Councilman James Solomon has entered Jersey City’s mayoral race, not, he says, in hopes of becoming another one of the state’s typical high-ranking politicians backed by developers, but to continue working hard to build a better city for all its people.Solomon, 40, spoke Thursday night in front of a couple hundred supporters inside the Jersey City Theater Center, recalling first how at a recent conference he quipped about not having been indicted like some other New Jersey politicians.“The bar is too low and we’re here tonight to raise it,” said Solomon, as he later touched on how he’s seen government let its constituents down at times.“I didn’t want to practice Jersey politics as usual,” he added while explaining why he initially ran for City Council. The professor and teacher, who represents Ward E, said he wanted to give back to the community that supported him while fighting and eventually beating cancer.  Mayor Steve Fulop has been in office since 2013 but is not seeking another term; instead, he’s chosen to run for governor as Phil Murphy has termed out after two in Trenton. The city election isn’t until next year.The councilman officially joined the already crowded field running for the city’s highest office after months of speculation that he would eventually announce a campaign.Among his backers in the room were Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla and Jersey City Councilman Yousef Saleh. Among those who spoke publicly on Solomon’s behalf was Harsimus Cove Association President Tom Monahan.Monahan touched on Solomon’s “independence” as a candidate, plus his work to protect the Sixth Street embankment and protest plans to build the proposed Albion Hotel on Newark Avenue even taller.Solomon made his case for “partnering with the grassroots of this city to deliver real change” by sharing priorities and past victories since being elected in 2017. He noted afterwards wanting to emulate Glenn Cunningham, “who was deeply rooted in the grassroots of this city.”The councilman entered the theater space alongside his family, including his daughter Noelle, playing with a red balloon, and wife Gaby, who described her husband, among many things, as a “policy nerd,” but also as empathetic and “tough as nails.”Councilman James Solomon took photos with supporters after the program inside the Jersey City Theater Center. (Credit: Andy Milone)In his speech, Solomon added how its citizens “deserve development that works for you” and noted how he would not be accepting campaign contributions from developers.“I am not for sale, and neither is our city,” he said, with a group of supporters behind him holding up his red and yellow campaign signs. Solomon touted his successes as a councilman. He said he took on Paul Fireman when the billionaire pushed to develop Caven Point beaches in Liberty State Park for his golf course.“I’m just going to piss off this billionaire and see where it gets me,” he referenced as something he said in conversation with people.Solomon also touted his work to challenge “corporate lobbyists who are price gauging our small businesses” and partnership with Rep. Andy Kim to reform the election ballot into one that doesn’t favor the political machine.“It’s the people, not the powerful, who choose our elected leaders,” he said.Solomon also said he’ll fight to ensure “developers pay their fair share” and make sure the city is affordable for residents.Additionally, he told supporters how people should be able to “love who you love out and proudly,” as well as explained how he prioritizes pedestrian and biker-friendly streets, tenant rights, unions, its different nationalities, and the fight against crime.Solomon concluded by advocating for those in the room to be unite, but seemingly took swings at some of his opponents in the upcoming election, those who want to go back to living in 2004, rather than ahead to 2040, and others who want to “use your future to rewrite their past.”The list of mayoral candidates includes Council President Joyce Watterman, County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, former Governor Jim McGreevey, and former Board of Education President Mussab Ali. Solomon told reporters afterwards he intends to pick a slate of council candidates. Other mayoral hopefuls have already begun to announce their picks.There were plenty of people in attendance at the campaign kick-off event from inside and outside Ward E.“He’s going to make a great mayor because he’s dedicated and helps all people,” said Diane Cecchini, a resident of Solomon’s ward. “If you ever need help, he won’t say no.”She also touched on how he has a lovely wife and three daughters.“I’m not in his ward, but he’s supported us in downtown,” said Jeanne Stahlman, another resident in attendance. She noted how Solomon’s worked with Councilman Frank Gilmore to make the area “more of a community.”Stahlman also took a stab at McGreevey, feeling like his mailers weren’t representative of his candidacy.He’s taking credit for programs and initiatives “he’s got nothing to do with,” she added.The post Solomon Enters Race to Become Jersey City’s Next Mayor appeared first on Jersey City Times.