A West New York man was arrested prompting an investigation into child sex
abuse material being shared through social media, according to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.
On January 10, 2023, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received information that child sex abuse material was being created and shared through the social media platform Discord.
The investigation allegedly revealed Joseph Suarez, 31, was in direct contact with a 13-year-old boy out of state and allegedly instructed him to provide images and/or videos of himself committing sex acts on a 4-year-old girl, according to the report released by the Prosecutor’s Office.
Suarez is charged with a crime of the first degree with Endangering the Welfare of a Child/Facilitating Child Sex Abuse Material and a crime of the second degree related Endangering the Welfare of a Child/Distribution of Child Sex Abuse Material.
He was arrested at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Secaucus and transported to the Hudson County Correctional Facility pending his first court appearance. The State has filed a detention motion in this matter.
Anyone wishing to report a sex crime should call the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit (SVU) at 201-915-1234.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at [email protected].
Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez helps "Paint the Town Pink" for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Photo courtesy of the town.
West New York Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez is urging residents to apply for the NJ Division of Taxation’s Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) property tax relief program.
Governor Phil Murphy and the State of NJ recently extended the application deadline to February 28. The town along with the township of North Bergen and Mayor and State Senator Nicholas Sacco, a proponent of the program when it worked its way through the state legislature, have been promoting the program to residents since its inception in 2022.
“We want residents to know that the application deadline has been extended and we urge all of those who qualify to apply immediately,” Rodriguez said. “The ANCHOR program is eligible not only for homeowners but also our residents who rent their homes, so be sure to check whether you are newly eligible for these direct payments. My hope is that this larger investment in tax relief will help put more money into the pockets of the people and families of West New York in a year that has been fiscally stressful for so many of us.”
The ANCHOR program replaces the Homestead Benefit program and expands the amount of property tax relief while also boosting eligibility to twice as many homeowners, and also includes tenants renting their homes.
The Division will be emailing ANCHOR program filing information to homeowners who had requested their application be sent through email when they filed their 2018 Homestead Benefit application at the same time the physical mailers are sent out.
To be eligible, homeowners must have been a New Jersey resident; and
owned and occupied a home in New Jersey that was their principal residence on October 1, 2019; and paid the 2019 property taxes on their main home; and had 2019 New Jersey gross income of not more than $250,000.
Tenants must have been a New Jersey resident; rented and occupied an apartment or residence in New Jersey that was their principal residence on October 1, 2019; lived in a unit with its own separate kitchen and bath facilities (if the building had more than one dwelling uni); paid rent on their main home, which was subject to local property taxes; and had 2019 New Jersey gross income of not more than $150,000.
Applicants can choose to receive their benefits either as a check or direct deposit and must file their application by Tuesday, February 28.
The online application, eligibility requirements, filing instructions, and paper applications can also be accessed at nj.gov/treasury/taxation/anchor. The automated telephone filing system, which will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during the filing period, can be reached at 1-877-658-2972. Text Telephone Service (TTY/TDD) for hearing-impaired users is at 1 800-286-6613 or 609-984-7300.
Rodriguez’ office is offering assistance to residents and renters who are attempting to complete their applications for the property tax relief program. Homeowners and tenants can bring their applications to the Mayor’s Office at 428 60th Street from Tuesday through Thursday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].
The City Line Bayonne apartments finished construction and began occupancy around early 2022. Photo courtesy of City Line Bayonne.
Bayonne city officials have formally presented the results of the much-anticipated absorption rate study to the public.
The study was commissioned by the City Council at the request of Mayor James Davis back in July of 2022. After the study was commissioned, La Pelusa announced in November that it had concluded and the results and that the data was promising.
This likely means that redevelopment and the financial agreements that support it may be back on the agenda regularly fairly soon.
Preliminary data announced in November
According to Council President Gary La Pelusa, the absorption rate is the amount of housing stock a community has available to sell or lease, and how quickly it is being sold or rented.
The study looked at the total number of new residential dwelling units and multiple dwelling developments built in the city of Bayonne after January 1, 2015, the number of units occupied and unoccupied, new units expected in multi-unit developments over the next 24 months, the amount of tax and other revenue realized by the city as a result of multi-unit residential development completed after January 1, 2015, and the amount of tax and or other revenue the city would have realized if these properties were not developed.
An occupancy rate is the number of units being occupied over the total amount of units available. La Pelusa said that high occupancy rates show the demand for people wanting to live in that area. Since 2009, there have been 20 residential redevelopments constructed featuring 2,978 units. He said these buildings were 92.6 percent occupied.
This number includes buildings that are currently in their lease up phase, La Pelusa said. The average stabilization for buildings that have been leased up is about 94.6 percent occupied. According to La Pelusa, the lease up period is an indicator of the absorption.
