In an editorial, Jersey City Heights resident Beatriz Bofill explains why she believes Jake Ephros is the leader that Ward D deserves on the city council.
Like so many of us in the Heights, I’m proud to call the Western Slope home. It’s a vibrant, hardworking neighborhood, but the constant threat of traffic violence keeps it from becoming the safe, welcoming community it deserves to be.
There have been 4 deaths in Jersey City this year due to traffic violence. Every day, whether I’m walking, biking or driving along our busy corridors, it’s impossible to ignore the urgent need for change.
We can all agree that we want to see change that protects our families, cleans our air, and gives every resident, regardless of age or ability, the freedom to move safely.
We need leadership that doesn’t just acknowledge the problem but offers actionable solutions. Jake Ephros is that leader.
His platform has comprehensive plans to improve mobility for all in the Heights with a steadfast commitment to safety, earning him an endorsement of StreetsPAC NJ.
Jake understands that our streets should allow children to walk to school without fear, seniors to cross intersections confidently, families to bike or stroll to our parks, people to carry groceries home and commuters to get to and from work safely, no matter how you travel.
He’s proposing a thoughtful, redesign of key streets across the Heights, prioritizing the safety of the most vulnerable while improving overall mobility. As someone who lives right here on the Western Slope, I can’t overstate how important this is.
Jake knows that equitable, sustainable transportation isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
When there are safe, efficient and affordable alternatives to getting around without cars, we reduce traffic, make more parking available for those who need it, and build a healthier, more accessible neighborhood. That’s what smart, modern urban planning looks like.
Furthermore, Jake is committed to tackling the challenges of public transit by proposing the organization of a Municipal Transit Council to give residents a united, organized voice to hold NJ Transit accountable.
Strengthening our bus service and improving transit reliability is essential to reducing car dependency, cutting emissions, and ensuring everyone can access jobs, schools, and opportunity.
Jake Ephros has the vision, the determination, and the integrity to move Ward D forward.
He listens to residents, he understands our needs, and he’s committed to building a safer, more connected Heights.
I’m proud to support him, and I urge all my neighbors on the Western Slope, the Heights and throughout Ward D to vote for Jake Ephros for City Council.
Our community deserves a safer future, and Jake is the leader who will deliver it.