The journey to get here wasn’t easy, w??ith coun??cil members split on the best way to handle rising costs while keeping taxes in check.

Here’s what happened, why it took so long, and what it means for Hoboken residents.

Hoboken City Council Approves $147M Budget

After months of back-and-forth arguments, the Hoboken City Council has finally approved a budget of $147,171,014.87, with a ?3.4% tax increase.

It took over four months of debate to reach this point, with many council memb???????????????????????????ers still unsure about some parts of the budget, but they agreed it was time to move on and make a decision.

During the meeting, Councilman-at-Large Jim Doyle, who had been leading it since Council P?re??sident Jen Giattino had attended over the phone, admitted he wasn’t entirely sure what they were voting on.

Giattino quickly explained that the state? had sent over an amendment just hours b??efore the meeting.

Frustration Over Missing Documents

Councilwoman Emily Jabbour explained that the latest amendment added $254,000 to the em??ployee health insurance line.

Still, other council members, like Councilman Paul Presinzano, were frustrated that they didn’t have physical copies of the amendment. Presinzano even said he wouldn’t vote on anything he hadn’t personally reviewed.

The council rejected the ori?ginal budget in April, which included?? a much higher 5.9% tax increase.

Council Pushes for Better Planning Next Year

Councilman Presinzano suggeste??d starting the budget process earlier next year to avoid delays, proposing they begin in September.

Jabbour also sugges?ted creating a special committee to focus solely on the budget. Still, Councilman Mike Russo questioned why they needed a separate committee when they already had a finance committee.

Giattino supported the idea of a special group, saying it could focus only on maki??ng budget changes.

Councilmembers Fisher and Ramos, who had of??fered budget amendments earlier in the year, said they wanted to be involved in that process.

Councilman Russo asked if it was realistic to start budget planning in September, and Business Administrator Jason Freeman explained they wouldn’t have solid numbers until January, but they could start talking about gener?al plans earlier.

Split Vote, But the Budget Passes

When it came time to vote, the amendment for healt??h insurance passed with a 6-3 vote.

Councilmembers Cohen, Fisher, Ramos, Giattino, Doyle, ??and Jabbour voted yes, while Councilmembers Presinzano, Russo, and Quintero voted against it.

Quintero shared similar concerns, pointing out that the city was using too much of its reserves and m?ight be unable to cover important areas li??ke employee healthcare fully.

However?, Fisher argued that using the city’s reserves this year to help residents who are struggling with affordability was the right decision.

Councilman Phil Cohen support?ed the budget, explaining that while no one likes tax increases, they’re sometimes necessary due to rising costs, like pensions and city employee wages.

Russo Criticizes the City Needs to Cut Spending

Russo remained ??firm in his opposition to the budget, saying the city needs to do more to cut costs instead of raising taxes.

Furthermore, he suggested that the council should have reconsider??ed large contracts, like the $7.5 million contract for garbage collection, but said that wasn’t even discussed.

At the same?? time, he criticized the council for not looking at other opti?ons to save money.

Ultimately, the budget was passed ??with the same 6-3 votes as the amendment.

This decision closes months of debates but leaves questions about how the city will ?ha?ndle future budgets.

Looking Ahead: Early Planning and Committee Discussions

W??hile the budget has now been approved, there is still much talk ?about improving the process for the next fiscal year.

In fact, many council members have called for earlier discussions and possibly the formation of a new co?mmittee dedica??ted to handling the budget.

For now, Hoboken residents will see a 3.4% increase in their municipal taxes, a compromise many council members hope will stabilize the city’s finance?s ?while keeping the tax burden as low as possible.

Some are accusing him of using this weed policy as a “ruse�?to?? boost his upcoming run for governor in 2025, l??eading to serious legal challenges and growing backlash.

Is Fulop’s Weed Policy a Political Stunt?

Attorney Michael Rubas has filed a lawsuit on behalf of several police officers, claiming that Mayor Fulop is using the city’s marijuana policy to gain political attentio?n.

Rubas argues that Fulop’s? actions are all about boosting his 2025 ?campaign for governor at the expense of Jersey City employees and taxpayers.

As ?a result, the city is now dealing with expensive back-pay awards and lawyer fees.

