Journal Square Community Association President Tom Zuppa officially launched his bid for the Ward C council seat at Yubi’s 78 Restaurant last night, swinging haymakers at incumbent Rich Boggiano as he made their rematch official.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Now I had a speech for tonight (tosses piece of paper aside), but I don’t need it! Because if Ward C is going to be the heart of Jersey City, it needs a heart beat. It needs someone with the energy, the passion, the vision to fight for every resident, every day from Marion to up to the Heights,” he said to cheers in a room of about 75 supporters.
Zuppa, a partner at Secaucus-based law firm Chasan Lamparello Mallon & Capuzzo, ran for the Ward C council seat in 2021 when it was a three-way dance between him, Boggiano, and Kevin Bing.
Boggiano, who is currently seeking a fourth term on former Gov. Jim McGreevey’s ticket, ended up beating Bing in the runoff. While the first time out the gate didn’t go according to plan, Zuppa said that he’s put the past behind.
“Now tonight’s not about looking backwards in the past: It’s about looking forward to a brighter future. It’s not about being the best complainer in town, it’s about finding solutions for our neighbors. It’s about putting people over politics. And it’s about us standing together tonight, and throughout this campaign, and in one very loud voice saying enough is enough!”
That’s when he turned his attention to Boggiano and was far less cordial than last time around.
“What does enough is enough mean? It means if you’ve been in office for 12 years and you still have not gotten the job done, you shouldn’t be asking for four more. It’s time to go! When you’ve been in office for 12 years and our ward is lagging behind the rest of the city, it’s time to go!” Zuppa exclaimed.
“It also means that if we’ve never heard of you, or we haven’t seen you for a few years, stay on your couch, stay under that rock you’ve been hiding under, this fight we’re bringing is not for you!”
After the quick, one-man program concluded in under 10 minutes, Zuppa took some pictures with his running mates Elvin Dominici in Ward D, Kristen Zadroga-Hart at-large, and Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera.
They are of course all part of Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea’s (D-2) slate.
Additionally, County Executive Craig Guy, also the chair of the Hudson County Democratic Organization, dropped in before the night was over.
For the time being, the Ward C field for the November 4th, 2025 non-partisan race only includes Zuppa and Boggiano, with Ward E Councilman James Solomon and former Board of Education President Mussab Ali not yet announcing any running mates.
Council President Joyce Watterman has three, but has not declared a Ward C candidate yet.
In response to Zuppa’s criticisms, Boggiano said he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
“Ward C is not lagging behind the rest of the city. It’s far ahead of the rest of the city. I just want our residential areas left alone. Ward C is probably one of the most progressive areas in the United States right now. I want to fight to keep people here and get affordable housing for the people,” he said over the phone today.
To hell with Zuppa. Boggiano is a very responsive and effective councilman.
👎
Both Zuppa and Boggiano suck
Dinosaurs 🦕
Zuppa endorsed Boggiano in 2021. There should not be an article written about him that doesn’t mention that.