Fulop, still undeclared, begins putting together a ticket

Jersey City Councilman Steve Fulop hasn’t announced his candidacy for mayor next year, but he’s already begun cobbling together a slate.

Former Hudson County Sheriff Joseph Cassidy today announced that he will join a ticket headed by the 31-year-old Fulop in next year’s election. Cassidy, 67, plans to run as a council candidate along with James Carroll, who hopes to run in Ward D.

Jersey City has nine council seats – six from different wards and three at-large. Cassidy has not yet determined whether he will run for an at-large seat or for the Ward A spot currently occupied by Michael Sottolano.

Cassidy served as sheriff between 1994 and 2007. Last year, he ran for reelection on a ticket headed up by Union City Mayor Brian Stack, who fielded his own slate of county-wide candidates in a spat with the ruling Hudson County Democratic Organization. He lost to HCDO-backed Juan Perez by less than two points.

"For many years, I've seen what it's like to be on the other end of dealing with politicians both on the municipal level and the county level," said Cassidy in a press release. "I've watched as the Hudson County political machine dictated policy and hiring practices — even in Jersey City. And unfortunately, that kind of practice is not always what's best for the residents and taxpayers.

Fulop said that Cassidy is a well-known figure in Jersey City, and will improve his prospective ticket’s visibility, especially in Wards A, C and D.

“I am honored to be preparing to be on a ticket with him. His long-term experience dealing with the public, the budgeting process and with the safety of the people of Jersey City makes him an ideal candidate to be on the ticket,” said Fulop.