Former Jersey City Board of Education President Mussab Ali, who finished fourth in last week’s mayoral election, is backing Ward E Councilman James Solomon to defeat former Gov. Jim McGreevey in next month’s runoff.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I’m proud to endorse James Solomon for Jersey City mayor in the run-off election. James has a clear plan for affordable rents, safer streets, better schools, and an accountable city government,” Ali said in a statement.
“He listens to residents, works across differences, and delivers solutions that lift up every neighborhood. Jersey City needs leadership that puts people first, James Solomon is that leader, and I urge all voters to support him on Election Day.”
He is the sixth person to get behind the downtown councilman’s candidacy to lead New Jersey’s second largest city.
U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), Hudson County Commissioner Yraida Aponte-Lipski (D-4), and Police Officer Christina Freeman have all come out in favor of Solomon since Saturday.
Like Ali, O’Dea, who finished in third place, and Freeman, who finished in sixth place, didn’t waste much time in backing their recent opponent in hopes of taking out McGreevey, who got endorsed by Council President Joyce Watterman yesterday.
Just like that, everyone on the ballot for mayor last Tuesday has picked a side, with the exception of Kalki Jayne-Rose.
He finished last with only 162 votes, which wasn’t a shock since he didn’t open a campaign finance account, participate in forums or debates, or have any active social media pages.
“Mussab Ali ran an inspiring issues-oriented campaign and I am so honored to have his endorsement. Mussab and I agree that we need to focus on affordability, building housing working people can afford and delivering better buses for everyone,” noted Solomon.
“The election was better because of his ideas and energy. Now is the time to come together so we can deliver a better future for New Jersey and I am so honored to have his endorsement.”
Ali’s support for Solomon was telegraphed since he attended and spoke at his campaign relaunch for the runoff Saturday ahead of the December 2nd election to decide the next mayor of Jersey City.