Despite state law allowing off-duty police officers to use legal marijuana, Jersey City officials have continued to fire or suspend? officers who t?est positive for cannabis.

And Rubas claims this goes ??against state law and serves no purpose other t??han furthering Fulop’s political ambitions.

The Legal Conflict: State vs. Federal Law on Marijuana Use

The root of the issue is a conflict between state and federal law. New Jersey law, signed by Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, legalized recreational marijuana use, including for off-duty police officers.

A?? 2022 memo from Attorney General Matt Platkin confirmed that police officers shouldn’t be disciplined for using legal marijuana when off duty.

However, Jersey City’s public safety director, James Shea, argued that this policy conflicts with federal law, which ??bans mariju??ana users from owning guns or ammo.

Backed by Mayor Fulop, Shea’s stance led to the firing of several police officers, i??ncluding Mackenzie Reilly, Norhan Mansour, and Omar Polanco, after they tested positive for marijuana.

Even though the city has lost multiple legal battles, including orders from the state Civil Service Commission to reinstate the fired officers, Jersey City has refused to ba??ck down. Consequently, the state has imposed ??daily fines for not rehiring the officers.

The Financial and Ethical Fallout

The ongoing legal battle is hitting Jersey City hard financially. The state Civil Service Commission has started fining the city $100 per day for ea??ch officer it hasn’t rehired, with the total fines possibly reaching $20,000.

These fines add to the mounting costs of ??legal fees and back pay, which could cost the city hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Rubas’s lawsuit also alleges that Jersey City officials knowingly broke the law. During a call with the Attorney General’s ??Office, they were told that they ??????????????????????????couldn’t discipline officers for using legal marijuana.

Despite this, the city continue?d with its “unlawful policy,�?leading to the current legal mess.

In one email exchange revealed ??in the lawsuit, Mayor Fulop seemingly acknowledged the political motivation behind the policy.

Just? days after announcing the city’s stance against marijuana use by police officers, Fulop received?? an email from a political operative.

?His response—“L??ittle revolt we started”—has been criticized as “flippant,�?adding to the accusations of political gamesmanship.

Wrapping It Up: Politics, Law, and Cannabis

What’s happening in Jersey City is more?? than a local issue; it’s part of a bigger debate over how state and federal laws should work together, changing attitudes toward cannabis, and how politics can influence law enforcement.

As Mayor F?ulop continues his campaign for governor, these legal battles will likely stay in the spotlight, possibly affecting the officers involved and the political scene in New Jersey.

How thes??e cases turn out could shape how cannabis use is handled in police departments, n??ot just in New Jersey but possibly across the country.

The plan is to build a 10-story residential building on West 25th Street, including a long-awaited community center—something locals have been promised for ?over ten years.

A Decade-Long Promise: The Need for a Recreation Center

Local legislators have been working for more than a decade to bring a recreation center to the heart of B??ayonne.

Now, the plans for a new 10-story building on West 25th Street, between Broadway and Avenue C, finally include that long-awaited community space—a 12,000-square-foot recreation center.

This project has been a campaign promise since 2014, and the council’s recent decision makes it clear that they’re committed to making it a reality.

Councilman Juan Perez agreed, calling the project “a bird in hand” and favorably comparing it to Mayor Davis’ alternative plans, which he referred to as “bird in the bush.”

Addressing Traffic and Parking Concerns

One of the main concerns around this project?? was how it might affect traffic and p??arking in the area.

Mayor Davis i??nit??ially vetoed the approval, pointing out traffic safety issues on West 25th Street, which, as everyone knows, is already the busiest street in Bayonne.

He argued that a building height of eight t?o ten stories seemed too much for the neighborhood?, suggesting it shouldn’t exceed six stories.

However, most council? members saw things differently after di??gging into the data.

Councilwom?an Jacqueline Weimmer, who initially h??ad her reservations, changed her stance after doing some research.

She pointed to traffic studies from the developer that showed the projec??t wouldn’t cause a noticeable increase in traffic.

Council P??resident La Pelusa also noted that the proposed development would generate fewer traffic tr??ips than the current use of the property as a gym.

Plus, the project includes creating new parking spaces, potentially using 30 spaces in a public lot that will o??pen up once the gym moves out.

