Solomon Calls for Debate; McGreevey Accepts

Jersey City mayoral candidate James Solomon has called for six debates, including at least two televised events, ahead of the December 2 runoff election against former Governor Jim McGreevey. Solomon, who finished first in the general election, urged McGreevey to commit to one debate in each ward.

“The contrast in this race could not be clearer,” Solomon said in a statement. “While I am trying to bring Jersey City into a more affordable future, Jim McGreevey is trying to take it back to a corrupt past that will just make it more unaffordable and with more expensive rents.”

Solomon criticized McGreevey for declining debates during the general election, stating, “In a one-on-one runoff, that’s just not going to fly because the voters in Jersey City deserve better.” However, at least one debate during the general election, co-hosted by the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and HudPost, went forward with McGreevey present and Solomon absent.

McGreevey responded by accepting an invitation to a runoff debate from the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce and called on Solomon to confirm his participation. “Jersey City deserves leadership that shows up, listens, and answers tough questions,” McGreevey said. “Let’s stop talking about debates and start having them.”

McGreevey said he is willing to debate “literally every other day” and outlined ten policy priorities, including affordability, public safety, education, housing, and infrastructure. “Debates are not about personalities, they’re about priorities,” he said.