Jersey City NAACP President William Braker was re-elected to lead the local branch of the historic civil rights organization this past Thursday, defeating his challenger Rev. Reginald McRae by a vote of 105 – 63.
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Fresh off of his victory, Braker spoke with Hudson County View about the implications of the election, voter turnout, and his vision for the Jersey City NAACP regarding education, community policing, and jobs.
Regarding eduction – Braker defended Jersey City Schools Superintendent Dr. Marcia Lyles, saying the district was moving in the right direction under her leadership. In addition, Braker expressed his support for charter schools and expanding school choice.
When asked if community policing was a realistic solution to Jersey City’s crime problem, Braker cited success stories in Camden. As well, given the recent turmoil in Ferguson, Missouri, Braker said the Jersey City NAACP was waiting patiently for the Hudson County Prosecutor to act regarding the death of Lavon King, an unarmed 20 -year-old killed by a JCPD officer in June.
On the issue of jobs for Jersey City residents, Braker criticized the city’s project labor agreement and said the City Council should look to reform it.
Braker also said that the City Council should revoke tax abatements not living up to their promises, and that former Governor Jim McGreevey wasn’t doing his job as the city’s Tax Abatement Compliance Officer “as good as he would like.â€
[…] as NAACP president back in November 2014, Braker questioned if there was enough evidence to prove that longtime Jersey City Incinerator […]