The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: James Solomon & Frank Gilmore Talk Jersey City Mayoral Race, Housing, Health Care, Agendas + More
Nov 3, 2025
James Solomon, a councilman and cancer survivor advocating for universal healthcare, joins Frank Gilmore, a community-focused councilman passionate about education and anti-corruption. They discuss the urgent need for affordable housing, detailing their plans for stricter development rules and improved transit services. Solomon shares how his cancer journey influences his healthcare policies. Gilmore emphasizes community outreach for homeownership. They also tackle issues like crime reduction, funding accountability, and the impact of gentrification on long-time residents.
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Affordable Housing Is A Specific Fix
- Jersey City's affordability crisis stems from luxury-only development and rising taxes and rents.
- James Solomon proposes demanding 20% genuinely affordable units with fixed low rents like $1,000–$1,500/month.
Independents Check Machine Politics
- Independent council members act as crucial checks against machine politics and developer influence.
- Solomon and Gilmore emphasize grassroots independence to avoid rubber-stamp governance.
Treat The City Like A Sponge
- Treat the city like a sponge: add trees and porous surfaces to absorb stormwater.
- Invest in more pumps and expand stormwater infrastructure to reduce flooding.