Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy today announced Council President Peter Brennan and former Assemblyman and Jersey City Schools Superintendent Charles T. Epps as the latest additions to his Council Slate.  They will join previously announced candidates, community activist Dan Levin and Ward F Committeeman Omar Perez.

“In putting together my re-election team, I’m looking for those who share my same motivation for both running for office and for governing – namely, always doing what’s best for the families, taxpayers and small businesses of Jersey City,” said Mayor Healy. “I look forward to working with Peter Brennan and Charles Epps to continue the progress being made to keep moving our city in the right direction.”

Healy's selection of Epps immediately set off alarm bells around the city.

Running against the incumbent mayor, Steve Fulop led the successful charge to dump the $268,200-per-year Epps as superintendent of schools.

Healy's allies trust that he remains popular in the African American community, especially in Ward A, and now he's back, apparently with a local vengeance.

Fulop doesn't mind that fight.

"Charles Epps' record speaks for itself and we are looking forward to highlighting it for voters during the campaign," said Fulop campaign spokesman Bruno Tedeschi.

For his part, Brennan has been a businessman in Jersey City’s Greenville section - as owner-operator of Pete’s Gulf Station, Pete’s Towing Service, Soda City Warehouse and Distribution Center and Executive Vice President of Brennan’s Transportation and Warehousing Company. He was born, raised, and educated in downtown Jersey City. Since 2009, Brennan has been Jersey City’s Council President. He previously served as a Ward A Councilman from 2001 through 2004, when he became Councilman-at-Large.

Brennan is a three-time Chair of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, was honored as Irishman of the Year in 1994 and was Grand Marshal in 2005. He’s a member of the Loyal Order of Moose, Ancient Order of Hibernians, Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Hudson County, Project Children, Elks Club and Greenville Little League. 

"Being born and raised in Jersey City, I will always do what’s best for my hometown,” said Brennan. “Under Mayor Healy’s leadership, Jersey City is clearly on the upswing, with reduced crime and five new parks in various stages of planning and construction throughout the city. I’m looking forward to continuing the progress for every family and all parts of this city we both love.”

Epps served as Superintendent of Jersey City schools. A life-long Jersey City resident, he also served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2006-2008.

“I look forward to being part of the Healy team, as we continue making sure Jersey City is recognized as the world-class city it is for all the families who live here,” said Epps. “While his opponents look to sell out our schools, families and future to the highest bidder, Mayor Healy always does what’s best for Jersey City.”

Epps is running for Jersey City’s Ward A Council Seat. Today, at a Ward A, Campaign Headquarters Opening, Healy also received the endorsement of a slew of former Ward A Council Members, including:

1973-1977                      Timothy Hawkes

1981-1985                      Robert Betz

1989-1993                      Vincent Signorile

1993-1997                      Cathy Macchi

1997-2001                      Robert Cavanaugh

2001-2004                      Peter Brennan

2004-2005                      Kathy Curran 

2005-present                  Michael Sottolano