HACKENSACK, NJ – Leila Amirhamzeh, Randy Glover, Andee Post, Caseen Gaines, and Caseen Gaines have announced their candidacy for Council in the City of Hackensack. Together, the slate will be running under the slogan “For Hackensack’s Future”.

These five public service-oriented individuals were called to action in the wake of Hackensack’s inadequate municipal response to COVID-19, which further highlighted the general lack of city services. “The past year has been hard for many in our community. There has been economic anxiety, increased food insecurity, and poor communication and COVID-related services. Where has City Hall been?” questioned Glover. “We need leaders who concern themselves with the needs of our residents, not just the needs of some businesses. I’ve been out there helping my neighbors on a consistent basis. That’s what Hackensack needs and that’s why I’m running.”

Running on a platform embodied by the phrase “service above self,” the group hopes to bring about much-needed change to City Hall. “Eight years ago we were promised a new direction for Hackensack,” remarked Post. “At the end of these eight years, it’s clear that meant developers get whatever they want while our residents are stuck footing the bill. People are getting priced out of living here.”

The “For Hackensack’s Future” candidates cite housing and tax equity among their primary concerns. “These new developments are corporate welfare,” argued Amirhamzeh. “For up to 30 years, developers will benefit from tax breaks and not contribute a cent toward our schools–all while charging almost $2500/month for luxury apartments that will further overcrowd our schools and city roads, continue to drive up rents throughout the city, increase property taxes, and force small businesses out of Main Street as our city becomes gentrified.”

Amirhamzeh is a nonprofit leader at New Jersey Citizen Action whose policy experience is centered on fair and affordable housing. She has lived in Hackensack for over twenty years, has a law degree, previously served on the Hackensack Board of Education, and is a volunteer ESL teacher for Hackensack Public School parents. Glover, a ten-year resident of Hackensack, is the Economic Development Chair of the Bergen County Chapter of the NAACP and Executive Director of Tri-Arc Community Development Corporation, working closely within Hackensack and Bergen County to organize community building events and social support efforts.

Post, a 32-year resident, first served our community as President of several of our schools’ Parent Teacher Associations. She is a realtor, member of the Hackensack Chamber of Commerce, and works with the Rotary Club to provide for those in need in the community. Gaines, a lifelong Hackensack resident, has taught English and led extracurricular activities at Hackensack High School for the past fourteen years. He is an active teachers’ union leader, former member of the Cultural Arts Board, and cofounder of a local nonprofit community theater company. Post, a 32-year resident, first served our community as President of several of our schools’ Parent Teacher Associations. She is a realtor, member of the Hackensack Chamber of Commerce, and works with the Rotary Club to provide for those in need in the community. Lopez is a small business owner who has also worked in the pharmaceutical industry for seventeen years, having studied arts and theatre at Barnard College/Columbia University and working as a professional stage and television actor for over a decade.

The “For Hackensack’s Future” team looks forward to sharing their progressive vision for the community, while speaking with residents about ideas for moving Hackensack towards a future that serves all residents.