In an editorial, former Jersey City Board of Education President Suzanne Mack gives her take on why Dan Israel is the best choice for city council in Ward E.
I’m Suzanne Mack, former President of the Jersey City Board of Education, longtime Downtown resident, special needs advocate, and respected community activist, and I proudly endorse Dan Israel for Councilperson in Ward E.
Dan is running under the campaign slogan “Our City, Our Choice,” which I have paraphrased to “Our City, My Choice” to reflect my independent voice and deep connection to the community.
I have consistently supported visionary leaders in Downtown Jersey City. I previously backed Steve Fulop and James Solomon when they ran for this same Council seat, recognizing their commitment to transparency, progress, and community engagement.
My endorsement of Dan Israel continues that legacy—supporting candidates who bring integrity, intelligence, and a deep understanding of Jersey City’s unique challenges.
40 years ago, Jersey City was a city of rotting docks and fading opportunity. Today, it’s a thriving, diverse, and dynamic urban center. That transformation didn’t happen overnight—it was built by decades of hard work from dedicated public servants.
Now, we face new challenges—housing affordability, transportation, public safety, and inclusive representation. We need leaders who understand our past and are prepared to shape our future. Dan Israel is that leader.
We’ve known of each other for years— myself as a planner in Hudson County cities, and Dan as a journalist covering local government for the Hudson Reporter, Bayonne Community News, and other outlets.
Their weekly conversations built mutual respect, and I came to admire Dan’s fairness, objectivity, and intelligence.
When I learned Dan was running for office in my own neighborhood one thing resonated deeply with me: Dan said he was tired of covering problems in government and wanted to be part of the solution.
I was impressed… I had seen something in him I had seen before in my earlier Council endorsements.
As someone deeply involved in Downtown causes—from arts, education, transportation, and historic preservation— I recognized that Dan had also been quietly supporting these same efforts.
After learning more about his platform and vision, I became convinced: Dan Israel is the right candidate for this election.
At a recent town hall, Dan was asked why voters should choose him over other qualified candidates. He responded:
“I’m an award-winning journalist and documentarian recognized for my investigative reporting and commitment to exposing tough issues—from unsafe working conditions to public corruption.”
“I’m a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability, including pushing for AI accountability legislation in New Jersey. I’m a proud, openly gay progressive focused on enforcing rent control, increasing affordable housing, improving public safety, and ensuring greater transparency in City Hall.”
He then delivered a well-thought-out platform identifying problems and offering real solutions.
Dan’s platform “Envisioning a Better Jersey City for Everyone” includes well-thought-out strategies and solutions in the areas that matter to all of us:
• A More Affordable City
• A Safer City
• A City with Safer Streets
• A City that Runs Effectively
• A City that Values Children and Education
• A Healthier, Environmentally Centered City
• A City that Addresses Food Insecurity
• An Equal and Equitable City
• He’s 100% all in and ready.
As the longest-serving member in Jersey City Board of Education history, I have always stood for independence and integrity.
I don’t endorse political tickets— I endorse individuals. My support for Dan Israel is based on his character, experience, and commitment to the community.
I’ve seen firsthand that one person can make a difference—and one vote counts.
I was elected by a single vote, and I’ve spent decades working to make that vote matter for every child and every family in Jersey City. Now, I ask you to vote for someone who can make that difference for you.
As a lifelong member of this vibrant, diverse city, and a Downtown resident for over 30 years, I urge my fellow residents to join in supporting Dan Israel for Ward E Council — Ballot Position 9C.
Our City, My Choice. Dan Israel’s experience, enthusiasm, and vision are exactly what Downtown Jersey City needs.