The Final Decision: Moving Bayonne Forward

Despite the concerns raised by some council members and Mayor Davis, the veto override passed with a 4-1 vote, making it Davis’ administration’s first override.

The only dissenting voice came from 1st Ward Councilman N??eil Carroll, who remained uneasy about the project.

Essentially, Carroll felt it didn’t fully tackle the issues he was worried about, like revis?iting the Master Plan and considering the long-term traffic impacts.

He also voic??ed concerns from residents about the likelihood of increased street parking?? from new residents and their visitors.

Still, in the end, the council chose to proceed, feeling that the community center’s benefits outweighed its potential downsides.

This decision shows they’re s??erious about keeping their promises and doi?ng what they believe is best for Bayonne.

The new 10-story building, complete with a?? recreation center, is set to become a standout feature in the city and play a ??big role in Bayonne’s growth and the well-being of its residents.

This p??roject is a big deal as it’s the l??argest public transportation investment in U.S. history, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This visit was all about checking on the progress of this game-changing projec??t, which is set to bring huge improvements to the region.

$12 Billion for Better Transit

The Gateway Project i??s set to make a hu??ge difference in transportation for New Jersey and the entire East Coast.

The federal government is investing more than $12 billion in this project, much of it toward building a new Hudson Tunnel.

During their visit, Kim and Menendez got a fi?rsthand look at critical spots, such as staging areas, fan plants, and the paths leading to the new Hudson Tunnel.

This tunnel will help fix long-standing issues with the area’s transportation system, which affects millions of people and many businesses.

Congressman Andy Kim made i?t clear how important this project ??is.

Jobs, Environmental Benefits, and a Stronger Economy

Congressman Menendez agreed, saying that this project will bring?? big changes.

He pointed out that this investment will do more than improve transit—it will create thousands of good jobs, help tackle cl?imate change, and strengthen our infrastructure. Essentially, this project should improve life for everyone in New Jersey and beyond.

As the state’s current transit system has been outdated for too long, this?? project will f?inally provide the upgrades people have been waiting for.

The new jobs will also greatly help the local ec??onomy, offering steady??????????????????????????, good-paying work to many families.

Another major wi?n is the environmental aspect. As we all know, climate change is a big issue, and this project takes a step toward making travel greener.

Thankfully, the Gateway Project aims to enhance public transit and cut emissions—steps that help protect our environment and strengthen our infrastructure for futu??re challenges.

Working Together for New Jersey’s Future

Congressmen Kim and Menendez’s teamwork shows a shared vision for a better New Jersey.

Despite the political issues surrounding the state, especially with the recent news about Senator Bob Menendez, Rob’s father, these two leaders are focused on making sur?e the state’s infrastructure gets the upgrades it needs.

Since the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed in 2021, Congressman Kim has ??been pushing to ensure New Jersey? gets its fair share of the funds.

He’s been primarily focused on key projects like the Hudson Tunnel and improving Amtrak and NJ Transit services.

What’s great is that his work on various committees has helped direct this money where it’s needed most, so that New ??Jersey’s infrastructure can meet future demands.

As they collaborate to ensure the project’s success, their efforts highlight the impact this investment will have on shaping the future of transportation on the East Coast.

In a nutshell, the Gateway Project is set to improve the lives of millions, create jobs, and build a stronger infrastructure for the f?utur?e.

This recognition is no surprise, given his ongoing efforts to e?nsure that every vote counts.

Menendez’s commitment shines through in these challenging times for voting rights, showing his clear understanding of the need to protect this cornerstone of democracy.

Congressman Rob Menendez Recognized for Protecting Voting Rights

In a time when democracy and basic rights face increasing threats, Congressman Rob Menendez has been rec?ognized for his ded??ication to protecting the right to vote.

On August 8, 2024, Defend The Vote Action Fund awarded Congressman Menendez an “A” grade on their 2024 Legislative Scorecard for the 118th Congress.

The Defend The Vote Legislative Scorecard is an important resource, especially for voters curious abou??t w??here their elected representatives really stand.

When it comes to key issues like democracy and voting rights, this ??sco??recard helps you see who’s genuinely committed to protecting these fundamental values.

