Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), a candidate for Jersey City mayor, formally rounded out his council-at-large slate by announcing Saundra Robinson Green yesterday.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“I am proud to stand here today in front of my community to accept this role and take on this calling that’s a long time coming. My upbringing has always been centered around doing good for others and empowering my neighbors to realize their full potential,” Robinson Green said in a statement.
“Our children are the future and for that very reason, my focus has turned to improving the way the law interacts with underserved youth. We should be taking every opportunity to rehabilitate young minds and offer opportunities for them to thrive.”
She announced her candidacy in a packed room at the Booker T. Washington Apartments that was located in a building named after the late Earnestine B. Robinson, Saundra’s mother.
She was the lead plaintiff in the landmark 1973 New Jersey Supreme Court case, Robinson v. Cahill, which put Jersey City’s fight for a better education system front and center, compelled the state to uphold its constitutional obligation to provide all public school students with a “thorough and efficient” education.
Her extensive career in public service includes positions such as a manager at the Jersey City Housing Authority and president of Special education at the Parent Advisory Council, and a technology teacher at Lincoln High School.
She will be running alongside Kristen Zadroga Hart and Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera on Team O’Dea.
“Saundra is such an impressive person and in the time that I have known her she has always put her goals to improve her community at the forefront of her career,” added O’Dea.
“I am excited to have her on Team O’Dea and I know that her experience, her passion and her dedication will propel her into a role that she is more than ready to fill.”
In 2017, Robinson Green founded The Connected V.I.N.E. (Victors in Need of Each other), an organization dedicated to mentoring and supporting community members who receive services.
Through this initiative, she has guided countless at-risk youth, provided essential resources to parents, and empowered adolescents to become leaders in their own communities.
She also provides services in school and afterschool at various Jersey City locations where youth can grab something to eat, receive support and are encouraged to S.O.A.R. (Serve, Overcome, Advocate and Rise).
O’Dea’s council slate also consists of Pam Johnson in Ward A, Tom Zuppa in Ward C, and Elvin Dominici in Ward D, with a formal endorsement of Joel Brooks in Ward B pending.