The buildings currently in their lease up period are being leased “at a breakneck pace” of five to six months, La Pelusa said. Meanwhile, the industry standard is up to 12 months. He noted that in one example, a building was fully leased up within two to three months.
According to La Pelusa, the minimum occupancy rate per federal standards is 75 percent. Given the data, the city’s occupancy rate is way above that. La Pelusa said the current occupancy rate is even higher than its 10-year historical average of 91.372 percent, according to data from Rutgers University.
Financial advisor from NW Financial Mike Hanley presented the study findings to the council. Photo by Daniel Israel.
Official findings of Bayonne’s absorption rate study
At its January meeting, La Pelusa had financial advisor from NW Financial Mike Hanley come up to the podium in the chambers to address the council. Hanley presented the facts of the absorption study to the council and the public.
He explained that the city collected data from all the new developments in the city in recent years to determine if their was sufficient occupancy related to the residential projects. He said the empirical data collected looked promising.
“The results were very strong,” Hanley said.
Of the over 2,500 new units that were leased, the occupancy was above 95 percent. He added that many of them exceeded 97 percent occupancy.
“That’s good or better than you would look for,” Hanley said. “Additionally, a project that was currently leasing up at the time had reported 66 units in three months, over 20 units per month, which is excellent. A mean historical rate of 10 to 12 is something that you would consider good under-riding a project.”
According to Hanley, these are not unexpected results. He said the city knew anecdotally that the projects were doing well and that Bayonne and the region needed units.
Hanley also said Up for Growth’s 2022 Housing Underproduction in the United States study, that included Bayonne, echoed this. The study identified that there are 340,000 units shortfall in the New York metropolitan area, of which 200,000 are rental units and 140,000 are homes.
According to Hanley, low rates of home vacancy was an issue prior to COVID-19 pandemic but made even worse by it. He said that rental vacancy are also at a low not seen in decades.
“Both before COVID, and now it’s been exacerbated after COVID, the number of vacancies are at an all time low in new homes,” Hanley said. “Generally, there’s like 1 percent vacancy. It’s the lowest since 1957. As it relates to rental units, the vacancy rates are the lowest since 1984, and it’s because we’ve seen an influx in the population and we haven’t built quickly enough in the region.”
Absorption rate study echoes regional ‘Up for Growth’ study
Hanley said that the data in the absorption rate study was consistent with this. The new units built are mostly occupied, meaning the new redevelopment is warranted to supply more of much needed housing stock to accommodate the shortfall.
“The data that the city identified in its data collection is very consistent with what we’re seeing throughout the region,” Hanley said. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s Hackensack or Union Township or Weehawken. Everywhere has the same problem. Homes are very expensive. They are very few to even find. So people need opportunities and more affordable places to live. The city is obviously the most expensive, and as you go further out, people can get either more space or the same amount of space at a better price. That’s why institutions continue to invest in new units and Bayonne’s place in that marketplace is important. The results prove that to be true.”
La Pelusa asked about the scope of the Up for Growth study, which Hanley confirmed was of the New York City metropolitan area. He said that included New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, and that the results of the study are something that many people have experienced first hand when it comes to trying to purchase a home or rent an apartment.
“I think we all have experienced, either as ourselves or with friends or relatives etcetera, that buying a home is super hard and super expensive,” Hanley said. “There’s not enough rental units because they’re all snatched up very quickly. Adding to the housing stock is what will ultimately make the region more affordable.”
There was still some confusion on the council, with Second Ward Councilwoman Jacqueline Weimmer asking if the absorption study focused on just Bayonne, meaning that roughly 95 percent of recently constructed units are occupied. Hanley confirmed that while the other study related to the region, the absorption study was just about Bayonne.
“That high 90 percent range is where occupancy is and that is because there aren’t enough places to live for all people who need places to live,” Hanley said.
The City Council heard the results of absorption study at its January meeting after City Council President Gary La Pelusa (right) announced preliminary findings in November. Photo by Daniel Israel.
Confused council confirms correct count
Clarifying on the numbers, La Pelusa asked that if the housing shortage constituted 340,000 units and 200,000 were rentals, were the others for-sale homes. Hanley confirmed that was the case.
“Their study thought that the split between what was needed was of that 342,000, 200,000 of the need was rental and another 140,000 was for sale property,” Hanley said.
Weimmer asked if unit sizes were taken into account, noting many are studio units and one-bedroom units, with few two-bedrooms. Concerned about overcrowding in schools with new students brought in by redevelopment, she noted that the younger demographic isn’t looking to own a home as much as rent a space, and asked if those factors were considered as well as.
“Its a continuum,” Hanley said. “The shortfalls across all housing types as it relates to school children and their populations. That study doesn’t address it, but Rutgers University has studied that multiple times. They did an initial study, I believe in 2012, that identified multiplies for units and how many school children they tend to attract. Small units have very few. Particularly new ones, because they’re expensive and small. If you’re going to pay a lot and you have a lot of people living with you, you need more space.”
