Former two term Ward E Councilman James Solomon was sworn in as the 50th mayor of Jersey City after the new members of the city council were sworn in at a ceremony held at the New Jersey City University (NJCU) campus.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
City Clerk Sean Gallagher, who emceed the ceremony, noted Solomon would be the 50th mayor of the city to applause.
First, Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, who was elected council president earlier in the evening, was formally sworn in for her new term. Gallagher noted she is the first three-term councilperson in Ward A history.
New Ward B Councilman Joel Brooks was then sworn in Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2), followed by Ward C Councilman Tom Zuppa, Ward D Councilman Jake Ephros, and Ward E Councilwoman Eleana Little – who was sworn in by Assemblywoman Katie Brennan (D-32).
Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore, the new council vice president, was then sworn in by Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
Michael Griffin was then sworn in as Councilman at-large, using the Bible of late former Mayor Glenn Cunningham to take his oath of office.
Former Council President Rolando Lavarro followed before Mamta Singh was then sworn in as the first Indian American councilwoman ion a Hindu holy text, the Ghita, instead of a traditional Bible.
Then Solomon’s Chief of Staff, Laura Bustamante, said she was the first Latina to hold that position to applause. She then introduced her former boss, U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), who ultimately swore in Solomon.
“I am so happy to be here and not be in DC right now,” he joked to laughter. “Not just because of what’s happening … It is such a humbling experience to be part of tonight. I love Jersey City. I love that I get to represent Jersey City,” he dclared.
“Today isn’t just about the swearing in…. It’s about entering this new era of politics … for Jersey City and for New Jersey … If you have people who believe in our service, people who believe in empathy… you can have an altogether different government. It’s not always going to be easy. But you’re up for the task,” he said of Solomon.
Solomon then addressed the crowd and explained that he previously taught at NJCU.
“I know how blessed I am to be here today,” he explained.
Solomon noted he was diagnosed with cancer after he had recently moved to the city 10 years ago, noting that the community here lifted him up when he needed help the most, vowing to start a family and find a way to give back if he survived.
“We didn’t take a dime from developers because we had you! … Thank you for forging a new kind of politics in Jersey City,” he said to applause.
Solomon thanked Newark Mayor Baraka for being a model progressive mayor for him before he reiterated some of his campaign pledges.
“I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves and deliver a more affordable Jersey City for all of you. We’re going build thousands of affordable homes that are actually affordable,” Solomon asserted.
He also promised to increase the efficiency of garbage pick-up, create 1,000 youth summer jobs, and repave city streets to applause.
“We’re going to continue to be America’s golden door by protecting our immigrant families,” Solomon later said to further applause.
He said in Spanish that he wanted the city to function for people who work.
“For real estate developers, Jersey City has been working great: The era of putting developers first ends today!” he said to more applause.
“We know that Jersey City can’t be a great place to live or raise a family if a few of us do better … while the rest of us are left behind. The people of Jersey City deserve a booming waterfront and a thriving south side. Jersey City must be affordable for you!”
Solomon acknowledged that campaign promises are not always fulfilled and he could understand a pessimistic point of view, but pledged to always work for the residents of Jersey City and be an open book while doing so.
“I will always be honest about what we’re doing and why,” he said.
Solomon said the city’s finances are in much worse shape than they previously thought after former Mayor Steve Fulop allowed them to examine the city’s finances closely after he was elected.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us even more than we believe,” he noted, before promising to root out corruption in all forms, stating that he made it a point to roll out his anti-corruption plan before anything else to more applause.
“Jersey City is more than just a city. This is a truly special place. It’s the place that lifts us up when we’re down, and that makes our dreams feel possible. Starting today were going to make it better than it’s ever been!”
Other dignitaries in attendance included New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Hudson County Board of Commissioner Chair Anthony Romano (D-5), U.S Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. (D-8), Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour, West New York Mayor Albio Sires, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, Assemblyman Ravi Bhalla, state Senator Raj Mukherji (both D-32), Assemblyman Will Sampson, Assemblyman Jerry Walker, state Senator Angela McKnight (all D-31), Hudson County Commissioner Yraida Aponte Lipski, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Norma Fernandez.
