Jersey City Ward F city council candidate Frank “Educational” Gilmore held an early voting march from his community center on Monticello Avenue to the Hank Gallo Community Center in Lincoln Park – the Ward B location since Ward F does not have one.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
“These people with the resources that they have, they’re going to be buying votes. They’re going to be paying people to vote. But we’re not going to let them stop the will of the people!,” Gilmore exclaimed just prior to the
“You can have all the money that you want, but we’re not going to let them stop the will of the people!”
Mayoral candidate Lewis Spears participated in the march, along with council-at-large candidates Elvin Dominici and June Jones.
“This is going to be historical people,” Gilmore added.
Dominici passed out campaign literature to a car as they passed by and many supporters joined them on the approximately mile march. Others drove to Lincoln Park as well.
Gilmore further stated that he feels his opponents will pull out all the stops to win this election, including having dead people vote, but said they’ll be prepared for everything and anything.
He is looking to unseat Ward F Councilman Jermaine Robinson, who is running on Mayor Steven Fulop’s ticket, and is also facing a challenge from Vernon Richardson, an aide to Fulop.
While Richardson has been accused of being a plant from the administration, he has gone on offense against both Gilmore and Robinson.
“I’m feeling like we’re going to make history at this election. I think that people are looking for change and I think we’re going to see that in the numbers,” Jones said regarding the election.
People chanted for “independent leadership” as the march neared the Gallo center.
Additionally, Council-at-Large candidate Chris Gadsden joined the march when it reached Lincoln Park.
“I think Jersey City has choices, great, choices, great candidates. That’s why I’m running against the machine. We don’t have the money, but we have the will of the people with us, and I’m excited about it. I just think that a lot of history is about to be made,” Gadsden stated.
“And if people in Jersey City would just rise up, we can break down the machine. We can do all those things right now, you know. So this is very historic. We’re about to do this.”
While pegged as a heavy underdog against Fulop, Spears expressed enthusiasm and confidence when addressing the crowd on hand.
“I’m really revved up right now. We have a unique opportunity to galvanize the folks in Jersey City to really uh work together to make history. I can’t wait for the results because I know we’re gonna be victorious,” he said.
“When you fight for the people, and you’re on the right side of this thing, man, the sky is the limit. So I’m excited about it.”
He walked with long time resident Pamela Worts, who had never previously voted.
She said she was voting for the first time in this election “because they’re for the people and they’re good people, and their honesty.”
Dominici also called for an upset in the at-large races next week.
“I think they’re underestimating the power of the people when they decided they want change. This is the time. It’s not about money it’s about people. And coming November 2nd, they’re going to find out the hard way,” he explained.
“They’re going to find out the hard way that people want change, and there’s nothing they can do to stop it.”
Early voting continues through Halloween and the other Jersey City locations are at City Hall, the Pershing Field Community Center, and the Moose Lodge at 60 West Side Ave.
Hudson County residents are able to vote at any early voting location among the 12 municipalities and the non-partisan Jersey City municipal elections are on November 2nd.