According to Hanley, these types of units, such as what was built in Bayonne, do not typically bring more school-aged children. He said that the aforementioned study on it was adjusted after such occurrences were noted.
“They even lowered the multiple in 2018 and 2019 because the newer units were producing fewer school children,” Hanley said. “So people that were going to places that were more transit-oriented, and also the type and the way the units were being built, created even fewer school children than the initial study had projected. So they redid the study at the behest of the towns and developers to more appropriately reflect what was going on.”
Davis touts Bayonne meeting housing demand
In January 2022, Mayor Davis placed a pause on most major residential redevelopment pending the completion of a study on the occupancy rate of the buildings constructed amid the redevelopment boom in Bayonne since Davis took office.
The pause came amid the run up to the May municipal election which Davis narrowly won, largely in response to the now-approved 18-story Silk Lofts tower on Avenue E, and also saw a pause also placed on the financial agreements that support them. However, some projects were granted approval regardless, which officials defended was due to prior planning approvals.
Regardless, there was some sort of slow down on residential redevelopment until the study was completed. Meanwhile, the city began the redevelopment process of the massive Constable industrial area in the city, comprising 20 percent of Bayonne.
After the meeting, Davis told the Bayonne Community News that the study confirmed what many already knew. Bayonne is a hot spot for renters and that the smart growth of the community will continue to meet the housing demand while preserving the character of the city.
“The absorption study confirmed that Bayonne is a popular real estate market for renters,” Davis said. “Bayonne’s growing supply of housing is keeping up with the demand for it. Our convenient location in the heart of the metropolitan area has made Bayonne an attractive location for New York commuters. We must take care to have smart development while maintaining the fabric of our community.”
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].
Assemblyman William Sampson of the 31st Legislative District. Photo courtesy of the assemblyman.
The Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor has denied a motion to reconsider the recent removal of Bayonne’s State Assemblyman for the 31st Legislative District William Sampson from the waterfront as a longshoreman and revocation of his crane operator license.
Sampson had been employed as a port worker at Global Container Terminals in Bayonne.
On Jan. 18, the commission voted unanimously to reject his appeal, 2-0. The Waterfront Commission initially ruled on Dec. 21 to remove Sampson from the waterfront and revoke his license due to “excessive absenteeism” due to his other job in the state legislature.
He was removed for failing to meet the work and work availability requirements in January to June of 2022. The Waterfront Commission rules dictate that longshoreman must work or be available to work for a minimum of 90 days in every half-calendar year, including a minimum of 15 days in five out of six months during that period.
Sampson, a 33-year-old Democratic legislator first sworn in back in 2022 to the applause of local Democrats, represents the district encompassing Bayonne and parts of Jersey City as part of the trio of African-American lawmakers including State Senator Sandra Cunningham and State Assemblywoman Angela McKnight.
He is the first African-American person from Bayonne to hold the position and replaced then-Assembly Whip Nicholas Chiaravalloti, who had an unspecified falling out with Mayor James Davis, who has final say over the official Hudson County Democratic Organization endorsement for that Assembly seat.
Regardless, Sampson vowed to keep his job as longshoreman while working in the part-time legislature as is allowed and as many lawmakers do, he told the Bayonne Community News during a phone interview from the cockpit of the crane he was operating at the time in 2021. However, that is now no longer possible for him.
The Waterfront Commission reaffirms its initial ruling
Sampson was removed from the workplace and his crane operator license was revoked for failing to meet the work and work availability requirements in the first half of the calendar year in 2022. According to the Waterfront Commission, he claimed that his attendance at particular meetings or events in his capacity as a New Jersey State Assemblyman was “good cause” for his absences.
The Waterfront Commission rejected Sampson’s claim of good cause for a number of reasons. They cited that commitments to outside employment, which prevent a longshoreman from meeting the work requirements at the pier, are “inconsistent with the Commission’s mandate to eliminate casual workers from the register.”
The Waterfront Commission said that Sampson’s employment as a New Jersey State Assemblyman does not insulate him from his responsibilities as a longshoreman.
According to the Waterfront Commission, Sampson failed to present any evidence to justify his absences in February 2022. They said Sampson also testified that he had “no particular reason” for not working or making himself available for work on Saturdays.
The Waterfront Commission said that Sampson failed to present sufficient evidence that attendance at particular events was mandatory to serve as a New Jersey State Assemblyman. They said he also acknowledged a possibility that, on certain dates, he could have attended the events and still worked later on those days as a longshoreman. Sampson also misstated his role as a speaker at one event, according to the Waterfront Commission.
Citing “excessive absenteeism,” the Waterfront Commission argued that there was no excuse for Sampson’s repeated absences in 2022 and made their decision in December of last year. For all of these reasons and others, the Commission unanimously denied Sampson’s request to be retained on the longshoremen’s register in the Port of New York-New Jersey.
