James Solomon, a council member for downtown Jersey City, has made it his mission to work for the people, not big developers or powerful insiders.
He’s a dad, a cancer survivor, and a former teacher who knows the ups and downs of life and has a strong drive to make things better.
Amazingly, Solomon wants to be a mayor who truly listens to people and cares about the city’s future.
Before he came to Jersey City, Solomon worked in Boston, helping to fix city problems.
He has a public policy degree from Harvard and a passion for making things work better for everyone.
Now, he’s ready to take his experience and bring positive change to Jersey City.
- James Solomon wants to lead Jersey City with honesty, transparency, and accountability, focusing on what’s best for everyone, not just a few.
- Solomon backs changes to improve schools, handle the budget wisely, and give students and parents the support they need.
- His vision includes affordable housing, reliable services, and a city built for its residents, not developers.
Standing Up for Schools: “For Stronger Schools” Slate
Solomon knows how important good schools are for a strong community.
That’s why he’s supporting the “For Stronger Schools” slate in the Jersey City Board of Education race.
Matt Schneider and Tia Rezabala, two passionate candidates on the slate, want to overhaul the way things work at the school board.
Solomon, a father of two daughters, understands firsthand how much parents care about school quality and believes Matt and Tia can bring about the needed change.
Matt and Tia, with Solomon’s support, are pushing for better budget management, classroom safety, and special programs to help all students, especially those who learn differently.
Their goal is simple: make sure every dollar in the school budget is used to improve student learning.
Solomon’s Work to Support Education
- Protecting Liberty State Park: Solomon joined local activists to stop a billionaire from turning part of the park into a private golf course. This green space is now preserved for families, schools, and the community.
- Better Communication for Parents: Solomon supports clear and open school board meetings where parents have a real voice in decisions. He believes this keeps schools accountable and parents involved.
A Vision for a Jersey City That Works for All
Solomon is running for mayor because he sees Jersey City heading in the wrong direction.
Rising rents, high property taxes, and poorly functioning basic services are just some of the issues he wants to fix.
Thus, he aims to make Jersey City a place where everyone, not just a few, can thrive.
And Solomon’s journey is personal.
He shared a heartfelt story about how he fell in love with Jersey City, starting with a job opportunity that brought his family here.
Shortly after moving, Solomon was diagnosed with cancer, a struggle he fought through with the help of his family, friends, and the city itself.
That experience gave him a powerful resolve: if he made it through, he’d dedicate himself to giving back to the community that had supported him in his hardest times.
Since then, he’s done exactly that, championing legislation that helps tenants, protects small businesses, and fights corruption at every turn.
What Solomon Plans to Do for Jersey City
- Affordable Housing and Tenant Protection: Solomon wants to ensure everyone can afford to live in Jersey City, not just those with high incomes. He’s already passed a law that gives low-income tenants free legal help if they’re being evicted.
- Better Public Services: Solomon wants city services, like emergency response and trash collection, to work efficiently for everyone, no matter where they live or who they know.
- Keeping Politics Clean: Solomon is running a campaign without big developer money to focus on what’s best for the community, not the interests of wealthy donors.
A Mayor Who Listens to the Community
People who know Solomon often mention his willingness to listen and act.
At his campaign kickoff, many supporters shared personal stories about his dedication.
Danielle Walker, a longtime resident, spoke about how he’s always there to help and truly listens to the neighborhood’s needs.
She’s seen him repeatedly stand up for the community, which is why she believes he’d be a great mayor.
Another resident, Wendy Tom, talked about Solomon never forgetting his values and always responding to his constituents.
Then there’s Tom Monahan, a local leader who trusts Solomon to support small businesses, improve road safety, and build affordable housing.
In addition, Katie Brennan, a governance expert, described Solomon as both idealistic and practical, someone who dreams big but can also make things happen.
Solomon’s Vision for the Future of Jersey City
Solomon wants Jersey City to be a place that puts residents first. His goals include:
- Development that Benefits Residents: Instead of just building for profit, Solomon wants projects that give people affordable housing, open spaces, and public resources.
- Stable Property Taxes: Solomon manages the budget carefully to keep property taxes steady so people aren’t priced out of the city.
- Reliable Public Services: He’s pushing for a city government where emergency response, street cleaning, and public safety work equally well for everyone.
Solomon’s Record on City Council
Solomon has committed to positive change since joining the city council in 2018.
He’s led important efforts that benefit the community, proving that he can make a difference.
- Tenant Rights: Solomon’s law provides free legal help for tenants facing eviction, meaning more people can stay in their homes without fear of unfairly losing them.
- Environmental Protection: He fought to keep Caven Point, a valuable natural space, from being turned into private property, protecting it for public enjoyment and education.
- Small Business Support: Solomon created a law to cap the fees big delivery apps charge local restaurants, helping small businesses keep more profits and survive in a tough economy.
In essence, Solomon’s campaign is about giving Jersey City a fresh start.
He wants a city government that serves people, not politics or profits.
By protecting renters, supporting small businesses, and listening to the community, he’s shown what real, caring leadership looks like.
A Jersey City That Puts People First
Solomon believes in a Jersey City where:
- People Come First: Decisions should be made with residents in mind, not developers.
- Taxes Are Fair: Solomon plans to stabilize property taxes so people aren’t forced out.
- Top-Quality Services Are for Everyone: Solomon wants reliable services across the city, from safe roads to emergency responses.
For Solomon, this campaign will focus on creating a city where everyone can thrive.
He’s calling on Jersey City residents to get involved, knock on doors, make calls, and help spread the word.
“Together, we can build a Jersey City government as good as its people,” he says.
So, if you want a Jersey City that values people, consider Solomon’s vision for change.
He’s here to lead with honesty, action, and a heart for the community, ready to make Jersey City the best it can be.
