I?d like thank the voters of Jersey City that have shown their support for me as a candidate, the values we brought forward and the concrete ideas we have presented. I am grateful to those that put their names behind our efforts and articulated reasons for others to vote for me. I have been fortunate to have the help and support of some incredible people that gave themselves to try to make their city better.

I have always known from the start that my attempts to run for elected office were unlikely to succeed, but I believed that the efforts were constructive and worthwhile. I have never been in a good position to run. I have not had the wherewithal nor the capacity to do it well. But we did it anyway.

Three elections in five years is more than enough. Add in life changes and it is time for me to refocus, get back to work, take care of my family and restart my career. We will still participate in our neighborhood association and be active in our children?s schools. We will still volunteer and participate in the many non-profits that we have been a part of, but this chapter is closed.

I have no regrets as to the choices and decisions made over the years and believe that all of the efforts that I have been privileged to be a part of have moved us a few steps forward.

There are two independents left in runoffs in this election: Rich Boggiano and Michael Yun. They are good men. Vote for them. If you can?t, give them a few hours of help.

Thank you all for walking beside me,

Dan

http://onejerseycity.com/?p=1796

http://onejerseycity.com/


Our Public Values

Jersey City government will:

* Safeguard the security, health, and well-being of its residents

* Respect the cultural and economic diversity of its residents and foster the widest possible public participation in government

* Ensure openness and transparency to governmental plans, processes, and actions

* Minimize conflicts of interest in decision-making processes

* Incorporate best practices in all aspects of government

* Honor and build upon the city?s unique natural and human history and historic resources

* Excel as an employer and motivator of a civic-minded government workforce

* Embrace new and innovative service programs for its people

* Foster short- and long-term financial stability

* Make quality public education a top priority

http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/ ... view-filling-fulops-seat/

Dan Levin has done this before. He first walked the city?s downtown looking for votes in 2009 when he ran for mayor against Healy; then again in 2011 when he ran to replace one of two Healy-appointed At-Large Council positions that the mayor filled in the wake of Operation Bid Rig; and again now. Readers of JCI likely know him, or have read about him, or, perhaps, might soon meet him face-to-face as he makes the rounds knocking on doors.

Levin?s resume stands out among a crowded Council candidate field. A former small business owner, Levin was the president of the Harsimus Cove Association for three years, he founded Civic JC, an organization instrumental in getting P2P passed in the city, and helped found Bike JC. Despite the responsibilities of running his own business, Levin is also a founding director of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy.

He?s been busier than most, and has shown you don?t need to be an elected official or even work for the city to get things done. All you need is persistence, timing (after all, P2P was dead-in-the-water until so many local politicians and operatives found themselves in jail), and the ability to create a strong network of like-minded people. You don?t need to be an elected official, knows Levin, but it helps.

And after two attempts ending in disappointment, Levin took the surprising step of aligning himself with the very mayor he spent so long criticizing.

?You don?t pick and choose who you work with,? Levin says of the lessons learned working as a community activist. ?I may have been more dogmatic in the past, but you can?t get something done by fighting with people.?

Instead he?s taken the ?no blame? approach, which he learned from the Citizen?s Campaign, a government advocacy group that Levin points to as an organization that he admires. ?I?m a student of theirs,? he says.

It?s that bridge-building approach that he will to bring to the Council, if elected, which he hopes will replace the bitter partisan divide that comes with election season. ?I would like to see the contentious attitude on the Council go away.?

For Levin, the representation part of being a public representative is key. Indeed, he argues that a Council person?s position should reflect what the constituents want instead of his own personal agenda. ?It may clash with my personal beliefs, but their needs come first.?

Yet Levin has clear priorities. ?More open space,? he says, pointing to the 6th Street Embankment as a priority and expanding the city?s entertainment ordinance.

But if he and the mayor agree on that, it?s clear they don?t agree on all things. Levin said he?s interested in insurance procurement reform, an idea promoted by the Citizens Campaign but that the city?s Business Administrator Jack Kelly has called unnecessary.

