JERSEY CITY – Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, a former executive director of the Black Ministers’ Council of New Jersey, was today joined by several other African American clergy members to endorse Ward E City Councilman Steven Fulop in his 2013 bid for mayor.
Fulop’s challenger next year is current Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy.
Referencing some of the most important concerns to voters, Jackson said Tuesday, “Steven Fulop is an experienced leader who is committed to all the residents of Jersey City. A vote for Steven Fulop is a vote for positive change. Steven Fulop will not rest until every child in this city has the opportunity to attend successful schools and live in a city with safe streets, thriving business and young families investing in their communities. He will not rest until every child can walk the streets without fear of hearing gunshots, or being recruited by a gang, or being offered drugs. He will not rest until this city’s government treats everyone in the community fairly and equitably.”
Bishop Jackson made his endorsement in Ward F, home to Jersey City’s largest population of African American residents. He was joined by Rev. Donna Atwater of Greater Destiny Family Worship; Rev. Julian Cooper of St. John’s AME Church; Rev. Abdel Khan of Breath of Hope Ministry; Rev. Charles McKenney of House of Prayer; Rev. Reginald McRae of Mt. Pisgah AME Church; Rev. John Milligan of New Redeemer Reformed Episcopal Church; Rev. C. Eugene Overstreet of New Covenant Baptist Church of Christ and Ministries; Rev. Lawrence T. Rivers and Rev. Wendolyn Rivers of Trinity Faith Church; Rev. Vincent L. Thomas of Bethany Baptist Church; and Rev. Joyce Watterman of Continuous Flow Christian Center.
Elder Thysson Halley, of Chosen Generation Ministries, has also endorsed Fulop for mayor, according to Fulop’s campaign, although he did not attend the Nov. 27 event.
These endorsements come a day after New Jersey State Assemblyman Sean Connors (Jersey City – 33rd Dist.) withdrew his support from Healy, citing the mayor’s handling of the superstorm Sandy earlier this month. Connors had previously endorsed Healy for re-election.