Earlier in the year, Sampson filed a request with the Port of New York-New Jersey to remain on the longshoreman’s register and keep his crane operator license. This decision by the Commission denied that request.
Sampson fought hard but fails keep longshoreman job
Sampson first argued in a statement to the Bayonne Community News that the Waterfront Commission was taking its anger out on Sampson over issues that are above his pay grade. New Jersey, under Governor Phil Murphy, has sought to withdraw from the Waterfront Commission, founded in the 1950s to combat organized crime at the ports.
However, New York has sued to stop the withdrawal, sending the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court, and a support brief from the United States has been filed in support of New Jersey’s decision. Sampson said that he was getting caught in the crossfire over the Commission’s dissatisfaction with the situation.
Following that, Sampson put out another statement to BCN that he was appealing to the Waterfront Commission to change their minds and that his work as a State Assemblyman justified his absenteeism. He said he had received approval from the Global Container Terminals of Bayonne and the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1588 before running for State Assembly, and that they never asked him to reduce any of his responsibilities at the State House to work more on the waterfront
On January 4, Sampson’s attorney Robert Flagella further argued that Sampson’s duties in the General Assembly are also part of serving his union, according to a PoliticoPro subscriber exclusive story. The argument comes after the Waterfront Commission wrote in their initial ruling revoking Sampson’s license that his duties as a state legislator did not meet “good cause” for repeated absences for his job as a crane operator at Global Container Terminals.
Amid the battle to stay in his longshoreman job, Sampson saw the support of the local union where he is a member and held the position of political director. The International Longshoreman’s Association Local 1588 voted on Jan. 4 at an emergency meeting to approve a resolution to assist him to the tune of $50,000 for legal and public relations support for the issue.
The Waterfront Commission previously said it would handle the matter by the end of the month. That has come to fruition with the Jan. 18 ruling reaffirming their original decision.
Local union backs Sampson, but Waterfront Commission not convinced
According to the New Jersey Monitor who broke the story, Waterfront Commissioners Paul Weinstein and Jennifer Davenport did not say why they voted against the motion to reconsider Sampson’s ouster. However, commission staff said the body would release a memorandum of decision outlining their reasoning at a later undetermined date.
Sampson nor the ILA Local 1588 responded to BCN requests for comment.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].
A faculty member at Bayonne High School has been arrested for criminal sexual contact, according to Bayonne Police Captain Eric Amato.
61-year-old Ricardo Rodriguez was taken into custody at 9:40 a.m. on Jan. 18 at Police Headquarters, Amato said. His arrest stems from an investigation into a reported incident that occurred on Jan. 9.
On Jan. 10, an employee of the Bayonne Board of Education and assigned to Bayonne High School, reported that Rodriguez had allegedly touched her inappropriately on Jan. 9 at 7:55 a.m. inside of Bayonne High School. According to the police, the victim is a 51 year old female.
According to the victim, after unlocking a door for Rodriguez inside of Bayonne High School, he allegedly reached to her and hugged her. While doing so, Rodriguez allegedly grabbed her buttocks and chest without her consent.
The Police Department Detective Bureau immediately investigated the incident. That led to Rodriguez being charged with criminal sexual contact.
Rodriguez is not only a history teacher at BHS but a former Bayonne High School football head coach for nine years from 2001 to 2004 and again from 2011 to 2015. Having worked for the school district for about 26 years since February of 1997, public records show he currently earns $109,330 per year.
According to a statement by Superintendent of Schools John Niesz, Rodriguez has been place on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. He said that on the advice of the school district’s attorney, he cannot comment on any criminal and or legal proceedings involving an employee as a matter of policy.
“We take any accusation of impropriety very seriously and take every precaution to ensure our employees and students are always safe,” Niesz said. He also noted the incident did not involve any students, but did not comment further.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].
All that remained at the Caschem West site as of May 2022. Photo by Daniel Israel.
Bayonne is considering the potential expansion of some redevelopment areas and the creation of some new ones. The City Council has passed a number of resolutions authorizing the Planning Board to take such actions.
At its December meeting, the council approved a resolution authorizing and directing the board to re-open and consider an amendment to the 69-71 Hook Road Redevelopment Plan. The resolution would see the addition of property at Blocks 416, 1.01 and 1.02 to the redevelopment area, and the determination if they constitute non-condemnation areas in need of redevelopment as well as to begin drawing up a redevelopment plan for the area if proved to be an area in need of redevelopment by both the Planning Board and the council.
The site is currently home to Delta Storage, where a new “flex use” warehouse and office space will be constructed by Sixth Wave Logistics with the support a 20-year payments-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the city. The lots that would be added would be the adjacent ones to the storage facility including a parking lot and the Accem Warehouse Inc. facility at 63 Hook Road.