That independence might resonate well with voters, who have been fickle towards Healy. In fact, having the support of the mayor is no guarantee of election, especially not downtown: during his nine years as mayor, Healy?s Ward E candidates have all lost. Nor do people always vote down the line. Getting ?80-to-90-percent? of Healy?s vote, stealing some votes from people voting for Fulop, and making inroads with new residents is the key to his election, says Levin. ?I need to explain that a ward Councilman is a lot like being a neighborhood association leader, which I?ve served as before to work on behalf of constituents.?

http://onejerseycity.com/?page_id=1783


My name is Dan Levin and I am running for Ward E City Council (ballot position 3C) in the May 14th municipal election. I have lived in downtown Jersey City with my wife since 1996, and our two children attend our public schools. For 10 years I owned and operated a small art framing business in Hoboken, giving me an understanding of the needs and challenges of small business owners.

Enacting positive change has driven my work as an activist in downtown Jersey City. I have served with neighborhood associations and community groups, working with residents, city administrators, and elected officials to create change. As councilman, I will work effectively with everyone in our community to deliver results and create a downtown that every Jersey City resident can embrace.

During my time as president of the Harsimus Cove Association, we spearheaded the creation of the hugely successful multi-use plaza at the Grove Street Path Station. This plaza now regularly hosts a farmers market, art market, and live entertainment.

I was a founding board member of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, which landmarked the Powerhouse and worked towards redeveloping it into an arts district. I also founded and led as president the good government organization Civic JC that created, developed, and led the effort to have Jersey City adopt the Contracting and Redevelopment Pay-to-Play ordinances ? the toughest ethics reforms in the state.

I co-founded Bike JC, which organizes the Jersey City Ward Tour; every year 700 bicyclists ride through all six wards. We also worked with the city to develop a bike lane plan, which will be implemented this summer. Not only will this provide bicyclists with a safe place on our streets, but it will reduce speeding. Most recently, I worked with the city to have the Liberty State Park footbridge that was damaged by Hurricane Sandy replaced by FEMA.

I care about what happens next in Jersey City.

As councilman, I will work for a sustainable future and support environmental initiatives that will mitigate flooding. I will help create a more vibrant downtown, expanding cultural ordinances so that small businesses can host live entertainment. I will prioritize the realization of the 6th St. Embankment as open park space and work for a black box theater space because I believe these are essential to the future of downtown and an asset to all residents of Jersey City.

I will continue to fight for sensible spending and good government practices, including reforming the insurance procurement process and implementing an open appointment process for the city?s 40 boards, authorities, and commissions.

As our city grows, we need to create more public communal spaces from plazas to parks to libraries. Like Village Park on First Street, I will make use of private-public partnerships and outside grant monies to bring needed open space to our neighborhoods.

Simply put, I want to get things done and I will do the best I can to make your life in Jersey City better.

Sincerely,

Daniel Levin
Candidate for Ward E Council

http://onejerseycity.com/?page_id=1783

My name is Dan Levin and I am running for Ward E City Council (ballot position 3C) in the May 14th municipal election. I have lived in downtown Jersey City with my wife since 1996, and our two children attend our public schools. For 10 years I owned and operated a small art framing business in Hoboken, giving me an understanding of the needs and challenges of small business owners.

Enacting positive change has driven my work as an activist in downtown Jersey City. I have served with neighborhood associations and community groups, working with residents, city administrators, and elected officials to create change. As councilman, I will work effectively with everyone in our community to deliver results and create a downtown that every Jersey City resident can embrace.

During my time as president of the Harsimus Cove Association, we spearheaded the creation of the hugely successful multi-use plaza at the Grove Street Path Station. This plaza now regularly hosts a farmers market, art market, and live entertainment.

I was a founding board member of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, which landmarked the Powerhouse and worked towards redeveloping it into an arts district. I also founded and led as president the good government organization Civic JC that created, developed, and led the effort to have Jersey City adopt the Contracting and Redevelopment Pay-to-Play ordinances ? the toughest ethics reforms in the state.

I co-founded Bike JC, which organizes the Jersey City Ward Tour; every year 700 bicyclists ride through all six wards. We also worked with the city to develop a bike lane plan, which will be implemented this summer. Not only will this provide bicyclists with a safe place on our streets, but it will reduce speeding. Most recently, I worked with the city to have the Liberty State Park footbridge that was damaged by Hurricane Sandy replaced by FEMA.

I care about what happens next in Jersey City.

