Former Gov. Jim McGreevey (D) sent out a letter to Jersey City homeowners, noting that he is developing “working groups” on key issues, ahead of a potential mayoral run in 2025.
“After resigning from the Governor’s Office, attending seminary, and building a reentry organization dedicated to those searching for Second Chances, whether from prison, jail, addiction treatment, or combat veterans, I am considering pursuing candidacy for Mayor of Jersey City,” he wrote in a letter that hit mailboxes on Saturday.
“As I make this decision, I hear time and time again from working families of the cost of property taxes. A home is among the most precious belongings of a family, of an individual. Not to belabor the point, but for most families, a home is their most considerable and expensive asset.”
While there aren’t any declared candidates for mayor, a race that’s still 25 months away, the early field could include McGreevey, Council President Joyce Watterman, Ward E Councilman James Solomon, and Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea.
In the likely scenario where affordability becomes a key issue in the race, Solomon and O’Dea will certainly lean on the fact that they have both voted against city and county budgets, respectively, for putting an added burden on taxpayers.
Furthermore, McGreevey, who resigned as governor in August 2004 after coming out as gay and admitting to having an affair with a man, said he will decide if he will run for mayor in the coming months.
He continued that his focus groups will hone in on seven key issues: public safety, community well-being, economic development, education, housing affordability, responsible government and taxes, and quality of life.
“If you would be interested in joining with us, I ask if you would kindly forward your email to researchmcgcivassn@ gmail.com and indicate which Working Group with which you would like to participate, so that we may invite you to those meetings,” he concluded.
“Again, thank you for taking the time to read this letter, to hopefully have faith that government can do more and better, and to be engaged with our community’s future. Please contact me anytime at (908) 433-4654. I welcome your comments and feedback.”
McGreevey currently has support of nine of the 12 Hudson County mayors, with the exceptions being Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, and Kearny Acting Mayor Peter Santana.
Therefore, he is currently seen as a sure thing to get the endorsement of the Hudson County Democratic Organization if he runs, however, that hasn’t seemed to phase O’Dea at this point.
The letter was paid for by the Jack and Ronnie McGreevey Civic Association.