In essence, i?t evaluates members of Congress based on their support for laws?? that promote fair and accessible elections. Also, it considers their opposition to bills that could harm these fundamental rights.

Doing so prov?ides a clear picture of who is? actively working to protect the integrity of our electoral process.

What Is Defend The Vote?

Defend The Vote Action Fund is one of the nation’s leading pro-democracy organizations dedicated to safeguarding the voting rights of all Americans.

The organization recently marked the 59th anniversary of the Voting Rights Ac?t 1965. This historic law has significantly contributed to protecting the voting rights of citizens, particularly those from marginalized communities.

This statement highlights the urgent need to ??protect voting rights, especially when there are increasing threats from extremist groups and harmful legislation.

Congressman Rob Menendez’s Commitment to Democracy

Congressman Menendez, representing New Jersey’s 8th district, has demonstrated his dedication to upholding the principles of democracy.

In his response to receiving the “A” grade, Menendez expressed his commitment to protecting the freedoms that define the nation.

His words d??rive home the importance of ensuring every A??merican has a voice in the voting process.

Menendez’s advocac??y for voting rights is especially important now, as m??any people feel their rights are at risk.

By firmly supporting pro-democracy laws during these tough times, Menendez has become a vital defender of the democratic va??lues that define America.

The Port Authority is taking steps to improve safety, including installin??g higher fencing and training staff to recognize and respond to potential suicide attempts.

In today’s article, we’re looking at the recent tragedies on the Bayonne Bridge, what the Port Authority is doing to prevent more, and how the community is pushing for stronger safety measures.

Two Recent Tragic Tragedies on the Bayonne Bridge

In a heartbreaking series of events, two people jumped from the Bayonn????e Bridge on back-to-back days, shining a light on the urgent need for better suicide prevention.

??On Sunday, around 12:30 p.m., a man driving from New Jersey to Staten Island stopped in the middle of the?? bridge, got out, and jumped off.

Despite efforts by first responders, including the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) and the New York Police Department (NYPD), the Bayonne Bridge jumper’s body was not found.

The next day, just before 4 a.m., another person driving to Staten Island a??lso stopped their car and jumped from the bridge.

This time, authorities were able to recover the body and take the person to a hospital, but s?adly, they w??ere pronounced dead upon arrival.

These two incidents have deeply affected the local community a?nd raised ?serious concerns about whether current safety measures are enough.

Ongoing Efforts and Challenges in Suicide Prevention 

These recent events are part of a tro?ubling pattern, with four people having jumped from the Bayonne Bridge this year and, sadl??y, only one surviving.

In recent Bayonne Bridge news, the Port Au??thority of New York and New Jersey has been working on several ways to try and prevent suicides on th??e bridge.

For instance, in June, they began installing a 9-foot chainlink and barbed wire fence on the bridge’s westbound side. This $3 million project, expected to be completed this month, responded to the community’s urgent calls for better safety measures.

According to? Seth Stein, a spokesperson for the Port Author?ity, the fence is specifically designed to keep people safe and to help prevent suicides on the bridge.

However, even with these efforts, there are still significant challenges. Initially, fencing was only installed on the bridge’s east side, where the pedestrian walkway is located.

Unfortunately, some individuals attempting? to jump have crossed the traffic lanes to the unfenced west side, hi??ghlighting the need for even more protective measures.

On top of that, the Port Authority has also been training its personnel to recognize unusual behavior on the bridge’s walkways. Plus, they’ve installed cameras and emergency phones that connect directly to mental health support helplines.

Despite these resources, it still needs to be determined whether officers are stationed on the bridge at all t??imes, which leaves some gaps in the current preventi?on strategy.

Community Calls for Action and the Port Authority’s Response

Lo?cal leaders, like Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis and Councilman Neil Carroll, have been actively pushing the Port Authority to take more decisive action to prevent suicides on the brid?ge.

Their concerns, which echo throughout the community, have led the Port Au??thority to accelerate a review that could result in additional barriers, such as higher fencing or nets, being installed on the car-only side of the bridge.

The Port Authority has made it clear that they are fully committed to suicide prevention, investing significan??t resources into various safety measures at their crossings.

For instance, in addition to physical barriers like fencing, they have implemented security cameras, provided crisis training for staff, and condu??c??ted regular emergency drills.

