The Heights

Together we can end cycles of violence by providing social support to survivors of crime and investing in social services for our communities. This connects directly with policies that make sure we avoid unnecessary police interventions. Also, there are many cases where a police officer is not the right choice, for example homelessness should be addressed with housing first, as well as the intervention of social workers and mental health professionals. We support pilot programs, such as mental-health crisis response programs that would train and send EMS, mental health professionals and social workers to respond to these calls. 

Disabled people make up an estimated 20% of the population in Hudson County, and yet our city government does not have specific offices or committees dedicated to ensuring their rights are upheld in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This lack of representation and consideration has led to a low quality of life for disabled people here in Jersey City. Together, we can start by making our streets and sidewalks ADA compliant, strengthening the local Heightened Independence and Progress programs, and providing government virtual/online content that is accessible.

The COVID-19 pandemic has widened a massive crack in our society. We live in one of the most expensive communities in the country, with senior citizens worried about paying next month’s rent. Young professionals and working people constantly wonder; can we afford to raise a family here? That’s why we are committed to fight for a Community Land Trust that will build more nonprofit apartment units, so that people of all incomes can afford to live here. Jersey City has designated a fund for parks for years; now, we need representatives with the political courage to fund more homes for all incomes.

Our city government has the power to increase the use of clean energy in our community without any additional state or federal action. This is especially important in the Heights, where unhealthy levels of air pollution make residents sick and vulnerable. The by-products of fossil-fuel combustion in our region threaten the futures of our children while contributing to inequality and environmental injustice. 

Clean energy goes beyond protecting public health and fighting climate change. When we change the way we buy energy – specifically, the sources generating that power — we can also save money, thanks to the power of bulk purchasing. Through Community Choice Aggregation (CCA), Jersey City may bulk purchase electricity on behalf of their residents, providing 100% clean renewable sources of electricity by the year 2030 - or sooner.