Superior Court judge rules in favor of Lopez on residency issue
Jersey City Councilman Nidia Lopez received a favorable ruling recently when state Superior Court Judge Maurice Gallipoli ruled that Lopez’s residency issues were not sufficient to cause her to have to give up her new seat on the Jersey City council.
A lawsuit filed against her to vacate her seat claimed that Lopez’s primary residence is in Florida, where she does own a residence. The suit said she had not paid New Jersey income taxes for several years while filing federal taxes in Florida.
But in the Dec. 4 ruling, Gallipoli stated that her actions were not “resident specific” and not enough to “tip the scale” in favor of Norrice Raymaker, the third place opponent in the May Ward C council race, who picked up the lawsuit after the original plaintiff, Jimmy King, pleaded guilty to taking bribes from government informant Solomon Dwek.
Lopez said after hearing about the decision that she was “very happy” and that she also apologizes to her constituents for the trouble.
“None of [Lopez’s] actions, whatever the motivation for them, is excused or condoned by the decision,” Gallipoli said. — RK
Hannukkah celebration in JC
Temple Beth-El in Jersey City will hold a Hannukah celebration on Friday, Dec. 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Temple Social Hall at 2419 Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City. There is no charge, and family are welcome to join us. Feel free to bring your family’s Hanukkah menorah and share your Hanukkah with children in need.
Please bring a new, unwrapped toy or game for the holiday toy drive. All toys will be donated to a charity that is collecting gifts for needy kids in our community.
Secaucus tree lighting postponed
Because of the poor weather conditions last Saturday, Secaucus’ tree lighting ceremony was rescheduled for this coming Saturday evening.
The ceremony will take place this Saturday, 6 p.m., in the Plaza center.
Gifts for the needy
The Hudson County Child Abuse Commission has teamed up with the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services to collect 6,000 gifts for every one of the 6,000 children in state care.
The Commission seeks new, unwrapped gifts, which can be toys, gift certificates, clothing, or school items. Contributions of money will also be accepted. The children in state care range in age from newborn to 18.
Donations will be collected through Dec. 20. There are no public drop-off locations. To schedule a time to leave a donation at the Commission offices, please call Peter Herbst at (201) 798-5588.