I am excited to announce my candidacy for Jersey City Council to represent Ward A.  As a lifelong resident and dedicated educator in Jersey City for 28 years, I know the opportunities and challenges facing families on the south side of town. I am running to represent the will of the people, not the wishes of a chosen few.

I will be an independent voice on the council fighting for what matters most to my Jersey City neighbors, and more specifically, my fellow Ward A residents. I am not afraid to stand up to city hall and advocate for you, like I did recently as part of the group that fought to repeal the unfair water tax and called on city council to refund the money we are owed.

If elected, I will prioritize our youth by expanding vocational training and recreational opportunities in the city. I will fight for infrastructure improvements so our streets don’t flood with every storm. I will advocate for common-sense improvements to provide more reliable public transportation options and the widening of Route 440 before adding thousands of new units to our ward.

I also recognize that our seniors, children and families need to feel safe in their neighborhoods.  I will address crime and violence with innovative community programs, job training and employment opportunities, family support, social services and affordable high quality housing to build safe and flourishing neighborhoods.  As a councilperson, I will work at the local level to unite stakeholders to improve the quality of life in Jersey City.

These issues just scratch the surface of why I think it is important to have an independent and progressive representative to look out for the interests of the people of Ward A. Lack of transparency from city hall, slashing funding to recreation, a rise in violent crimes, crumbling infrastructure and lifelong residents being priced out of their homes have all been factors in my decision to run for office at this time.

As an educator, a mentor, a coach, a former union leader, parent of three and wife of a Jersey City firefighter, I know that every hardworking family deserves a representative who will fight for them. I will bring a strong record of advocacy for public education, public safety, and infrastructure improvements to City Hall.  I hope I can count on your support in the days leading up to Election Day on Tuesday, November 2nd. For more information regarding the campaign, and to sign up to volunteer, email zadrogahartforjc@gmail.com or go to the Facebook page Kristen Zadroga-Hart for Jersey City.