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The Brian Lehrer Show

Meet the NJ Gov. Candidates: Mayor Ras Baraka

Apr 10, 2025
Ras Baraka, the dynamic mayor of Newark and gubernatorial candidate, delves into pressing issues facing New Jersey. He champions equity and inclusion as pathways to economic growth, emphasizing their importance in education and housing for marginalized communities. Baraka also tackles immigration enforcement, advocating for protections against unjust deportations. Highlighting innovative public safety strategies in Newark, he presents a fresh perspective by framing crime as a public health issue, while reiterating his commitment to social justice and unity among diverse communities.
26:48

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ras Baraka emphasizes the importance of equity and inclusion in his campaign, advocating for support of marginalized businesses to stimulate economic growth in New Jersey.
  • He argues for addressing crime as a public health issue, highlighting innovative strategies and community partnerships as essential for enhancing public safety and reducing violence.

Deep dives

Executive Experience and Statewide Issues

The mayor of Newark, Raz Baraka, emphasizes his extensive executive experience gained over his 11 years as mayor and 23 years as a principal school teacher. He argues that the issues in Newark—such as housing, homelessness, and access to healthcare—reflect statewide concerns, asserting that if New Jersey has a cold, Newark has the flu. Baraka highlights his administration's efforts to combat these challenges and advocates for policies that foster economic opportunity, especially for marginalized communities. He believes that addressing these deep inequities not only helps individual residents but also contributes to the overall economic growth of New Jersey.

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