Paterson council prez, mayoral candidate, entertains backing Christie over Corzine
Paterson Council President Jeffrey Jones

Paterson council prez, mayoral candidate, entertains backing Christie over Corzine

By Max Pizarro | July 21st, 2009 - 12:56pm
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PATERSON - Elected last week by his peers to lead the governing body of the state's third largest city and with a mayoral race on the horizon, Council President Jeffrey Jones said he cannot honestly give Gov. Jon Corzine a passing grade as governor and would entertain the possibility of backing former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie for governor.

"I'm not saying I'm backing Christie, I don't know Christie - but I've been bamboozled in the past by Democrats," said Jones, a Marine Corps vet and college professor who's emerged as a leading African American challenger to Mayor Jose "Joey" Torres, who sources say intends to run for his third term next year.

Jones formally launched his mayoral campaign last year on PolitickerNJ.com.

A staunch Corzine fan, Torres praised the governor's budget cuts earlier this year in a conversation with PolitickerNJ.

“When you look at the numbers, a majority of people are helped by the good things in this budget,” Torres said. “From my perspective – and I’ve been at this for a long time now – this is the first time a governor has come in with a coherent vision to get us out of a financial crisis, while also covering our educational needs.”

Irritated by Torres' close relationship with Corzine and the Corzine administration's Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Jones said part of the governor's job includes finding ways to work with the entire city council, which Jones said Corzine's people have not done.

But it goes beyond miscommunications in Paterson, in Jones' view, to statewide issues and a statewide agenda.

"A statewide agenda? I don't think we have one," said Jones. "Until leadership understands their role of bringing people together and reaching across the divide, I don't think the Democrats are well positioned for this coming gubernatorial election."

A primary time supporter of Barack Obama in the 2008 election cycle while Torres backed Hillary Clinton, Jones has been critical of what he sees as the Democratic State Committee's sluggish response to the grassroots wing of the party that backed Obama early.

He's willing to give Christie a hard look.

"For 25 years we've been polishing this jewel in the rough called Paterson and it's been polished with what we might call a left-handed approach," said Jones. "I've got no problem being the maverick Marine out there."

Tags:

Democrats for Christie

Submitted by Demsandonts on July 21, 2009 - 2:03pm.

There are enough disgruntled Democrats in many communities who see Christie as a winner and an opportunity to break away from those who have run things in Trenton for way too long. Jones is just the beginining of a many Democrats that are considering endorsing Christie. Battleground areas of the state are also ripe for Christie if he moves quickly. Vote Column "A" - All the way!

Christie is making serious inroads in the Passaic Valley

Submitted by SewarenScoop on July 21, 2009 - 3:38pm.

The defection in Garfield is well-known, and I'd expect a defection in Essex County by month's end. Jones will bring in Passaic County. If Christie wins 35% or more of the vote in Paterson, not only does his landslide get augmented, but Kristin Corrado will be the new County Clerk, there will be three Republican Freeholders and even Assembly members Shortway and Sawey from the 35th.

You got to be kidding!!!

Submitted by mars969 on July 21, 2009 - 7:42pm.

I have lived in Paterson all my life, and have watched to circus of the City Council with Jeffrey Jones as leader. Now, he is thinking of supporting Christie- as if there is not enough corruption in Paterson now we are going to support someone who will support another corrupted leader. Perhaps it is time for me to move out of Paterson.

Mr. Jones

Submitted by TomHanson on July 21, 2009 - 7:50pm.

Its campaign rhetoric. Jones knows that Corzine will help Joey with his campaign for re-election next year, so its to his benefit if Corzine isn't Governor. He's willing to support Christie to the detriment of the people of Paterson to advance his own chances of becoming Mayor. Jones has zero ability to influence the vote up the ticket. As for Garfield, Tana was already a little defective. She just picked up two more stray cats yesterday.

paterson

Submitted by kissman on August 22, 2009 - 11:32am.

good for jeff jones.paterson has been a train without a conductor for 8 years,torres gets away with what he does because he knows he can because of his cozy releationship with corzine!enough is enough.we do need change and jeff jones knows it.he is the future of paterson.and this state needs a new leader,i cannot wait to leave this state for good. the corruption and dirty politics are just too much.christie is the best choice at this point.new blood al the way around.i think the cites should have a 2 term rule.no one should be able to run for a 3rd term.good people of paterson you blew it last election!! dont let it happen again.get this guy out before it too late.

Wake-Up Call

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