Mayor Ted R. Green Announces Re-election with Green Team for East Orange Council Slate

February 25, 2021

EAST ORANGE, New Jersey, February 25, 2021 – Wednesday night, during a Virtual Rally that featured elected representatives from across the state, Mayor Ted R. Green, joined by his slate of council candidates, formally announced his campaign for a second term as Mayor.

Lifelong East Orange resident, a product of the East Orange School District, business owner and former City Council Chairman, Ted R. Green announced his candidacy for Mayor of the city of East Orange before an online group of supporters, including East Orange City Council colleagues, State, County, and municipal elected officials, family members and friends.

“Tonight I am officially declaring my candidacy for Mayor of the great city of East Orange,” said Mayor Ted R. Green. “East Orange is the only home I have ever known. I am honored that the people of East Orange have allowed me the opportunity to serve, and I am excited to continue to rebuild, restore and revive our great city.”

Mayor Green has been active in East Orange political and civic affairs for over 25 years On January 1, 2006, Ted Green was sworn in as a member of the East Orange City Council representing the Third Ward — a major milestone in a career that has been dedicated to public service.  As Third Ward Councilman, Ted Green served as Chairman of Business and Development for the City, and on January 1, 2015, he was elected as the Chairman of the East Orange City Council, a position he held for two years. While on City Council, Mayor Green effectively served as a member of every standing committee including Liaison to the Mayor, the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the New Jersey Legislature, the United States Congress, the East Orange Parking Authority, the Board of School Estimates, the Personnel Committee and Negotiations Team.

On January 1, 2018, Ted Green was sworn in as the 14th Mayor of the City of East Orange after winning an overwhelming 96% of the vote.

“Ted has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt his commitment, dedication, and compassion and enthusiasm for the people of this great city.  Ted is synonymous with East Orange’s past, present and future and the best and continues to demonstrate that he is the best qualified person to serve as Mayor.” added Essex County Democratic and East Orange Democratic Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr.

Mayor Green also introduced the “Green Team” slate of City Council candidates. The line includes current Council President and First Ward Councilman Chris James, Second Ward Councilman Christopher Awe, Third Ward Councilman Bergson Leneus, Fourth Ward Councilwoman Tameika Garrett Ward, and Fifth Ward Councilwoman Alicia Holman. Comprising current members of the City Council, The Green Team for East Orange has a proven track record of collaboration that continues to enhance the City of East Orange.

Currently serving as the East Orange Council President, Councilman Christopher James is a champion for people and a government enthusiast. Chris’ selfless nature has taken him all the way to the State House in Trenton working for the people of New Jersey in various capacities – acquiring close to 20 years in government, policymaking and community organizing. Chris has a successful history in helping to craft, monitor and move legislation from start to finish. In Trenton Chris worked as Chief of Staff to the Honorable Sheila Oliver, when she served as Assembly Speaker, and Deputy Executive Director of the Assembly Democratic Office. He also served as Executive Director for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee (NJSDSC). During his tenure at NJSDSC he worked to elect New Jersey’s first African American Senator, Cory Booker, New Jersey’s first African American Congresswoman, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and helped produce the largest Assembly Majority in 35 years.

Councilmember Christopher Awe is a proud first-generation Nigerian American and lifelong resident of East Orange who has established himself as a seasoned entrepreneur, educator and mentor committed to civic and social engagement. A graduate of HBCU University of Maryland Eastern Shore, an active member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and a member of several service Organizations, Councilmember Awe has proven himself as a deeply committed local leader. Christopher has served as an educator in the East Orange School District, a coach for youth track and basketball teams, as well as a Park Director for the East Orange Department of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. In addition to social investment through education and mentorship, Councilman Awe has been an extremely proactive local leader and collaborator, collaborating with elected and community leaders in the Congressional Black Caucus, the NAACP and the Urban League of Essex County Young Professionals on statewide and national initiatives.

Councilmember Bergson Leneus made history in 2018 when he was sworn as the first Haitian American elected to office in East Orange’s rich history. Councilmember Leneus began his journey in public service as a member of the East Orange YMCA Board, where he oversaw programs and initiatives that helped uplift the community at large. This was followed by his appointment to the East Orange School Board, where he served as President for three years. As a member of the East Orange City Council, Berg has hit the ground running with several community based initiatives that have garnered great support for the residents of the Third Ward of East Orange and the community at large, including his locally renowned public health focused “Moving and Grooving” exercise program hosted at Elmwood Park.

A proud lifelong resident of the City of East Orange, Councilwoman Tameika Garrett-Ward continues to serve as a committed advocate for the residents of the Fourth Ward. A loving mother of six, grandmother of two, and award winning educator within the Newark Public School System, Councilmember Garrett-Ward is dedicated to finding new and innovative ways to uplift her community. Councilwoman Garrett-Ward brings over 30 years of public service experience to the East Orange City Council. As a Lifeguard and Aquatic Director working with the Department of Recreation’s Summer Youth program, she taught hundreds how to swim and assisted many East Orange Students land their first job. Her local and community involvement has been recognized by the East Orange School District, which recognized her with both the Mildred Barry Garvin School Parent of the Year and the Clark School of East Orange Community People of Influence Award.

Councilmember Alicia Holman is a lifelong resident of East Orange and a proud product of the East Orange Public School System. Alicia has held office as a member of the East Orange City Council since 2006, where she has tirelessly worked as an advocate for the residents of the Fifth Ward. During her time with the City Council, Councilmember Holman has served as Chairwoman of the Council and various committees, including Public Safety, Housing, Licensing & Inspection and the Law and Legislation Committees. Alicia was integral in the development of the Public Safety Department that saw the consolidation of the Fire, Police, and Emergency Management Department and helped usher in the lowest crime rates in decades.