City Council Passes ‘No Confidence’ Vote Against Public Safety Director Shea

Jersey City, NJ – The Jersey City Council passed a “vote of no confidence” against Public Safety Director James Shea on Wednesday night, with a 6-1-2 vote signaling deepening concerns over public safety leadership in New Jersey’s second-largest city.

Councilwoman Amy DeGise was the lone dissenting vote, while Councilpersons Mira Prinz-Arey and Yousef Saleh abstained.

The resolution, introduced by Ward F Councilman Frank Gilmore, urges Mayor Steve Fulop’s administration to replace Shea and appoint new leadership to “restore public trust, improve accountability, and ensure the safety and well-being of all Jersey City residents.”

The no-confidence resolution cites a range of concerns, including rising violent crime, complaints about the effectiveness of crime reduction strategies, and allegations of a lack of transparency in responding to public and council inquiries.

The resolution also raises concerns over inadequate traffic safety enforcement, a persistent shortage of school crossing guards, and criticisms of the department’s top-heavy leadership structure.

Despite the vote, Shea will remain in his position, but the council may take employment action in the near future.