SSDS Alumnus Mayor Fulop a Rising Star in N.J. Politics
Aryeh Lande ‘18 and Zach Colton-Max
‘17
Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has been a on a meteoric rise
in New Jersey politics since securing a seat on the Jersey City Council in
2005. After securing his Council seat, Fulop won the mayoral election of Jersey
City in 2013. In addition to being a politician, Fulop is also an alumnus of
Golda Och Academy – then Solomon Schechter Day School – and he acknowledges the
important role the school played in his development.
“[Schechter gave me] every opportunity to learn and develop,” he said.
Fulop’s
political leanings are shaped by his family’s experience. He is the grandson of
Holocaust survivors and his family believed very strongly in faith. As a
result, Fulop incorporates the lessons Judaism taught him into his outlook on
society and politics.
One major
issue that Fulop tackled successfully in Jersey City was paid sick leave. He
was able to grant salaries to Jersey City employees who are taking time to care
for someone at home. He does not want employees to have to choose between
caring for an ill family member or sacrificing their salary.
He did
not comment on the ability of this policy to be implemented statewide, only
mentioning that other municipalities experience similar issues.
In
response to questions about tax policy, Fulop offered a new approach to
incorporating tax cuts and revenue boosts.
“In
Jersey City we’ve been able to cut taxes by about 2 percent while increasing
revenue and expanding services,” he explained, “because we’ve been successful
at growing the ratable base. We don’t have to increase the burden on taxpayers
if we invest intelligently, partner with the private sector where possible, and
focus on growth.”
This new
approach has been incredibly effective in Jersey City, improving their ability
to invest in underserviced areas. Fulop is most proud of the growth he has
spurred in these areas as well as the economic stability of his city, leading
in the raising of its credit rating twice.
Although
he is a registered Democrat, Fulop he believes in looking past party ideology
to achieve what is best for the city.
“There is
no Republican or Democratic way to pick up the garbage,” he said, quoting
former New York Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia.
Fulop
prioritizes the betterment of his city and helping others as a civic servant.
If helping others requires him to break through his party platform, he has no
problem in doing so. That said, Fulop believes the Republican party is headed
in the wrong direction with Donald Trump at its helm.
Fulop is
in a very interesting position in regard to the election, because Trump has
used Jersey City in one of his most controversial and questionable comments.
Earlier this year, the presumptive Republican nominee for President described
the events of 9/11, seeing citizens of Jersey City cheering as the towers fell.
Fulop wants to make it very clear that this portrays Jersey City’s citizens
unfairly, as it did not happen.
Fulop has
also been critical of Chris Christie’s governorship.
“I don't
think it has been successful overall,” he said. “I think his term started with
some problems and those issues still exist.”
From a
state-wide outlook, it is easy to see Fulop emerging as the Democratic front-runner
in the next gubernatorial election. He has all the characteristics that brand
him as a poster-boy ticket: he is young, intelligent and a veteran of the U.S.
army. Additionally, he has an impressive track record and has proven his
effectiveness across many offices of government. Furthermore, many people feel
Christie has hurt the state more than helping it and so a Democrat looks
increasingly likely to be the next governor.
If Fulop
can win the Democratic primary, he stands the greatest chance of becoming our
governor. This will be a great achievement for GOA, the Fulop legacy, and New
Jersey Jewry as a whole.
