StreetsPAC NJ is backing Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon for mayor, Mamta Singh for council-at-large, incumbent Denise Ridley in Ward A, Lorena Loayza in Ward B, Dawn Giambalvo in Ward C, Jake Ephros in Ward D, and Eleana Little in Ward E.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The candidates we’re endorsing today represent a bold step forward in leadership. They are committed to Vision Zero while building a transit system that’s safer, cheaper, and faster for all residents,” StreetsPAC NJ Executive Director Kevin Bing said in a statement.
“For too long, safety improvements have been sacrificed because of a lack of political will. These candidates are ready to change the conversation and make Jersey City genuinely safe for every resident, whether they walk, bike, drive, or take transit.”
Ridley, Loayza, Giambalvo, and Little are all running with Solomon, who is in a seven-person contest to succeed Mayor Steven Fulop, who ran for governor instead of seeking a fourth term.
“James has been a fighter for safe streets during his time on city council and continues that effort in his run for Mayor. James has proven his support in taking on traffic violence through his commitments to Vision Zero,” the PAC said to explain their endorsement.
“His relentless focus on affordability applies to transportation where has been a champion for bike, pedestrian, and mass transit infrastructure giving Jersey City residents affordable car-free transportation options.”
Similarly, they said Singh has come out in support of dedicated bus lanes and new pedestrian plazas, as well as opposing the $10.7 billion Turnpike expansion, also characterizing Ridley as a councilwoman who has fought to keep all of Ward A’s streets safe.
Additionally, Streets PAC stated that Loayzas’s prior experience as the executive director of the McGinley Square Special Improvement District will make her “an important ally” when it comes to finding equitable transit solutions.
The organization added that Giambalvo is a bike commuter who will support a protected bike lane on Summit Avenue, while Ephros “has proposed a comprehensive redesign of key streets in the Heights to prioritize safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.”
Finally, they said they liked Little’s background as an environmental engineer to help make intersections safer downtown.
Streets PAC did not back anyone in Ward F, nor did they support anyone for the other two at-large council seats up for grabs in the non-partisan November 4th race.