The council also approved a resolution authorizing and directing the Planning Board to re-opening the the 8th Street Rehabilitation Plan to consider an amendment to include property identified as Block 306, Lots 1, 2, 3, and 4, which encompasses the “Bergen Point 69kV Class H Substation.”
The site is currently home to the substation at the corner of Orient and Evergreen Streets but also a residential building as well as Mike’s Auto Repairs at 223 Orient Street. The resolution also authorizes the Planning Board to not only consider the amendment, but also if those properties constitute non-condemnation areas-in-need-of-redevelopment and to develop a map of reflecting the boundaries of the new proposed non-condemnation area.
Caschem West site to be studied for redevelopment
In addition, the council authorized the board to conduct a study to determine if the property at Blocks 332, Lots 1, 6, and 7, Bock 333.01, Lot 7, and Block 373, Lots 1, 2, 13, and 14 constitute areas in need of redevelopment.
Block 332, Lots 1, 6 and 7 are the part of the Caschem West site that abuts Newark Bay; and Block 333.01 Lot 7 is the part of the Caschem West site that fronts Avenue A.
The site has been cleared by owner and former Zoning Board Commissioner Ehab “Jimmy Gamal.” While he previously pondered a 16-story cold-storage warehouse for the site he would have been allowed to construct due to old zoning, he said it was just an idea he was “exploring” and he is still contemplating its fate ahead of the redevelopment plan being drawn up with inklings for things ranging from a hotel to a senior center.
Block 373, Lots 1, 2, 13 and 14 are located across the street from the Caschem West site on the other side of Avenue A and are home to a parking lot, White Glove Moving and Storage at 235 West 1st Street, Dependable Enterprises Inc. also at the same address, and land under the Bayonne Bridge. Not included in this is the Starting Point Bar and Grill at 2 Avenue A.
Lastly, the council also authorized the board to conduct a study to determine if the properties located within the Constable Hook West Side and East Side Redevelopment Study Areas constitute areas in need of redevelopment. At its May 2022 meeting, the council previously authorized the board to study the Central Constable Hook Redevelopment Area to determine if it constitutes an area in need of redevelopment as well, which was presented to the board in January.
Redevelopment plan approved as well
At its January meeting following the December council meeting, the Planning Board received the communications from the City Council to begin the preliminary investigation of the properties to determine if they are areas in need of redevelopment. It also saw City Planner Suzanne Mack present the Central Constable Hook Redevelopment Plan to the board, which they unanimously approved.
The redevelopment area included in the plan encompasses the 140-acre former Exxon site and International-Matex Tank Terminal (IMTT) at Constable Hook. A plan was previously adopted by the board and presented to the council but scrapped over the inclusion of a parcel of land occupied by rail lines owned by Conrail.
Amid the pause on most major residential redevelopment enacted by Mayor James Davis during the run up to the May municipal election pending a study on buildings constructed since the boom began in Bayonne, the city has decided to pursue industrial redevelopment at Constable Hook.
While residential redevelopment may resume unabated soon because the study has been completed and the data shows the constructed redevelopments are occupied, although some residential projects moved forward during the pause regardless which officials defended was due to prior planning approvals, industrial redevelopment of the Constable Hook area which makes up nearly 20 percent of the city is advancing rapidly such as with the adoption of the redevelopment plan for the former Seahorse Express property.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].
Craig Guy and Julietta Vogt. Images courtesy of his campaign.
Craig Guy has announced he has hired Julietta Vogt to serve as his campaign manager in the race for Hudson County Executive. Guy is the chief of staff of outgoing County Executive Tom DeGise, who will retire when his term is up.
Guy cites Vogt’s extensive experience working as executive director of the Hudson County Democratic Organization, and the crucial perspective that she will bring to the team as a young millennial woman dedicated to the future of Democratic politics.
“I am thrilled to announce that Julietta Vogt will be leading our campaign team,” said Guy. “Julietta is a highly skilled and experienced leader in Democratic politics, and not only has she worked closely with leaders and activists in Hudson County, but as a millennial and a woman she will bring with her the perspective that we need to move our county and the Democratic party forward.”
Guy is a lifelong public servant who has spent his career in Hudson County. After serving as a Jersey City police officer for 25 years, he has served as the president of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Board of Education, and chief of staff to DeGise.
Guy also serves as the treasurer of the Hudson County Democratic Organization. Guy said he will work to keep county property taxes stable, expand education, and improve parks and other public recreation spaces throughout the county.
“This is such an important race for the future of Hudson County, and I can think of no one better than Craig Guy to serve as County Executive and keep moving our community forward,” said Vogt. “I am so excited to take on this role and to work with Craig to build on the work that he has already done to serve Hudson County.”