In addition to these measures, phones have been installed on the bridge, directly connecti??ng those in need of mental health support, which can be a crucial lifeline during a crisis, especially in critical moments, like?? when a man jumps off a bridge in New York.

Nev?ertheless, despite all these efforts, the rece??nt tragedies have starkly highlighted the need for more to prevent such heartbreaking events.

The grief felt by the community, coupled with the ongoing risks, make it cle?ar that these protective measures and the wo?rk to save lives on the Bayonne Bridge must continue.

To stay informed on the latest updates and efforts regarding the Bayonne Bridge, check out our Bayonne news section regularly.

As both sides exchange barbs, the community calls for urgent action and improved oversigh?t.

Let’s unpack this drama to see what’s hap?pening and how it might pan out for?? everyone involved.

Heated Dispute Erupts Over Drainage Issues in Hoboken

Things are heating up between Hoboken and Hudson County officials––they’re going at it over some serious drainage problems on Park Avenue caused by recent road resurfacing efforts.

The trouble began when county workers accidentally sealed off critical sump pump drains and trenches during the work. Ever since, the exchanges between both sides have been nothing short? of sharp and critical.

Hoboken NJ Flooding Concerns: Hudson County’s Response Ahead of Tropical Storm

Hudson County Executive Craig Guy admitt?ed that?? mistakes were made during the roadwork but stressed that the County has been working to fix the problems.

He explained the steps the Cou??nty has taken since the issues were first reported, like unclogging the blocked drains and cleaning out catch basins on Park Avenue.

Despite Guy’s reassurances, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla is still unhappy with the County’s response.

Bhalla has ex?pressed frustration over what he sees as a slow and inadequate reaction to the problems, especially with Tropical Storm Debby ??approaching, which could bring heavy rain to the area.

Mayor Bhalla’s Concerns and Public Comments

Mayor Bhalla has been very critical of how Hudson County has handled the Park Avenue roadwo??rk, pointing out three major problems that are w??orrying residents:

• Covered Drainage Pipes: The roadwork has blocked the drainage pipes needed to drain water and prevent flooding properly.
• Road Height Problems: The new asphalt was laid too high, almost level with the curbs, which could cause more flooding because the water can’t drain off the road properly.
• Covered Water Valves: Important water valves were paved over during the roadwork without resetting, which is a serious issue after the city’s recent water main replacement project.

These issues, comb?ined with the heavy rain, have already led to more flooding than usual on Park ?Avenue, worrying both residents and city officials.

Hoboken News: Tensions Rise Between Mayor Bhalla and County Executive Guy

Mayor Ravi Bhalla is upset with Hudson County’s handling of Hoboken’s drainage woes, calling it “completely unacceptable.” He’s pointed out that they ignored earlier warnings about the problems.

County Executive Craig Guy hit back, saying they fixed the issues fast. He mentioned that they cleaned up the drainage basins on ??Park Avenue and sorted out the sump drains quickly.

Guy also slammed Bhalla’s claims about poor inspections as “unfounded and dishonest.” The back-and-forth has only ramped up the tension, with Bhalla pressing for more to be done and Guy insisting they’ve done enough.

Potential Hoboken Flooding: Seeking Solutions Amid Growing Disputes

As the disagreement between Hoboken and Hudson County officials continues, there is growing press?ure to resolve the issues ?quickly to regain public trust and ensure the safety of Hoboken residents.

Mayor Bhalla is pushing for an indepe??ndent inspection team to give an unbiased view of th??e project and recommend what needs to be done.

Now, Hoboken residents hope their concer??ns will be addressed before another big storm hits, potentially turning the city’s stre??ets into flood zones.

Al??though the Mayor’s office and the County are expected to keep working on solutions, the ongoing tensions suggest this issue is far from settled.

For more Hoboken news, read about the man charged with “Free Palestine” graffiti.

By learning about these key players, we can see how policies are formed?? and how they benefit our communities.

So, let’s dive in and meet some of the cr?itical political clubs and important fi?gures making waves in New York.

Influential Political Clubs in New York 

First, we’ll look at some political club??s that greatly in?fluence New York politics �?the groups that help shape policies, support candidates, and mobilize voters significantly.

