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Former Paterson mayor Jeffery Jones announces run for Congress | Paterson Times

Former Paterson mayor Jeffery Jones announces run for Congress

jeffery-jones-running-for-congress

Former city mayor Jeffery Jones on Thursday night said he is running for the seat held by longtime congressman Bill Pascrell Jr.

Jones said he will run as a Democrat to challenge Rep. Pascrell in the June primary for the 9th congressional district seat.

“If that doesn’t work, independent is an option,” said the former mayor. He said his run for Congress began as a “simple what if” which culminated in today’s announcement after more than two weeks of rumors.

Jones pulled out two miniature American constitutions from his pocket. “I read nothing that implies or speaks to that the term of office is a lifetime appointment,” he said taking aim at the popular incumbent. “Part of this campaign is to break the cycle of incumbency.”

Pascrell, a former city mayor, has been in office for 20 years. Jones said he has worked on the congressman’s campaign several times, but when he sought assistance as 1st Ward councilman he did not receive much help.

“This city, which you proudly boast as your home, has suffered too long. And if you can’t fix it. It’s time for change,” said Jones.

Jones had a bitter relationship with Pascrell while mayor. Jones backed Pascrell’s challenger Steve Rothman in a grueling primary race in 2012. Pascrell mobilized his supporters and defeated Rothman.

Jones suffered a bad defeat in the 2014 mayoral election coming in fourth place. His tenure as mayor was marked by scandals and large tax increases.

The announcement took place at the Masonic Lodge on Broadway and was attended by about 30 people. Jones’ friend Erik Lowe, who is seeking a run in the 5th Ward, explained away the low turnout stating the event was a press conference.

Jones also took about 10 questions from attendees at the event.

No one brought up his rocky four years as mayor of the Silk City. Lowe and another Jones supporter floated the idea of putting together a chart that would highlight the accomplishments of city mayors going back to Pascrell.

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This report was last updated on February 26th, 2016 at 5 p.m.

  • Plumber

    that's a joke

  • Sam

    Every politician in Paterson hates and despises every other politician in Paterson. It's kind of like the Republican primaries. All the candidates hate each other.

  • http://www.facebook.com/animalabusewar Animal Abuse War

    this has to be an early April Fool's Day joke.he has some nerve after messing up as a mayor in Paterson.i would be so embarrassed,i would move.

  • 2eyesonpaterson

    I'll give JJ the brass balls award for even thinking about taking down bill pascrell..JJ is a laughing stock and a disgrace of a former mayor..finishing fourth on a field of eight for the mayor election..wake up JJ,u should of moved out of Ptown after that debacle..now u resurface and want to run for congress as what,congress doesn't need any pranksters JJ..please save face and stop disgracing any further bc it's gone way beyond pity for your dumb ambitions….

  • Paterson Man

    Jeff. Jeff. Jeff. You out of your mind, brother. You misleading black folk into thinking this is about them, just how you did when running for mayor, only to benefit yourself and your frat brothers and sisters.

    You left Paterson in shambles, now you want to run for U.S. Congress?

    Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. We not going to get fooled twice by a incompetent joker like you.

    You better spend your time campaigning somewhere else cause Paterson people won't host you in their homes, businesses, or anywhere.

    You a disgrace and brought shame on us!

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