Meet the Candidates

Our council candidates reflect the diversity of the city more than any other ticket in the history of the city. We have many new faces and a couple long time community leaders, but for the vast majority this will be their first run for office. My intent in assembling the ticket was to focus on bridge building and inclusiveness. It captures some of the best aspects of Jersey City with expertise ranging from budgets, to recreation, to public safety, to education, to community responsiveness. The bottom line is when we said we were going to do things differently and pick the best people for the long term prospects of the city and not necessarily the most politically known name in every case - we meant it!

Help us get the whole team into office. Vote in the runoff election on Tuesday, June 11 from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Rolando Lavarro for Council-At-Large

In 2011, Rolando upset the political establishment to become Jersey City’s first Asian-American councilman. Since being elected, he’s focused his efforts on providing solutions and making the people of Jersey City the center of his policy priorities.

Daniel Rivera for Council-At-large

Meet Daniel Rivera, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and former President of the Roberto Clemente LIttle League of Jersey City.

Joyce Watterman for Council-At-Large

Joyce Watterman was born, raised and educated in Jersey City. She graduated from William L. Dickinson High School and worked at the former Jersey City Medical Center for more than 13 years. Joyce is dedicated to making Jersey City a better place for all and currently works as a licensed realtor.

Frank Gajewski for Ward A Council

Frank is a lifelong resident of Jersey City. He’s the son of a World War II veteran and was the first generation of his family to attend college. Frank and his family decided to raise their two sons in Jersey City, Michael and Jeffrey. Frank’s commitment to Jersey City is unshaken and he is willing to fight to make this City safe and affordable.

Khemraj "Chico" Ramchal for Ward B Council

Chico has served in local and county government, and has been a civic leader for many years. He has worked closely with Freeholder Bill O’Dea and Councilman Dave Donnelley to address the needs of Ward B. Chico also serves as Chairperson for South Hudson Civic Association and President of the West Indian American Committee.

Nidia Rivera Lopez for Ward C Council

Nidia Rivera Lopez represents Ward C on the Jersey City Municipal Council. She was elected to the Council in 2009, making her the first Hispanic Councilwoman of Puerto Rican descent to serve the City. She’s the founder and principal of N.B. Consultants, a progressive consulting firm. As a successful businesswoman, she has over thirty years of experience in the managerial consulting industry.

Sean Connors for Ward D Council

A Jersey City native who lives in the Jersey City Heights, he was born at the Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital, Medical Center in 1969. A graduate of Hudson Catholic High School, Connors attended Hudson County Community College before joining the Hudson County Police Department. He subsequently joined the Jersey City Police Department in 1994 and was promoted to the rank of detective in 2002. While serving in the Jersey City Police Force, Detective Connors has received two Valor Awards, four Commendations, seven Excellent Police Service Awards, as well as the City’s World Trade Center Award. Sean proudly served on the JC Board of Education and most recently, in the NJ General Assembly.

Diane Coleman for Ward F Council

Diane Coleman is a firm defender of Jersey City's neediest residents. As Founder and CEO of Building An Empire, Inc. located on MLK Drive, Diane Coleman has assisted over 8,000 residents with finding apartments, security deposits, paying back rent, making utility payments, job readiness and opportunities, as well as assisted with applying for vouchers for food, clothing and furniture. Diane is a lifelong resident of Jersey City, attended Lincoln High School, St. Peter’s College and the College of Pennsylvania.

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