'I've Never Been Indicted': Downtown Jersey City Councilman Enters Crowded Mayor's Race
JERSEY CITY, NJ — Downtown Jersey City Councilman James Solomon announced Thursday that he'll enter an already crowded mayoral race next year, facing former Gov. Jim McGreevey and others.
Current Mayor Steve Fulop is running for governor and has said he will not run for a fourth term as mayor.
Solomon made the surprise announcement Thursday, saying various important issues in the city had boosted him into the race.
"Together, we can have a city where development serves us rather than developers, bringing affordable homes, public schools, and open space," he said in prepared remarks. "Where, when you call a government office, the speed of response is not determined by who you know or what campaign you may have supported. Where your property taxes are stable."
He also cited major issues: Rising rents that are driving people out, and a faulty 911 system that never seemed to improve.
Solomon shared the story of how he came to call Jersey City home.
"It started with [wife] Gaby, a job offer, moving to New Jersey, and I was at work sitting in a cubicle when Gaby called me," he said. "I ducked out, and she screamed 'James, I know where we are going to live. I walk down the street and I see every type of person. I *bleeping* love Jersey City.' With that... expletive...I knew Jersey City would be our home."
Solomon also said that he was diagnosed with cancer weeks after his wedding years ago.
"During chemo, I made myself a promise," he said. "If I achieved a full recovery, I wanted two things in life: First, to start a family with Gaby: we have three incredible daughters - Camila, Corinne, and Noelle (but we promise, not another one during this campaign). Or ever. The second was to give back to the community that had already given me so much. So I ran for council in 2017...But it wasn't enough to just run for office.
"I had seen how special this community was, but also how its government let it down. I saw high-rises receive lengthy tax abatements without providing affordable housing or infrastructure. Public schools without safe drinking water. Politicians resigning in disgrace."
What About The Indictment Comment?
Solomon also joked, "I was recently at an event, and I was asked to introduce myself to the group with my name, where I lived, and my biggest professional accomplishment. I thought for a second and said: well, I am a politician from New Jersey and I've never been indicted. I appreciate the laughs, and...Jersey City, the bar is too low, But we are here to change it."
