“SEE YOU IN COURT:” COUNCILMEMBER SOLOMON RESPONDS TO FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT SEEKING TO OVERTURN RIGHT-TO-COUNSEL LEGISLATION

Jersey City, NJ—In response to the Jersey City Property Owners’ Association’s intent to file a lawsuit overturning Jersey City’s recently-passed Right-to-Counsel and Development Fee ordinances, which would provide tenants with fair legal representation while ensuring tens of millions of dollars gets placed in the city’s Affordable Housing Trust, Councilmember James Solomon released the following statement:

“I spearheaded Right-to-Counsel legislation in Jersey City because only three percent of tenants get the representation they need in court while slumlords and developers race to evict them. It passed unanimously.

“Since Right-To-Counsel was first announced, my office has received threats of legal action, including from far-right activist groups who worked to overturn abortion and affirmative action in this country. I won’t be cowed by people who align themselves with these radicals to expand their profit margins.

“You want to sue your way out of your responsibilities to tenants, Jersey City residents, and the city that allowed you to make the profits you’re using to fund this suit against us? You want to waste your time and money on this frivolous lawsuit? Fine. See you in court.”

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James Solomon represents downtown Jersey City as the Ward E Councilmember. He is focused on building a just city with affordable housing and improved mass transit, bicycling, and pedestrian infrastructure. He is also an adjunct professor of political science at Saint Peter’s University, New Jersey City University, and Hudson County Community College.