Florence Holmes and Craig Guy
Chairwoman for campaign named as well
Recently, Guy also announced that Florence Holmes will serve as chairwoman for his campaign for Hudson County Executive. A Jersey City native, Florence Holmes is a prominent leader and advocate in her community.
“Florence and I have been friends for many years and I am honored that she is joining our team,” said Guy. “Florence and I met when I was serving as the Executive Officer in the West District in the Jersey City Police Department, and her neighborhood was part of my beat. From then on I’ve admired her leadership and commitment to community organizing and activism. Her deep knowledge of Jersey City and its residents will be invaluable as we work to uplift every community within Hudson County.”
Throughout her long organizing work, Holmes has headed block associations in her neighborhood, and works at the Bethune Community Center. She also partnered closely with Guy on community policing programs in Jersey City. Holmes’s daughter operates a 501(c)(3) that works to feed the needy in Jersey City and Bayonne, and has also partnered with the county on numerous food insecurity programs.
“I’m so honored to be taking on this role and to be working with my longtime friend Craig,” said Holmes. “I’ve known and worked with Craig for many years and there is no question that he is the right person for the job. He has spent his entire career dedicated to serving the people of Hudson County, and I’m excited to support his candidacy for County Executive.”
Guy faces a challenge from progressive activist and former vice president of the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County Eleana Little. Although she was not on the “county line,” meaning endorsed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization, Little came close to beating County Commissioner Yraida Aponte-Lipski in the 4th District in 2020 but ultimately lost by nearly a nine point margin with 4,117 votes for Aponte-Lipski to 3,397 votes for Little.
Election Day for the county executive and all nine county commissioners is June 6. After that, the winners of the Democratic Primary traditionally go on to trounce any Republican opponents in the General Election in November.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].
West New York Public Affairs Commissioner and Mayoral candidate Cosmo Cirillo has announced the third member of his council ticket ahead of the May municipal election.
Incumbent Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez is not seeking re-election, rather he is running on a slate for the new 33rd Legislative District with State Senator and Union City Mayor Brian Stack and North Bergen Revenue and Finance Commissioner Julio Marenco.
The “Moving West New York Forward Team” has declared that Hiram Gonzalez is the fourth member of their team in addition to Cirillo, Revenue and Finance Commissioner Margarita Guzman, and outgoing Assemblywoman for the current 32nd Legislative District Angelica Jimenez. He is a lifelong West New York resident, having graduated from Memorial High School and going into the United States Marine Corps.
After the Marines, Gonzalez went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Montclair State University. Since then, Gonzalez has worked in finance, also involved in community service coaching the West New York Recreation Basketball Program for more than a decade as Program Coordinator, as well as a volunteering with the West New York Little League and sponsoring his own team there.
Cirillo believes Gonzalez’s background in finance and community service will be an asset to the team. Throughout his career, he worked as a Staff Accountant at Lifetime Networks, a Finance Manager for the National Football League, and as the Assistant Finance Director for the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.
“The Gonzalez family has a long and rich history in WNY and Hiram has constantly demonstrated his desire to give back to our hometown and nation,” Cirillo said in a statement. “After graduating from Memorial High School as a proud Tiger, he selflessly joined the United States Marine Corps and honorably served while rising to the rank of Sergeant. A proud alumnus of Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Hiram has spent the entirety of his adult life working within the field of finance, gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge. He has been a coach with our Recreation Basketball Program for over a decade, and currently serves as Program Coordinator.”
‘Moving West New York Forward Team’ grows
According to LinkedIn, Gonzalez is the Assistant Finance Director in Guttenberg, where Cirillo is the Business Administrator. He said he wanted to give back to the community when he started his family in West New York, leading to his involvement in the Little League and Recreation Basketball.
“When my wife and I decided to get married and raise our family in West New York, I knew I wanted to do my best to give back to the community that gave my family so much,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “My many years of community service have been very rewarding and I feel blessed each day to positively impact so many lives.”
Gonzalez is excited to join the team and further contribute to the community. He is the only member of the slate so far who is not already an elected official.
“I am overjoyed to be running with an individual that I have seen firsthand do all he can to support the youth of our community,” Gonzalez said. “Cosmo has constantly gone above and beyond to support our recreation programs, not only through the resources of Town Hall, but also by being physically present to cheer our teams on and be a great role model… I have not been politically involved in the past, but serving with a team led by Commissioner Cirillo is an opportunity that I cannot pass up. He will be an outstanding Mayor that will help West New York prosper.”
The “Moving West New York Forward Team” plans to share their plans for the future of the town in the lead up to the election. Meanwhile, former Democratic Rep. Albio Sires of the 8th Congressional District of New Jersey has declared his intention to run for Mayor too, setting up a showdown between the former three-term Mayor who just spent 16 years in Congress and the incumbent Commissioner.
Sires has not announced any running mates thus far. However, Commissioner of Parks and Public Property Victor Barrera and Commissioner of Public Works Yoleisy Yanez are rumored to be joining Sires’ bid for Mayor.
