Dear Friends and Family,
I hope this email finds you well.
I’m excited to share some big news with you—I’ve decided to run for City Council At-Large in Jersey City this November! I know this might come as a surprise to some of you (trust me, I didn’t see this coming either), but after a lot of thought and reflection, I’ve decided to take this step.
Jim McGreevey invited me to join his ticket, and I’ll admit, I had my doubts at first. But as I got to know him, I was struck by how he listens, his ability to bring people together and inspire optimism, and his commitment to making local government more effective. I also respect his resilience—he’s faced challenges, learned from them, and come back stronger. His dedication to working with those who need a second chance reflects the kind of inclusive leadership I believe in.
Like so many of you, I’m concerned about the direction our city is heading. Affordability has reached a crisis point, city services are falling short, and small businesses and nonprofits are struggling to stay afloat. Trash and litter pile up on our streets and in our parks, police response times are too slow, and infrastructure decisions often leave us questioning the city’s priorities. Worst of all, too many longtime residents—the very people who have poured their hearts into making Jersey City vibrant—are being pushed out because they can no longer afford to live here. My family has called Jersey City home for four generations, but I could be the last. I don’t want that to be the reality for so many of us who love this city. That’s why I’m stepping up to fight for the future we all deserve.
I’ll be making a public announcement tomorrow, but I wanted you to hear this from me first. You’ve been an important part of my time in Jersey City, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.
There’s much more to come, and I hope you’ll join me in this effort to make Jersey City a better place for everyone.
With gratitude,
Meredith Burns