Let’s break them down together.

1. West Side Democrats

Let’s start with the West Side Democrats, based on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. They are a powerhouse in New York State politics, influencing both local and state levels and even playing roles in national elections.

Prominent members include Jerry Nadler, Gale Brewer, and Helen Rosenthal, who are big names in the city and state of N.Y.’s political scene. The West Side Democrats are known for mobilizing voter support and securing key endorsements.

Candidates like Micah Lasher, who has deep local political ties and has held several key positions in city and state?? government, often get their backing. Their mission is to serve the community, promote progressive policies, and get people involved in politics.

They’re known for hosting events like t?heir Spring Gala and backing candidates for various offices. And these efforts show how they shape political outcomes on the Upper West Side and beyond.

2. Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC

The Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC, founded in 1986, strongly advocates for LGBTQ rights. They’ve playe??d a big role in supporting progressive candidates and pushing f??or policies that promote equality and justice.

Not too long ago, they endorsed Kamala Harris for President, which shows their commitm?ent to influencing national politics through grassroots efforts.

The club’s impact on promoting LGBTQ rights is huge, and it consistently backs candidates who share its values and goals.

3. Three Parks Independent Democrats

The Three Parks Independent Democrats is another political club on the Upper West Side. Known for its strong activist stance and independent-minded members, this club has been a major play??er in local and state politics for over 40 years.

They’ve been named the 36th most powerful political club in New York, and it’s easy to see why. They organize forums for candidates, register ??new voters, and advocate for progressive causes like affordable housing, public education, and environmental protection.

The club has a so?lid history of tackling big issues. They successfully pushed for banni??ng fracking in New York State, closing the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant, and fighting for stronger rent regulations.

But they don’t stop there. They also participate in broader campaigns, such as opposing the Trump administration’s policies and supporting progressive candidates in swing districts.

4. Staten Island Young Republican Club

The Staten Island Young Republican Club is a well-known group in New York City’s political landscape, especially for its conservative values.

Staten Island, as you might know, leans mo??r?e conservative than the rest of the city, and this club is a big part of that.

They’re active in local elections and policy-making, constantly pushing for conservative principles??. Also?, their efforts often influence significant outcomes in the borough.

It’s clear that this club has a strong hand in shapi??ng how Staten Island votes and what policies take priority in the area.

The Most Powerful New Yorkers

Here are five people who greatly shape and run New York City and the state. ?Their influence extends locally to national levels, impacting policies, reforms, and everyday lives.

1. Eric Adams

Eric Adams is the Mayor of New York Ci?ty, starting his term in January 2022. Before becoming mayor, he was a former police officer, served as a State Senator, and was the Brooklyn Borough President.As one of the most famous New York politicians, Adams has made public safety, economic development, and reducing inequality his top priorities.

Since taking office, Adams has been actively involved in initiatives to boost the city’s economy post-COVID-19, focusing on job creation and crime reduction. He has also been a prominent advocate for public health, particularly in preventative care and wellness.

In his first two years as mayor, Adams has zeroed in on reducing gun violence, improving public safety, and reviving the city’s economy.

Incredibly, Adams’s efforts have led to remarkable legislative victories for New York City, where he addressed areas like infrastructure, sustainability, and government operations.

2. Kathy Hochul

Kathy Hochul made history as the first female Governor of New York, taking office in August 2021. Since then, she’s been a key player in managing the state’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.Hochul focuses on several critical issues, such as public health, economic recovery, and infrastructure development. Meanwhile, her leadership has revitalized the state’s economy and ensured residents’ well-being.

As part of New York’s most powerful story, Hochul’s administration supports small businesses, improves healthcare access, and invests in renewable energy. She’s also active in tackling social issues and promoting equality and justice.

Evidently, Hochul’s policies and initiatives reflect her dedication to building a stronger and more resilient New York�?

3. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or AOC as she’s widely known, is a U.S. Representative for New York’s 14th Congressional District, which includes parts of the Bronx and Queens.AOC has made a name for herself as a leading progressive voice in Congress and is a prominent member of “The Squad,” a group of young, progressive Democrats.

It’s refreshing that AO?C is passionate about tackling significant issues like climate change, healthcare reform, and economic equality. She’s strongly advocated for bold policies like the Green New Deal and Medicare for Al?l.

