McGreevey and Solomon Discuss Jersey City Public Safety and Transportation

Jersey City is gearing up for the November 4 election. Public safety and transportation have suddenly become the main issues in the City Hall race.

The Jersey City Times recently sent out a questionnaire. Former Governor Jim McGreevey and Councilman James Solomon shared their visions for keeping residents safe and moving—two things that affect every neighborhood, commuter, and small business in this fast-growing city.

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Public Safety: Building Trust While Boosting Resources

Both McGreevey and Solomon made it clear: strengthening Jersey City’s police and fire departments is a top priority. Their approaches differ a bit, but they agree that public safety isn’t just campaign talk—it’s the bedrock for stable neighborhoods and a livable city.

They both stressed the importance of effective resource allocation. That doesn’t just mean adding more officers or firefighters. It’s about putting people, training, and equipment where they’re actually needed, using real data and listening to what residents say.

From Response Times to Relationships

Public safety, they pointed out, goes beyond response times. It’s about relationships—officers walking their beat, firefighters who know the community, and residents who feel like local departments are true partners.

That community focus plays out in several ways:

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Listening sessions in neighborhoods, giving residents a chance to speak directly with public safety leaders.

Targeted training to boost de-escalation skills, mental health response, and cultural understanding.

Collaborative planning so safety strategies actually fit each block or district.

The questionnaire offered a rare, side-by-side look at how each candidate thinks about safety. It’s not just about crime stats—it’s about whether families feel okay walking to school, visiting a park, or opening a shop on a street that’s been overlooked.

Transportation: Fixing Congestion and Improving Access

If public safety sets the tone for life in Jersey City, transportation sets the pace. McGreevey and Solomon both admitted what everyone already knows: getting around town is tougher than ever, whether you drive, take the bus, or squeeze onto a packed train.

They both highlighted two big, related problems: traffic congestion on busy roads and public transit reliability, especially for folks who rely on buses and light rail for work or school. For a city that’s exploded in size over the last decade, these aren’t “someday” problems—they’re daily headaches.

Infrastructure, Accessibility, and Equity

The candidates talked about upgrading infrastructure—roads, signals, bike lanes, and transit hubs—to meet the needs of a modern city. They insisted that improvements should be accessible to everyone, whether you live in a waterfront high-rise or a walk-up farther inland.

Some of the main priorities they mentioned:

Modernizing major roads to cut down on gridlock and make things safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Working with regional transit agencies to boost service frequency and reliability.

Expanding options so seniors, students, and low-income residents aren’t left out as the city grows.

Imagine a Jersey City where getting across town isn’t a hassle. And getting to Jersey City from nearby communities is smoother—for commuters, visitors, and small-business customers.

Why This Questionnaire Matters for Jersey City Voters

The Jersey City Times put together this questionnaire to give residents an unfiltered look at the priorities of two major candidates. Instead of relying on slogans, voters get to see how McGreevey and Solomon actually think through the city’s real challenges.

The Times says this project fits into their bigger mission: keeping the community informed about local government. With limited free access and a push for subscriptions, they’re arguing that in-depth, local journalism matters if people want to make smart choices and hold leaders accountable.

Connecting Policy to Everyday Life in Jersey City

The issues raised in the questionnaire touch almost every part of life here. Public safety shapes whether visitors feel comfortable booking Jersey City hotels or wandering into new neighborhoods.

Transportation policy affects the commuter experience. It also impacts the energy of local businesses, from cafes near PATH stations to shops hidden on quiet side streets.

For residents figuring out things to do in Jersey City—like catching a waterfront concert or strolling in the parks—reliable transit and safe streets make these outings possible. Newcomers and visitors asking about where to stay in Jersey City or how to get around the city districts end up relying on how well leaders handle safety and mobility.

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Here is the source article for this story: In Their Own Words: McGreevey and Solomon on Public Safety and Transportation