Julie Sanchez Lynch, George Vinc, and Bayonne Board of Education President Maria Valado are seeking the three ward council seats on mayoral challenger/Council President Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski’s slate.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Today I’m proud to announce three motivated and dedicated members of our community as my running mates for First, Second, and Third Ward Council: Julie Sanchez Lynch, George J, Vinc, and Maria Valado,” Ashe-Nadrowski said in a statement.
“Julie, George, and Maria come from different backgrounds, but all have a proven track record of stepping up and helping those in need. Their well-rounded set of skills is exactly what our City government needs to get back on track.”
Sanchez Lynch is a local small business owner, lifelong Bayonne resident, and an advocate for children and veterans. She also raised her two daughters in Bayonne and is now the proud grandmother of four.
In 2018 she opened “Arctic Cryotherapy” in Bayonne which specializes in alternative methods to health and wellness. Outside of her professional life, Julie continues to give back to the community volunteering on the Bayonne Hometown Fair Committee.
While assisting veterans, she also worked to help some of the most vulnerable members of society on the Child Assault Prevention Task Force for Gov. Jim Florio (D) and the Division of Child Services.
“Sharon has the back of every taxpayer and resident of Bayonne – I’m proud to join her team. I’m running for Council because First Ward residents deserve a representative who’s not afraid to answer their questions and be their voice,” she said.
Vinc is a lifelong resident of Bayonne, real estate professional, father and husband.
A point of personal pride for him was his work with the Project Hospitality Women’s Shelter and Food Bank of New York City where he helped residents learn the basics of financial independence and provided free tax preparation services for low-income families.
After success in the financial sector, George returned to his true passion, real estate, where he currently manages Century 21 Viewpoint in Bayonne.
Under his guidance, the office achieved the “C21 Commercial Network” designation and formed a relationship with Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA). This is his second time running for office after unsuccessfully running for the BOE in 2016.
“Being honest, direct, and loyal is what Bayonne expects from its leadership – Sharon is just that. While our City will continue to grow, Sharon and I share a vision of Bayonne that preserves the small town feel we all love for generations to come,” he explained.
An educator by trade, Valado has been a teacher in the Newark public school system for over 25 years. In addition to her work in the classroom, Maria was first elected to the BOE in 2017, and was re-elected in 2020. She has serves as president for the last three years.
Her tenure on the Board of Education includes hiring a new superintendent of schools, the hiring of a new school business administrator, and the purchase of all new reading, math, and science textbooks.
“Sharon continually pushes ahead, seeking out what we can do better as a city. It’s what makes her a great leader, and what makes me proud to be a member of her team,” stated Valado.
“I believe running for office and serving as an elected official isn’t supposed to be easy. It’s about asking hard questions, making hard decisions, and being accountable. Above all, it’s about doing the right thing because our community is worth it.”
Ashe-Nadrowski had announced Board of Education Trustee Jodi Casais and PAL Executive Director KT Torello as her at-large running mates on Friday.
Therefore, every seat will be contested in the May 10th municipal elections, with Mayor Jimmy Davis running with Councilmen Neil Carroll and Gary La Pelusa in Wards 1 and 3, respectively, as well as Councilman-at-Large Juan Perez.
With 2nd Ward Councilman Sal Gullace not seeking re-election, Davis has selected Jacqueline Weimmer as his 2nd Ward candidate, hoping to have retired police officer Loyad Booker fill Nadrowski’s at-large seat.
Former Board of Education Trustee Michael Alonso has also declared his candidacy for mayor, with several independent council challengers expected as well.
