Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman announced today the nominee for the Ward D Council seat that was left vacant following the tragic death of Councilman Michael Yun.  By law, the Mayor and City Council must fill any vacant seat within 30 days. The Council President has scheduled a Special City Council Meeting on Thursday, April 30th, 2020, where the Municipal Council will consider Yousef Saleh, a first generation American who was born, raised, and still lives in the Jersey City Heights section, Ward D.

“There’s no doubt, Mr. Saleh will be a great Ward D Councilman. These are unforeseen circumstances in unprecedented times, and while we never imagined having to make such a saddened decision, we know Yousef Saleh is the best person to advocate for The Heights where he has lived since he was born, and where he has been involved in everything from the local Farmers’ Market to the Community Board.”  said Council President Joyce Watterman. 

“Councilman Yun was a tireless advocate for Jersey City, and he will always be remembered for his contributions to the community.  While nobody can pick up exactly where Councilman Yun had left off, I believe Yousef will be able to continue the progress that we have seen in Ward D over the years,” said Mayor Steven Fulop.

Yousef Saleh graduated from McNair Academy in 2007 where he was elected to represent all 30,000 students district-wide as the Student Representative on the Jersey City Board of Education.  He went on to obtain his Juris Doctorate from Rutgers Law School where he studied Corporate and Political Corruption.

He’s also no stranger to City Hall, having served as a Law Clerk within the Jersey City Department of Law from 2014-2015 where his duties included drafting ordinances and resolutions for the City Council.  Professionally, his impressive resume most recently includes J.P. Morgan Chase where he works with businesses to maintain regulatory compliance, and volunteers to similarly help small businesses on weekends, a service to the community that is crucial now more than ever.

The Ward D nominee has volunteered as a Board Member and Treasurer for the Riverview Farmer’s Market from 2015-2017.  He was also a candidate for the Board of Education in 2018, garnering impressive support as an independent candidate.

As the only son in his Palestinian family of immigrants, Yousef Saleh has dedicated his personal life advocating for children with special needs, which is personal for him being that he has 7 sisters, one of whom has Down Syndrome.

“Having worked alongside Councilman Yun, I am extremely saddened for his family and for the community’s loss of a passionate and tireless advocate,” said Yousef Saleh, Ward D Councilman Nominee.  “I do hope to make him and all Ward D residents proud by taking an oath to do my absolute best as a staunch advocate for the community where I was fortunate enough to grow up surrounded by loving family and friends, and where I still live today.  I’m truly humbled to be considered for this great honor.”

The City Council will consider the Council President’s nomination at a Special Meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 2 p.m.