The Chronicler’s Tidbits to Watch & Monitor in Hudson County Politics

1. Ward E Councilman James Solomon’s Mayoral Ambitions: Rumors are swirling that Jersey City Ward E Councilman James Solomon may announce his run for Mayor as early as next week. While this wouldn’t be shocking, a strategic move for Solomon might be to wait until the fall and use the summer of 2024 to vet potential Council candidates. Alternatively, he could consider forming alliances with two County Commissioners to shape Jersey City’s political future within the Hudson County Democratic Organization as an independent force.
2. Bill O’Dea’s Aggressive Campaign Tactics: County Commissioner Bill O’Dea and his team are making it clear they will aggressively counter any challengers. This week, former Governor Jim McGreevey and Ward C Councilman Richard Boggiano were put on notice. O’Dea’s camp is prepared to set the record straight by any means necessary.
3. North Bergen vs. Union City: A Political FeudOutgoing HCDO Chairman and North Bergen City Commissioner Anthony Vainieri has no love lost for Union City Mayor Brian Stack. North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco has withdrawn his support for McGreevey’s potential mayoral run in Jersey City in 2025, instead backing O’Dea. Vainieri and Sacco are ready to deploy their own forces to counter what they perceive as Stack’s invasion plans into Jersey City in support of McGreevey.
4. Councilwoman Amy DeGise’s Outreach: Kudos to Jersey City Councilwoman Amy DeGise, the only elected official to reach out to inquire about former Ward F Councilwoman Michele Massey’s unceremonious firing as the Jackson Hill SID Executive Director amid her health struggles. Shame on the Hudson County Black Caucus for their continued inaction in advocacy within their community.
5. Jerry Walker’s Congressional Bid: County Commissioner Jerry Walker’s bid for Congress seems to be gaining traction with support from Bill O’Dea’s mayoral campaign. The Hudson County Democratic Organization’s decision to remain neutral speaks volumes about their reluctance to support a black candidate. Does a black man stand a chance to gain HCDO’s support in the 21st century?
6. Joyce Watterman’s Mayoral Run: Insiders suggest that Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman’s mayoral run is over. Councilwoman, don’t pull the plug just yet—it’s too early to abandon your campaign. Play your political hand out.
7. Bayonne Mayoral Speculations: Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis, are you running for reelection? There are a few names being floated as potential replacements, and it seems two or three women might be in the race to succeed you.
8. Support for Women in Politics: This week, come out and support two influential women in politics at their fundraisers: Jersey City Councilwoman Mira Prinz-Arey and State Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato. Yes, I am biased.
9. Trump’s Presidential Prospects: Brace yourselves—Trump is on track to win the presidency.
10. Renee Cerreta’s Pop-Up Traffic Lanes Update: Hey Renee Cerreta, how are those pop-up traffic lanes in Jersey City Heights going? I’m curious about who thought this was a good idea.

PS: Heights Campaign Guru David Cruz great event last night for the community. On a different note, you better be glad you didn’t encounter the Sean Connors I remember from the eighties. It wouldn’t be pretty.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of Bruce (The Chronicler in Chief) and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of HudPost or its editorial staff.