Freeholder Bill O’Dea Endorses The Education Matters Team

The Education Matters team is proud to announce that it has received an endorsement from Hudson County Freeholder Bill O’Dea. “Our team is thrilled to receive an endorsement from someone like Freeholder O’Dea. His lifelong career and track record speaks for itself and the fact that he has been a staunch advocate for unions and what they stand for as well as someone who has worked to provide services for our Jersey City Youth through the South Hudson Civic Association for decades makes this endorsement something this team holds dear.” stated Mike Greco, Education Matters Campaign Manager

Freeholder O’Dea issued the following statement regarding the endorsement. “I am proud to offer my endorsement & support for the Education Matters team of Lorenzo Richardson 1I, Gina Verdibello 2I & Lekndrick Shaw 3I. Through my work with various pro labor groups as well as my advocacy for our youth through The South Hudson Civic Association, the fact that this team is trusted and backed by the 4,000 members of the Jersey City Education Association who are in the trenches educating the youth of Jersey City makes this an easy and straightforward choice for me. In this critical crisis, our schools and our youth need leadership that knows what works to guide us through it. Lorenzo Richardson has been a watchdog during his tenure on the Board, making sure funds went to our classrooms instead of high paid corporate consultants. He also helped successfully negotiate several union contracts that brought fair wages and affordable healthcare to many district employees. Gina Verdibello has been a visible parent advocate in my district and throughout Jersey City. Since being on the board, she has used her voice to ensure that input from various community stakeholders are considered in making informed decisions to better our schools. Lekendrick Shaw is a product of our city’s public school system and a young man dedicated to Jersey City. He is not afraid to speak up against injustice. He works tirelessly to help our youth and worked closely with me on recruiting for the Summer Youth Employment Program. During the pandemic he has volunteered countless hours assisting in the delivery of essential goods to hundreds of seniors and disabled Jersey City residents who have been forced to shelter in place. I encourage Jersey City residents to put their trust in this team to ensure the best outcome possible for the Jersey City Public Schools”