However, AOC’s influence goes beyond her work in Congress. She’s incredibly effective on social media, communicating directly with her constituents and engaging in political debates.

Her story is qui??te remarkable. Before running for office, she worked as a barten??der. Her grassroots campaign, which focused on connecting with everyday people, helped her defeat a long-time incumbent and win her seat in Congress.

4. Letitia James

Letitia James is the Attorney General of New York, the state’s top ??legal officer. She’s made waves nationally with her investigations into big corporations and high-profile political figures.

James has taken on major legal battles, like looking into former President Donald Trump’s business practices and the National Ri??fle Association (NRA). Not to mention, her work focuses on protecting the rights of New Yorkers and holding powerful entities accountable.

As Attorney General, James oversees many legal issues for the state. Thus, she’s involved in everything from consumer protec?tion to criminal justice reform.

Her office handles cases related?? to civil rights, environmental protection, and healthcare, which shows just how influential she is on both state and national levels.

5. Hakeem Jeffries

Lastly, we have Hakeem Jeffries, the U.S. Representative for New York’s 8th Congressional District, which includes parts of Brooklyn and Queens.As the House Democratic Caucus Chair, Jeffries is one of the top-ranking African American members in Congress.

Jeffries has made quite a name for himself with his strong leadership, particularly in cri??minal justice reform and economic policy. Now, he stands as a key player in shaping Democratic strategies on the national stage.

What sets Jeffries apart ??is his desire to make a difference. He’s deeply involved in pushing for police reform, advocating for affordable housing, and driving economic development, all of ?which aim to improve the lives of his constituents and people across the country.

How to Get Involved with New York Politics

If you’re curious about who’s shaping New York politics and how you can make a difference, knowing the key players? is the first step, as it helps us understand how their decisions impact our daily lives.

You ca??n get involved in your community?? by joining local political clubs, supporting leaders who share your values, and voting in every election.

In a n??utshell, if we stay active and informed, we can all work together to create a better future for everyone in New Yor??k.

To stay up to date, check out our news section about politics regularly.

Sharp, who started the successful Vision Zero ?project, is moving to a job in the private sector.

Sharp’s Positive Impact on Hoboken

Mayor Bhalla praised Sharp, saying, �?i>There are few employees who have made as big of an impact in improving the quality of life for Hoboken residents than Director Sharp. He oversaw the dramatic transformation of our Mile Square to one of the safest places in the entire country to walk, bike, and drive. The Director’s leadership has unquestionably saved lives not just in Hoboken but across the entire country. I cannot thank him enough and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.�?/p>

Sharp expressed his appreciation, saying, �?i>Working for the City of Hoboken has been the honor and privilege of my lifetime. I am deeply grateful to Mayor Bhalla and the City Council for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Director of Transportation and Parking. I also want to thank my incredible team and colleagues, who have become my extended family over the years, and without whom none of our significant accomplishments would have been possible. I will miss Hoboken dearly, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.�?/p>

Ryan Sharp’s Impact on Hoboken Transportation

Ryan Sharp start??ed his career with Hoboken as an intern in 2010 and became a transportation planner in 2011.

In 2017, Mayor Dawn Zimmer appointed him as Director of Transportation & Parking, a role he took on permanently in 2018 after approval from Mayor Bhalla a?nd the coun??cil. During his time with the city, Sharp secured over $13 million in grant money for important projects.

He created Hoboken’s Complete Streets Program, which is recognized by NJDOT and Rutgers University. He also developed the Complete Streets Design Guide and Implementation Plan in 2019 and started the Vision Zero initiative.

This project led to over 150 curb extensions, more than 80 painted curb extensions, 14 miles of bike lanes, 14 pedestrian crossing islands, 11 ??raised crosswalks, and seven consecutive years without a traffic death.

Sharp also led major street redesigns, including the Washington Street and Observer Highway projects, making t??he city’s infrastructure safer.

The Sinatra Drive redesign is another major project under Sharp’s leadership, with construction set to begin next year.

Innovations and Future Plans for Hoboken’s Transportation

In addition to these achievements, Sharp introduced several new programs. These include the free Hop shuttle service, the ParkMobile parking system, and Hoboken’s first bike share program.