To make things more interesting, former Mayor Dr. Felix Roque has been hinting he may also run for Mayor alongside with former Policemen’s Benevolent Association President Tommy Mannion and potentially others. Roque, who was ousted by Rodriguez in 2019, has not officially announced anything but is anticipated to declare his candidacy at an event on January 19.
Voters will head to the polls for the municipal election on May 9. In West New York, the top five recipients of votes are elected to the Board of Commissioners, where a Mayor is then elected by the board.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].
Alex Valdez is running for County Commissioner in District 9. Photo courtesy of his campaign.
All nine Hudson County Commissioner seats are up for re-election in 2023. Primary Election Day for the Democrats is June 6, and the winners would usually go on to handily defeat Republican candidates in the “deep blue” Hudson County.
But this year a handful of progressive candidates will try to challenge the usual primary cakewalk for Hudson County Democratic Organization office holders.
Alex Valdez has announced his candidacy for Hudson County Commissioner for District 9, comprising the West Hudson towns of Kearny, Harrison, East Newark, and parts of Secaucus and Jersey City. The seat is currently held by Commissioner Albert Cifelli.
As a non-profit leader and former Sergeant in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Valdez said he understands the wants and needs of the people of Hudson County. He is challenging an incumbent who has run unopposed for over 20 years to ensure that Hudson County residents have an advocate on the board who will fight to keep their community affordable, safe, and supportive.
“I am running for County Commissioner to ensure that Hudson County is a place where rent is affordable, our streets are safe, the environment is clean, and the American Dream is still attainable,” Valdez said. “As the child of a single mother who immigrated to this country, and a product of Kearny public schools, I am eager to give back to the community that gave so much to me. Each day the conversations I’ve been having with the residents of West Hudson have been nothing short of inspirational.”
Like so many others, Alex’s mother immigrated to Hudson County seeking better opportunities and the American Dream for her children. He was born and raised in Kearny and is a proud product of Kearny public schools, as well as Rutgers-Newark where he earned his Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
Valdez has coordinated after-school and summer programs for low-income youth in Passaic and Paterson, and now serves as a Board Chair for America Needs You-NJ, a non-profit dedicated to assisting first generation college students with career development. Additionally, he has worked on humanitarian aid missions supporting Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russia-Ukraine War, vulnerable Afghans who were evacuated to the United States, and asylum-seekers from the southern border including families, who just like his own, came here seeking a better life.
Valdez is running for Hudson County Commissioner in District 9 to keep the community affordable, improve parking and public transit, expand access to green space, and increase transparency and accountability in government. For more information about his campaign, go online to AlexValdezNJ.com.
Adrian Ghainda is running for County Commissioner in District 2. Photo courtesy of Ghainda.
District 2 progressive declares his candidacy as well
Along with Valdez, 24-year-old Adrian Ghainda of the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County has recently launched his first campaign for public office for the District 2 seat on the Hudson County Board of Commissioners.
District 2 consists of most of western Jersey City and part of downtown. The seat is currently occupied by Commissioner Bill O’Dea.
“I am running for County Commissioner because our people deserve an option at the ballot box,” Ghainda said. “We deserve to have the working-class represented not only by everyday people but to also have our voices heard in every political process”.
Ghainda is a Jersey City native and a graduate from New Jersey City University Class of 2020. He is currently the Special Projects Director for Voters of Tomorrow New Jersey, the former State Delegate for the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County and former member of the Board of Delegates for the Progressive Democrats of New Jersey.
“I was born and raised in Jersey City and I’ve seen the toll it’s taken on friends, family, and neighbors who were pushed out of our county because of how unaffordable it became,” Ghainda said. “We deserve to have our elected officials advocating to keep us in the place we’ve called home instead of selling us out for a pretty penny.”
Ghainda has also served as a Field Coordinator for the Hudson County Democratic Socialists of America’s Right to Counsel campaign. His announcement came with a glowing endorsement from a fellow progressive, activist and former candidate for New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District Ricardo Rojas.
“Adrian is one of the most kind and selfless people I have ever had the blessing to work with,” Rojas said. “He is a true organizer at heart who understands that the injustices of the morally bankrupt system and those who prop it up are not resolved by the charity of a single individual, but through building community through solidarity. He is a man wise beyond his years, who I am confident will bring truly inclusive, truly progressive vision for the 2nd District so that every neighbor no matter their place of origin or socioeconomic class can call this place “home”, now and in years to come.”
Mamta Singh has recentlyannounced she is running for Hudson County Commissioner for District 4. District 4 encompasses Jersey City Wards D and C and part of Ward E, currently represented by Yraida Aponte-Lipski.
