McGreevey, Solomon Hold High-Stakes Debate as Jersey City Enters Final Week Before Mayoral Runoff
Former Gov. Jim McGreevey and Councilman James Solomon debated Tuesday night in a fast-paced televised discussion that emphasized Jersey City’s most pressing issues with one week until voters choose their next mayor. In the Nov. 4 election, neither candidate won a majority, and the two contenders had very different opinions on affordability, education, immigration, and congestion, which have influenced many citizens’ lives.
The debate, hosted by veteran journalist Dan Mannarino and broadcast from New York City, began with Jersey City’s hot topic: growing living costs. First-place general election winner Solomon pledged to increase deeply cheap housing units and stabilize living costs for families priced out of their neighborhoods. He urged developers to assist city residents stay by pushing for rental options below $1,000 a month.
Solomon claimed continued rent hikes and governmental incompetence had reduced affordability. He pledged to curb local rent hikes and reduce institutional corruption that affects property tax fairness. He saw affordability as a concern “in every corner of Jersey City.”
McGreevey, who finished second in November, agreed that affordable housing is essential but questioned Solomon’s price estimates. He favors extending relationships with faith-based groups and redeveloping distressed properties, but creating apartments priced substantially below market value would demand city resources it cannot responsibly promise. He wanted to increase access to lower-cost homes but didn’t want to commit to rent levels he thinks would compromise budgetary stability.
On the question of property taxes, both candidates tried to reassure homeowners who dread greater financial pressure. Solomon stated he would adjust taxes just for inflation, while McGreevey said he would maintain them unchanged for his first term. The next mayor will take office during a period of shifting economic conditions, lending weight to the candidates’ promises.
Immigration policy, a major issue in New Jersey and the nation, garnered uncommon consensus. Despite federal objections and budget conflicts, both candidates pledged to keep Jersey City a sanctuary city. Solomon took a direct approach, declaring the city’s principles “are not for sale,” while McGreevey acknowledged the significance of conformity with federal requirements but stressed that local immigrant populations must stay safeguarded.
Another division emerged in education policy. Mannarino worried about the pandemic-related reduction in reading and math competence, a problem schools across face. Solomon said adolescents need stronger support networks outside the classroom, therefore he proposed after-school programming, youth job creation, and broader recreation. He indicated he will create an education-only deputy mayor.
McGreevey said these methods will help, but not solve early literacy issues. He supported phonics in classrooms, higher reading demands for young pupils, and literacy coaches in early grades. He stressed the significance of a solid intellectual foundation before middle school.
The debate ended with traffic, familiar to commuters. Both candidates decried the increased number of New Yorkers using Jersey City to access the Holland Tunnel. While neither supported “reverse congestion pricing,” they both proposed alternatives. Solomon suggested taxing out-of-state drivers who use local streets as speedways. The harsher approach McGreevey proposed required special permissions and rigorous ticketing of violators.
The runoff will decide the mayor and numerous city council races. Jersey City will hold runoffs for three at-large council seats and four ward seats without a majority. On January 15, the new mayor and council will take office, ushering in a new era for one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing cities.
Both candidates will continue to argue to voters who will decide which vision—Solomon’s focus on affordability and youth programming or McGreevey’s on literacy and cautious fiscal planning—best meets Jersey City’s future.
Sources:
PIX11 Debate Coverage
Statements from Jim McGreevey and James Solomon
Jersey City Election Information
