JERSEY CITY – Wasn’t just weeks ago that Assemblyman Sean Connors insultingly branded City Councilman and mayoral candidate Steven Fulop – a former U.S. Marine and Iraqi War veteran – “un-American”? Yes, it was. But, hey, what’s a little insult among strange bedfellows, right?
So, maybe no one should be surprised that Connors is now running on Fulop’s ticket as his Ward D candidate.
For those keeping score at home here’s a rundown of the political ping-pong.
Connors, a longtime ally of Mayor Jerramiah Healy, endorsed the mayor in his upcoming race against Fulop.
In response to this endorsement Fulop said it should be expected that one Hudson County Democratic Organization machine politician (Connors) would support another (Healy). A war of words ensued between the two, which led Connors to call Fulop “un-American” on one of his press releases.
Last month Connors withdrew his support from Healy, citing the mayor’s weak response to Hurricane Sandy. At the time, Connors said, “It is time to support the next generation of leaders,” but stopped short of actually naming or endorsing Fulop.
Now Connors is on Fulop’s slate.
“Sean and I share a similar work ethic and a common goal for Jersey City,” Fulop said. “Sean has his finger on the pulse of the community and cares deeply about the city. He has been active in the community throughout his life. I’m proud to have him as a member of my team and look forward to campaigning with him as we begin a discussion with voters about the best way to reclaim the promise of the Heights and make it a trophy neighborhood with good schools, safe streets and recreational opportunities for our children.”
A resident of the Heights, Connors, 43, is a detective with the Jersey City Police Department. Prior to his election to the state Assembly last year, the lifelong Jersey City resident served on the Jersey City Board of Education.
“A few weeks ago I came to the realization that we needed change in City Hall and that the best person to lead our city forward was Steven Fulop,” Connors said. “I’m honored and humbled that he asked me to be part of his team.”
Earlier today Healy announced that activist Janet Chevres will run on his slate for Ward C.
Since 2011, Chevres has worked at JP Morgan Chase, where for the past seven years she has served as a business analyst and reporting specialist. “In putting together a council team that reflects our city’s tremendous diversity, I’m continuing to look for those who share my same motivation for both running for office and for governing,” said Healy in a prepared statement. “Janet Chevres fits this bill.”
“After a century of no new municipal parks, now there are 5 new parks in different stages of development throughout Jersey City. I look forward to being a part of the Healy Team to keeping the progress going,” said Chevres.