With Stamato off to MUA, Allison Solowksy heading to Jersey City DPW, McLaughlin to run rec dept.

With Patrick Stamato set to take over a new post at the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority, Allison Solowsky, Mayor Steven Fulop’s deputy chief of staff, is heading to the department of public works – while Lucinda McLaughlin will run the rec department.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

McLaughlin, a former executive director of the Jersey City Youth Council, has taken over as the acting director of the rec department, effective today, Fulop’s office said this morning.

Meanwhile, Solowsky will begin her tenure as the interim director the Jersey City DPW next Monday, August 12th.

“This administration has placed more emphasis on promoting women and creating equal representation than ever before in the City’s history,” Fulop said in a statement.

“The Department of Recreation and DPW will soon see changes to improve the efficiency of workflow, expanding resources provided to our community, and much more. I am confident that Ms. McLaughlin and Ms. Solowsky will make terrific additions in these acting roles to help guide these departments through this new period of growth.”

Stamato, the husband of Jersey City Democratic Organization Chair Barbara Stamato, confirmed with HCV that he is heading to the MUA to head their new traffic division that will be in charge of overseeing municipal construction work.

“It’s a brand new operation, I’m pretty excited about it: it’s a great opportunity,” Pat Stamato said over the phone today. He exits the DPW after serving as the head of the department for a little under three years.

“Jersey City continues to promote the diversity and inclusion of all, with a special focus on ensuring the growth and advancement of women in all roles,” added Human Resources Director Mark Bunbury.

“The City has created women-led initiatives, including leadership training and networking groups, and continues to highlight the accomplishments of the strong female leaders who help our City continue to grow successfully.”

Both McLaughlin and Solowsky will serve in their new acting capacities for 90 days before the city council will vote on permanent department heads.

McLaughlin joins the rec department about three weeks after Fulop announced changes that would include a new director who oversees new programs such as skills training and special needs programs.