Solomon names Rosenstein, Johnson and O’Dea to lead transition team

Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon has named Hetty Rosenstein, the former state CWA director; former Deputy U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Jim Johnson; and one of his former opponents, Hudson County Commissioner Bill O’Dea, to head up his transition team.

Solomon will take office next month as the 50th mayor of Jersey City after defeating former Gov. James E. McGreevey in Tuesday’s runoff election.  He’s replacing Steven Fulop, who did not seek re-election to a fourth term this year.

Keshav Poddar, a former Biden White House aide and counsel to New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, will serve as executive director of the Solomon transition team.  He also worked for Vice President Kamala Harris and Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo.  Stuart Thomas, who managed Solomon’s campaign, will serve as political director.

Scott Salmon, a prominent election lawyer who serves as municipal attorney in several towns, will serve as transition counsel.  A partner at Jardim Meisner Salmon Sprague and Susser, Salmon had served as counsel to Fulop’s campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor.

“I am honored to announce my transition leadership team, a diverse and experienced group of dedicated individuals ready to tackle the pressing challenges facing Jersey City. From day one, we will build a City Hall that not only responds to our residents’ needs but anticipates them – and will take the affordability crisis head on,” Solomon stated.  “Our commitment is to create a government that is accessible, transparent, and proactive, ensuring that every voice is heard. I believe that with this team by my side, we can implement innovative solutions that will make Jersey City affordable and pave the way for a brighter future for our community.”

Poddar said the Solomon administration will “focus on implementing actionable strategies that promote affordability, growth, and enhance the quality of life for all Jersey City residents.”

“Our commitment is to build an inclusive City Hall that acts decisively and effectively, ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.