JERSEY CITY – Former Jersey City Councilman At-large Radames “Ray” Velazquez Jr. will be sworn in as a deputy mayor to Jerramiah T. Healy on May 17 at 4 p.m.
On May 15, Healy announced that Velazquez, an attorney, will be paid $1 for the position.
“Ray showed his commitment to our city during his time on the council,” Healy said Tuesday. “He is a man of character, knowledge, and dedication to the people of this city. I am honored to appoint him to this position, where he will work hard to help our residents and continue to improve our city.”
Healy first appointed Velazquez to the council in September 2010 after former At-large Councilman Mariano Vega resigned after pleading guilty to corruption charges stemming from the 2009 Operation Bid Rig bust. He confessed to taking money from a government informant who posed as crooked developer. Vega is currently serving a 30-month jail sentence.
Velazquez ran in the November 2011 special election to serve out the remainder of Vega’s term on the council – which expires June 1, 2013 – but he finished the race in fifth place.
In addition to serving on the council, Velazquez previously served as a Jersey City Municipal Judge and as a Hudson County Freeholder representing the 4th District. A graduate of Rutgers College and the University of Notre Dame Law School, Velazquez has operated his own law practice and also served as a partner in a prominent New Jersey law firm.
“I am looking forward to this opportunity to return to service,” said Velazquez. “Helping the people of Jersey City, my home, is something I care deeply about and I am honored that Mayor Healy has chosen me to serve in this capacity.”
Two months ago Healy swore in lobbyist RajMukherji as deputy mayor.
Velazquez will serve alongside Mukherji and Healy’s third deputy mayor, Kabili Tayari. Of the three, only Tayari receives a salary.