Ward C City Council Candidate Kevin Bing set out his platform today and made a pledge to forswear developer contributions.
Bing’s position on developer contributions is a change from that expressed in a March interview with Jersey City Times. At that time he said “regarding developers, there are good actors and bad actors in the real estate community. I think everyone should be judged off of their work and their qualities as a responsible neighbor in the community.”
Explaining his position in today’s press release, Bing said, “It is important for me to have a candidacy that gives Jersey City voters an independent voice.”
Bing’s “Jersey City: Best City platform” includes investments in road repair, waste management, pandemic recovery, free legal counsel for tenants in landlord-tenant disputes and the creation of a Civilian Police Review Board with subpoena power.
“This plan came after several listening sessions with Jersey City residents who care about their community. Together, we worked on this vision and will seek to make it a reality at the polls.”
Decrying a lack of green space in the ward, Bing is proposing a mandate that new real estate development include open green space. He is also calling for an expansion of Jersey City’s tree canopy, which currently falls well below recommended levels.
Bing is calling for full funding of Jersey City schools and supports a collaboration between the City Council and Board of Education.