community Organization, Inc. (PACO).
He also provides outreach services to various nonprofit organizations and, since recently joining the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), has taken a more active outreach approach to veterans needing assistance as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran.
“Through my work with PACO, I have seen the power of community empowerment firsthand. I will promote initiatives that drive economic growth, improve education, and expand healthcare services, ensuring all residents can succeed,” Nieves said in a statement.
“I am running for councilman in 2025 to uplift communities, enhance public safety, and support veterans, the homeless, our seniors, and the mentally ill. I plan to use my military, law enforcement, and non-profit experience to create, execute, and secure long-term positive change for all residents.”
McGreevey is also currently running alongside Ward C Councilman Rich Boggiano, a retired police detective who is seeking a fourth term.
Overall, he has announced seven of his nine running mates, with one more at-large candidate and a Ward D candidate still to be unveiled.
ArtHouse Executive Director Meredith Burns is running at-large with Nieves in what is shaping up to be a very crowded field for three seats.
Three of the four other mayoral candidates for the non-partisan November 4th municipal elections have already announced all three of their at-large candidates each.
Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea’s (D-2) at-large slate consists of Councilman Danny Rivera, lifelong educator Kristen Zadroga Hart, and activist Saundra Robinson Green.
Council President Joyce Watterman’s at-large team is Rev. Tami Weaver-Henry, Dave Carment and Kenny Reyes, while Ward E Councilman James Solomon’s at-large ticket is Mamta Singh, Michael Griffin, and former Council President Rolando Lavarro.
Former Board of Education Mussab Ali, the final declared mayoral candidate, has not revealed any of his at-large running mates yet to date.
