Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon wants six debates with December 2nd mayoral runoff opponent with Jim McGreevey, two of which are televised, and the latter indicated he likes the idea.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
” … During the general election, Jim McGreevey repeatedly turned down debates because he did not want to be called out for his MAGA mega donors like the Kushner family, his corruption or his lack of vision for an affordable future for Jersey City. In a one-on-one runoff, that’s just not going to fly because the voters in Jersey City deserve better. We should have one in each ward,” Solomon said in a statement.
“It’s vital that Jersey City voters get to see these competing visions, which is why today I am calling on Jim McGreevey to agree to six debates, with at least two televised debates, so we can discuss our very different visions for the city. To the TV networks in the market, I will show up anywhere, any time, and on any network to debate – it’s up to Jim to agree.”
Solomon was the top vote getter during yesterday’s seven-person mayoral race, as HCV first reported.
He secured 29.02 percent of the vote (17,200) compared to 25.38 percent for McGreevey (15,042), according to the Hudson County Clerk’s Office with 92.71 of districts reporting.
While McGreevey did not attend the last two debates of the general election cycle, he is signing a different tune for the runoff, essentially saying he’s ready to go toe-to-toe with Solomon any time, any place, any where.
“I welcome the opportunity to debate Councilman Solomon in every ward, neighborhood, and corner of Jersey City. These debates belong to our community. Families deserve to hear from those who have the experience, the record, and a real plan to make this city more affordable, safer, and fairer for everyone,” he responded to the challenge.
“These debates are more than a forum; they are a test of leadership. They offer the chance to show not just ideas, but the ability to deliver. I am aware of the challenges our neighbors face. I’ve managed municipal and state budgets, built partnerships that get results, and led programs that change lives. This is about more than words on a stage; it’s about who can turn plans into progress, who has the discipline to make government work, and who’s truly ready to lead Jersey City forward.”
He further stated that Solomon has been on the city council for eight years and hasn’t provided a single unit of affordable housing for residents, provided any resident with right-to-counsel, or addressed any issues facing working families in any tangible way.
While the mayoralty and the all nine council seats were on the line yesterday, only two were decided: Eleana Little in Ward E and Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore, both of whom were backed by Solomon.
His council-at-large running mates former Council President Rolando Lavarro, Michael Griffin, and Mamta Singh were the top vote getters.
The other three candidates making the runoff are potentially Tina Nalls, who ran with Mussab Ali, Meredith Burns, a part of McGreevey’s ticket, and Councilman Danny Rivera, a running mate of Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea (D-2).
That’s the current results with 92.71 percent of the vote tabulated by the county clerk’s office.
Ward A Councilwoman Denise Ridley, part of Team Solomon, will defend her seat against Brandi Warren, a Team McGreevey candidate, so clearly there is a plenty of unfinished business between the two mayoral hopefuls heading into the end-of-year holiday season.
