March 29, 2024

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Tear gas isn’t banned; Jersey City seniors deserve better housing; Education Matters team should win | Letters

Get the facts on tear gas

I’m surprised to see that law enforcement was awarded the cash for riot gear (“Three and a half months after first request, Hudson County law enforcement agencies will get tear gas”). But more surprised to see a member of the public being quoted as saying “tear gas is banned under the Geneva Convention.”

It is not.

And he is mistaken in his assumption that it pertains to protests of the nature we have been experiencing.  He might want to review the document in its entirety starting with “Basic Rules of International Humanitarian law in Armed Conflicts,” which this is not classified, and “Protection of Civilian Persons and Populations in Time of War,” which we are not.

Kenneth Keane, Eatontown, formerly of Jersey City

Seniors need more and better housing options

Jersey City needs better senior housing. We need more senior housing and better buildings equipped with more amenities such as indoor pools.

The city has permitted the building of condos , condos and more condos. But affordable housing and proper senior housing are scarce and or not available.

Waiting lists for senior housing are backed up for four years. This is ridiculous and seems just another effort to force out anyone who cannot pay the new exorbitant rents.

So far, the administration has not paid any attention to seniors or citizens seeking good affordable housing. They have had more than four years of a building spree that should have included new housing for everyone. Maybe it’s time for a change.

Joan Scerbo, Jersey City

Vote for Education Matters Team

On Nov. 3, vote for the Education Matters Team.

The team consists of Lorenzo Richardson 1-i, Gina Verdibello, 2-i, Lekendrick Shaw 3-i. This team is not beholden to billionaire developers and politicians. The team is experienced, competent and committed. They will represent educators, parents, students and the community.

Their platform is concise and informative.

They are working diligently for safe buildings to welcome students when the time is right; supporting the mental health of students and families; bridging the digital divides to ensure that all students have what they need to be successful; and implementing community feedback and improving communication between stakeholders in the Jersey City public schools.

They are fighting for funding from the municipal government and the state of New Jersey.

Vote Education Matters to lead the Jersey City public schools through the difficult challenges that lie ahead.

Don’t be confused by adversaries who claim to be reformers but represent special interest groups who seek to roll back the payroll tax in the interest of developers. At this critical time, we cannot go back to the politics as usual and promoting condos over children. Please choose experience, dedication and knowledge over inexperienced novices.

This vote is critical in the continuation of progress under the direction of the board and Superintendent Franklin Walker.

Please vote for the team that has the best interests of the entire Jersey City community as their utmost goal.

Perry Cecchini, Retired Jersey City administrator

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