Gretchen Hickey, 10th ward Councilwoman, today formally announced her bid for mayor against incumbent Derek Armstead.

“I am pleased to announce that I am running for Mayor of the City of Linden. This is a decision I did not come to lightly. But when I talk with residents throughout this great City of ours, I am concerned that people are not better off than they were four years ago.

“We need new leadership. I stand prepared, along with my running mate Council President Jorge Alvarez, to lend our experience and new vision for Linden’s future,” she added. “Linden deserves a Mayor who won’t balance the tax burden on the backs of our residents and come up with a thoughtful plan to reduce crime because every resident should feel safe in this community.”

Alvarez said, “I am proud to announce my bid for reelection as your Council President. For the last four years, Linden has fallen into the business of politics as usual. But our residents need a Mayor and Council President that can provide leadership on fiscal management and safety.

“Our residents are not better off than they were four years ago. As Council President, I will continue to fight for you. But I need a Mayor who will hold the best interests of Linden ahead of personal politics. Councilwoman Hickey and I will be the team that fulfills that promise to the people of our great City,” added Alvarez.

“Jorge and I will work tirelessly to fulfill that promise to you: safer streets, tough fiscal management of city resources,” said Hickey, a a two-term representing the 10th Ward of Linden. She is married with two children and is a lifelong resident of the City. She is a Trustee on the Linden Housing Authority Trustee on the Linden Economic Development Committee in addition to the President of the Linden Cultural & Heritage Committee.

Council President Alvarez has served four years on the Linden City Council as Council President, first elected in 2014. The Council President is a Civil engineer, former member of the Linden Board of Education, past present Linden Soccer Association, and proudly served in the U.S. Navy. He is also the father of two children and a new grandfather.