Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy was sworn in for a second four-year term at an inauguration ceremony on Wednesday at New Jersey City University.
Also sworn in were the nine members of the City Council: Michael Sottolano, Phil Kenny, Nidia Lopez, William Gaughan, Steven Fulop, Viola Richardson, Peter Brennan, Willie Flood and Mariano Vega.
Eight of the nine ran on Mayor Healy’s election team with the exception of Fulop, who ran as an independent.
Healy gave what was an epically long inaugural address for him, about 30 minutes, where he showed both his serious and playful side in front of approximately 800 people. They included dignitaries such as Gov. Jon Corzine and U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, who serenaded Healy with his rendition of an Irish ballad.
On a heavy note, Healy outlined his agenda for Jersey City the next four years on a variety of issues ranging from more development on the west side of the town to ever improving public safety.
The lighter part came when the mayor poked fun at various aspects of his life including his reputation for enjoying his liquor when his wife Maureen brought up bottled water during his address.
However, the inauguration did not come with some political intrigue before the event. Councilwoman Lopez, who serves Ward C covering the Journal Square, is being sued by the second place finisher in the Ward C race, Jimmy King, on the claim that she is a resident of Florida not New Jersey.
And there was speculation as to who would be the new City Council president. As it turned out, Vega was able to retain his post as president by a 9-0 vote. – Ricardo Kaulessar
Healy sworn in for second term as JC mayor
