Two Port Authority police unions endorsed Jersey City Ward C council challenger Tom Zuppa in the November 2nd non-partisan municipal elections earlier today.
Two @PANYNJ police unions endorsed #JerseyCity council hopeful @tzup43 at the Journal Square PATH on Wednesday.
“These endorsements signal that people are ready for a change.”
FULL STORY: https://t.co/kw2PlAKI1J pic.twitter.com/lNm1vN7iaW
— John Heinis (@HeinisHardNews) October 1, 2021
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“These endorsements signal that people are ready for a change. Over the last 8 years, as taxes have increased, the quality of life of our residents has declined. I am running to bring solutions to Ward C and am proud to have the support of partners wanting to bring positive improvements to Journal Square,” Zuppa said in a statement.
“I look forward to working with the Jersey City and Port Authority Police Departments on a joint walking post to address quality of life concerns around Journal Square and ensure that our residents feel safe walking in their own neighborhood.”
Zuppa, a former assistant county prosecutor who is now an attorney at Chasan Lamparello Mallon & Cappuzzo, PC, revealed support from the Port Authority Police Detectives Endowment Association and the Port Authority Police Sergeants Benevolent Association at a presser at the Journal Square PATH station Wednesday afternoon.
The incumbent in the race, Rich Boggiano, is a retired Jersey City police detective, but both union leaders said they preferred Zuppa’s vision of Journal Square.
“Tom Zuppa has a vision for the future and is in the best position to lead the discussion between law enforcement and community leaders about modern-day policing,” noted Police Detectives Endowment Association President Donald Conklin.
“He is a former prosecutor who is committed to social justice, has a history of rolling up his sleeves to get the job done for his community, and is dedicated to the people of Ward C. We are happy to make this endorsement and look forward to working with Tom to make Journal Square a safer and cleaner place.”
Furthermore, Sergeants Benevolent Association President Richard Hassmiller asserted that Journal Square is in dire need of a change after the last eight years.
“Look around Journal Square. Problems in the neighborhood have gotten worse, not better. The homeless population has increased over the last 8 years and we need someone who will make getting people housed and off the street a priority,” he began.
“The streets are dirtier and less safe. It is time for a change. Tom is committed to ending the type of chronic homelessness we see in Journal Square and we are excited to do our part to make Journal Square safer for the thousands of people who commute or call this neighborhood home.”
The Ward C contest is a three-way dance, with progressive challenger Kevin Bing also looking to unseat Boggiano.
Zuppa is related to the same union officials endorsing him