Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2) is attacking former Gov. Jim McGreevey, an opponent for Jersey City mayor, over his affordable housing record in a new digital ad, one of two that his campaign just released.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The contrast between Bill O’Dea and Jim McGreevey could not be more clear, and these ads are meant to drive those differences home for Jersey City voters,” O’Dea campaign strategist Phil Swibinski said in a statement.
“While Bill O’Dea has spent his career in public service consistently helping people in need, building affordable housing and fighting for his constituents, Jim McGreevey didn’t build any affordable housing as Mayor of Woodbridge — not even one unit! — and voted for the biggest tax increase in New Jersey history. Bill O’Dea is the clear choice for voters looking for more affordable housing, lower property taxes and better services.”
The O’Dea campaign points to a Shelter Force report from 2004 that says McGreevey did not build any affordable housing units during his tenure as Woodbridge mayor, a claim O’Dea himself has echoed before.
The McGreevey for mayor campaign did not immediately return an email seeking comment Friday morning.
The ad is part of a larger “six-figure” digital campaign that will air in places like YouTube, Connected TV, and social media.
The other ad released today is titled “Helping People” and hones in as O’Dea 40-year career as a public servant.
“When Jersey City needs help, Bill O’Dea is always there: Fighting for tenants rights and more affordable housing. Delivering free programs for our children and seniors, his consistently voting against tax increases. Bill O’Dea for mayor: Our city, our choice!” the narrator in the video says.
O’Dea is in a rarely seen seven-way, non-partisan November 4th contest to succeed Mayor Steven Fulop, who ran for governor instead of seeking a fourth term.
The other candidates are Ward E Councilman James Solomon, who was the first to go up on TV this week, Council President Joyce Watterman, former Board of Education President Mussab Ali, Police Officer Christina Freeman, and Kalki Jayne-Rose.