He also launched a new online visitor permit system in 2020, modernizing the city’s transportation and parking services. With Sharp’s departure, Hoboken will start a nationwide search for a new Director of Transportation & Parking.

The ideal candidate will be res??ponsible for overseeing the planning, development, and implementation of transportation and parking policies, programs, and projects that enhance mobility, sa?fety, and sustainability within the city.

Decided and Close Races in New Jersey

While many races in New Jersey have been decided, some ar?e still too close to call. Here is a detailed update on the results and upcoming special elections.

Confirmed Winners

Several incumbents and new candidates have secured their positions for the fall congressional elections. The Associated Press called these races, many of which w??ere uncontested:

• Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1)
• Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-2)
• Rep. Chris Smith (R-4)
• Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-5)
• Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6)
• Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-7)
• Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-9)
• Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11)
• Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12)

Races have also been called for:

• Matt Jenkins (D-4)
• Scott Fegler (R-6)
• Sue Altman (D-7)
• Anthony Valdes (R-8)
• Carmen Bucco (R-10)
• Darius Mayfield (R-12)

Donald Payne Jr.’s Seat

The late Rep. Donald Pa??yne Jr. won his primary for New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District posthumously.

After the election results are certified, the county Democratic Party committees will decide who w??ill replace him on the ballot.

There will be a special primary in Ju?ly and a general ele??ction in September to determine who will serve the rest of Payne’s term.

Andy Kim’s Seat in District 3

In District 3, there was no incumbent because Rep. Andy Kim is runni?ng for the Senate seat held by Sen. Bob Menendez. The Democratic candidates were:

• Herb Conaway (winner called shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday)
• Carol Murphy
• Joe Cohn
• Sarah Schoengood
• Brian Schkeeper

For the Republicans in District 3, the candidates were:

• Rajesh Mohan
• Shirley Maia-Cusick (separated by about 3,500 votes with 47% counted)

Special Election for NJ-10

Rep. Donald Payne Jr. won the Democratic primar??y for New Jersey’s 10th congressional district, even though he passed away.

After the results are certified on June 17, local county parties will schedu?le a special election convention before Augu??st 29 to choose his replacement.

Special Election Details:

• Primary: July 16
• General Election: September 18

This sp?ecial election will allow the winner to serve the last three months of Payne’s term. Democratic leaders may choose the general election nominee after the July primary, but the primary winn?er is not guaranteed the nomination.

Leading Democratic Candidates:

• LaMonica McIver (Newark Council President, endorsed by the Payne family)
• Brittany Claybrooks (Former East Orange Councilwoman)
• Jerry Walker (Hudson County Commissioner)
• Darryl Godfrey (State economic development official)
• Shana Melius (Former Payne staffer)
• Derek Armstead (Linden Mayor)
• John Flora (Teacher)
• Sheila Montague (Former Newark mayoral candidate)
• Debra Salters (Activist)
• Alberta Gordon (Local Democratic district leader)
• Eugene Mazo (Law professor)

Republican Nominee:

• Carmen Bucco (for both the regular and special elections)

Payne Family Endorses LaMonica McIver

LaMo??nica McIver received an endors??ement from the family of the late Rep. Donald Payne Jr.

William D. Payne, Donald Payne Jr.’s uncle, praised McIver for her experience and dedication to important community issues.

McIve??r, the youngest-ever Newark Council President, is also endors?ed by major Democratic committees.

McIver thanked the Payne family for their support and ??promised to work hard for New Jersey residents in Washington, D.C.

Future Developments in New Jersey’s Congressional Races

Many incumbents and new candidates have secured their spots in New Jersey’s congressional races, which will be held in the upcoming fall elections.

However, some races remain too close to call. Key figures like Rep. Donald Norcross and? Rep. Jeff Van Drew have already been confirmed as winners, while others await final results.

The late Rep. Donald Payne Jr.’s seat is being filled through a special election process, with multiple candidates vying to serve the remainder of his term.

LaMonica McIver, endorsed by th??e Payne family, is a strong contender in ??this race.

The upcoming special elections and remaining close contests will shape the political landscape as New Jersey moves forward. Stay tuned for further updates on these important devel?opments.