Jersey City’s next mayor, James Solomon, isn’t waiting around to shape his team for the city’s next chapter. His latest move? He’s elevating longtime aide Kristel Mejia-Asqui to deputy chief of staff.
This signals a continued focus on equity, tenant protections, and neighborhood-level engagement. City Hall is gearing up for a big transition in leadership.
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Kristel Mejia-Asqui: From Intern to Deputy Chief of Staff
Some of the best stories in politics start at the bottom. Mejia-Asqui’s journey fits that mold.
She kicked off her public service career as an intern in Solomon’s office while studying at New Jersey City University. She learned the ins and outs of constituent services and local legislation from day one.
Over the past two years, she’s become one of Solomon’s most trusted advisors. She currently serves as his chief of staff on the City Council.
In that role, she’s overseen legislative strategy and constituent services. She’s also led community outreach for Ward E, which covers much of Downtown Jersey City.
Her experience in this dense, fast-changing ward put her right in the middle of discussions about housing, development, and quality-of-life issues. She’s seen the city’s challenges up close.
A Record Grounded in Equity and Tenant Rights
Solomon often highlights Mejia-Asqui’s focus on equity and tenant rights. That’s not just a slogan; it really speaks to what a lot of residents care about—rising rents, changing neighborhoods, and complicated new developments.
As deputy chief of staff, she’ll likely work to make sure those priorities show up in citywide policies. Her promotion also shows Solomon’s preference for leaders with real, on-the-ground experience.
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She’s dealt directly with residents’ daily problems, from noise complaints and zoning headaches to emergency housing help and language access. That kind of practical knowledge usually leads to more responsive government once an administration gets settled.
Solomon’s Inner Circle Takes Shape
Mejia-Asqui is the second major staffing announcement from the mayor-elect. These hires give us an early sense of the tone and priorities of the new administration.
Solomon also picked Laura Bustamante as his chief of staff. Bustamante brings experience as a council chief of staff and has worked for U.S. Senator Andy Kim.
Her background mixes local and federal insight. She knows her way around municipal government and the bigger policy conversations happening in Trenton and Washington.
A Team Oriented Around Policy and Access
With Bustamante as chief of staff and Mejia-Asqui as deputy, Solomon is building a policy-heavy, operations-focused inner circle. Both appointments suggest he values legislative skills, community ties, and the ability to navigate different levels of government.
Instead of relying on outside consultants or private-sector veterans, Solomon’s early picks come from inside: people who know constituent work, council procedures, and housing and equity issues. For residents, the real effects will become clear next year as this team rolls out its agenda on rent stabilization, public safety, and transportation.
After a Decisive Win, a New Era at City Hall
These appointments follow a decisive electoral victory. In the mayoral runoff, Solomon defeated former Governor Jim McGreevey by a wide margin—68–32.
The race drew attention across the state. Voters sent a clear message that they want something different from the old, establishment-driven leadership models.
Solomon will take over from Mayor Steven Fulop, who chose not to seek a fourth term and is now running for governor. That alone marks a big shift.
Fulop’s time in office brought rapid development, a changing skyline, and heated debates over affordability and land use. Solomon steps in with plenty to inherit—and plenty to prove—as Jersey City keeps growing into a regional powerhouse.
What This Means for Residents and Visitors
With new leadership settling in, everyday issues will shape how people experience the city. Housing policy, public transit, safe streets—these things matter in every corner, from the Heights to Greenville.
Mejia-Asqui has a background in constituent services. That hints at an administration that actually listens to what’s happening on the ground, not just what looks good on paper.
This local focus isn’t just important for long-time residents. Visitors trying to get a sense of Jersey City’s evolving identity feel it too.
Maybe you’re comparing Jersey City hotels along the waterfront. Or you’re poking around for things to do in Jersey City that aren’t just another Manhattan day trip.
Navigating PATH schedules and ferries while getting to Jersey City can be its own adventure. The policies crafted over the next few years will ripple into everything from street safety to nightlife.
For newcomers wondering where to stay in Jersey City, or families debating whether to put down roots, early staffing choices say a lot. The Solomon administration is making it clear: City Hall plans to focus on equity, tenant protections, and open access to government.
With Kristel Mejia-Asqui stepping in as deputy chief of staff, it feels like the next chapter of Jersey City governance is being shaped by people who know the city from real neighborhood service, not just campaign flyers.
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Here is the source article for this story: Mejia-Asqui will serve as Jersey City Mayor-elect Solomon’s deputy chief of staff
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