Singh is a mom and Jersey City resident for the past 14 years whofounded local non-profit JCFamilies Inc., a 501(c)3 that connects families in aims to enhance residents’ parenting experience. In addition to her work with JCFamilies, Singh is an active member of the Hamilton Park community, and serves on the County Committee.
Singh’s vision includes increasing climate resilience, revitalizing public transportation, ensuring District 4 remains an affordable community to raise a family, and ensuring the County’s $600 million budget is managed “fairly, transparently, and to directly benefit the community.” Her announcement came with an endorsement by Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon, a progressive figure in local politics.
For more information about her campaign, go online to mamtasingforjc.com.
In addition, Ron Bautista is running for Hudson County Commissioner for District 5, having announced his candidacy in July. The District includes Hoboken and the downtown Jersey City waterfront, currently held by Vice Chairman Anthony Romano.
Bautista, of the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County, is again challenging Romano for the seat. He previously took on Romano in the primary in 2020, drawing in 38.5 percent of votes to Romano’s 61.3 percent.
Prior to that, Bautista was a candidate in a few local municipal elections. He ran for mayor of Hoboken in 2017, and for the Third Ward seat on the City Council in 2019. Since then, Bautista has been involved with progressives in Hudson County, being the President of the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County until just before announcing his campaign.
Ron Bautista is running for County Commissioner in District 5. Photo courtesy of his campaign website.
Bautista is running on a platform of “empowering everyday people, holistic public safety, and tackling the climate crisis,” including: easy budgeting and accountable government; fair rents and legal representation for all tenants; a Hudson County for people of all incomes; equity and inclusion for people with disabilities; no profiteering from immigrant family separation; safer streets for kids and for all; social services to prevent the criminalization of communities; addressing the mental health crisis; accountability and transparency in public safety; fighting for 100 renewable energy by 2030; and increase green, planted areas by 2030.
“When politicians are owned by political party bosses and big corporate donors, they’re afraid to address homelessness, fight for cleaner air and safer streets for everyone,” Bautista said. “We need a County Commissioner with the courage to serve everyday people, not the politicians.”
For more information about his campaign, go online to ronbautistanj.com.
They’re also fielding a County Executive challenger too
There is also a progressive challenger for the County Executive seat. Eleana Little, a community organizer and environmental engineer, has announced her candidacy. Little is the former vice president of the Progressive Democrats of Hudson County, as well as the former president of the Harsimus Cove Association.
A longtime resident of Hudson County, Little is running on a platform focused on “the struggles faced by everyday people,” such as rising rents, flooding, crime, and affordability. She also aims to prioritize affordable housing, transit infrastructure and safe streets, water and environmental infrastructure, educational infrastructure, and public health infrastructure, which she said is needed for livable communities.
According to Little, she doesn’t take any money from corporate political action committees (PACs), real estate developers, or political bosses. She said her campaign is powered by “everyday people who believe that it’s time for a change in Hudson County.”
Eleana Little is running for County Executive. Photo courtesy of her campaign.
Most recently, Little unsuccessfully ran for Hudson County Commissioner in 2020. Although she was not on the “county line,” meaning endorsed by the Hudson County Democratic Organization, she came close to beating Yraida Aponte-Lipski in the 4th District but ultimately lost by nearly a nine point margin with 4,117 votes for Aponte-Lipski to 3,397 votes for Little.
Little’s announcement came with the backing of former progressive candidate for the 8th Congressional District Hector Oseguera. Incumbent County Executive Tom DeGise is retiring in 2023 and he and the rest of the Hudson County Democratic Organization have backed his long time Chief of Staff Craig Guy to succeed him.
Little will face off against Guy in June, after he officially kicked off his campaign in September. It was expected that progressives would field some candidates for the June Primary, but it now appears a full slate may be forming to take on establishment Democrats at the county level ahead of the November General Election.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jersey City will host the following events.
38th Annual Rev. Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Shabbat Services
A jewish temple in Jersey City will be hosting the 38th Annual Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Kabbalat Shabbat Services at Temple Bethe-El.
The event is set to take place at the congregation location at 2419 Kennedy Boulevard and will be lived streamed on their Youtube page.
A keynote speech will be given by Rutgers University President Jonathan Holloway, along with the participation of JC Ecumenical Community Singers, a Christian based organization, which will be by Gail Blache-Gill and other musical guests according to the congregation’s site.
Dr.Martin Luther King Community Awareness Series
On Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. is the Community Awareness Series (CAS) of the Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL), an annual event in honor of Dr.Martin Luther King Jr.
The event will host musicians Winard Harper and Jeli Posse in a Jazz Performance on Miller Branch-489 Bergen Avenue.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Series 2023
Rutgers University Cultural Center will be collaborating with Keynote speaker Angela Rye on highlight MLK accomplishments as a historian and social activist.
The discussion will take place from Jan.23 through Jan.31 according to the university’s site. To register click here.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Jordan Coll can be reached at [email protected].
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