As councilman, I will work for a sustainable future and support environmental initiatives that will mitigate flooding. I will help create a more vibrant downtown, expanding cultural ordinances so that small businesses can host live entertainment. I will prioritize the realization of the 6th St. Embankment as open park space and work for a black box theater space because I believe these are essential to the future of downtown and an asset to all residents of Jersey City.

I will continue to fight for sensible spending and good government practices, including reforming the insurance procurement process and implementing an open appointment process for the city?s 40 boards, authorities, and commissions.

As our city grows, we need to create more public communal spaces from plazas to parks to libraries. Like Village Park on First Street, I will make use of private-public partnerships and outside grant monies to bring needed open space to our neighborhoods.

Simply put, I want to get things done and I will do the best I can to make your life in Jersey City better.

Sincerely,

Daniel Levin
Candidate for Ward E Council

March 23, 2004


City Council:

Harsimus Cove residents have a stake in ensuring that the Loew's Jersey Theatre remains a cultural landmark and source of pride for Jersey City. The Friends of the Loew's has proven time and time again that they are competent in protecting the landmark especially in light of the limited resources they have. The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, if granted control over the theater will not have the passion that the Friends of the Loew's has and their absence will be detrimental to the Loew's.

We request that City Council grant a lease to the Friends of the Loew's.

Sincerely,


Daniel Levin, president
Harsimus Cove Association

Letter writer says, if Levin wins, so does Ward E

I'm excited to support Daniel Levin for Ward E City Council, because when Dan wins we all win.

I have known Dan for many years as a neighbor and an activist who is ever present and at the forefront of community affairs Downtown. Being a busy mom, I've trusted him to keep me informed of the issues and advocate on my behalf at City Hall or other meetings I could not attend. Whether it be the preservation of the Embankment or the PAD, reforming pay-to-play in City Hall or supporting the artist community, Dan has been out-front and on Ward E's side.

Dan is one of those rare people who is steadfast in his values and position, even when it's not popular or politically prudent. That's why it doesn't matter what ticket he's running on -- Dan's uncompromising integrity and consistence in working on behalf of Ward E residents will ensure that when Dan wins, W.E. (Ward E) wins.

FELICIA R. PALMER
JERSEY CITY

http://www.nj.com/hudson/voices/index.ssf/2013/03/post_51.html

http://onejerseycity.com/?p=170


Water ? A Plan to Minimize Impacts of Stormwater

Our aged sewer system is inadequate and crumbling, resulting in flooding and sewer backups. Breaches create underground streams that force water through building foundations.

Fixing the system will likely take generations. A long-term capital plan must be created to plan repairs and upgrades. Steps can be taken now, however, to minimize the impact of stormwater on our sewer system during periods of heavy rain.

?Water ? A Plan to Minimize the Impacts of Stormwater? is a plan that focuses on slowing stormwater runoff from entering the sewer system during storm conditions. The plan recommends:

Creation of a Municipal Utilities Authority Master Plan for infrastructure improvements:

-Increased use of High Level Storm Sewers (HLSS)

-Maximum use of green space

-Low-impact development

-Green parking lots, streets, and highways

-Green roofs for new tax-abated development

-Rain Gardens

-Larger tree pits

The plan may be viewed at: Water ? A Plan to Minimize Impacts of Stormwater ? Click to Open PDF

November 17th, 2008 | Category: Environment, Health and Pollution

Testimonial for Dan Levin by Jersey City Preservationist John Gomez

Dan Levin has not just been a friend to historic preservation in Jersey City ? he has been a pioneer and an outspoken advocate who believes in the intrinsic value of the built environment.

Dan is a founding board member of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, a citizen- steered organization that has been around since 1999 fighting for threatened historic buildings. With true civic passion and pride, Dan took on the huge task of establishing the fledgling organization as a not-for-profit historic preservation entity. On his own time, and without compensation, Dan helped obtain the group?s 501(c)(3) status and tax identification number. As its tireless treasurer, he created from scratch a system of spread sheets, forms and receipts for sound book keeping purposes, and he maintained and grew the organization?s treasury ? all practices and staples of institutional success, impact and longevity.

Historic preservation is not an easy task, especially in cities pressured by commercial development. Jersey City needs a leader who will commit to furthering the protection of our architectural patrimony; who will seek and find a fair balance so that new development can continue without hurting our historicity; and who will promise to go into the inner city sections to assist in preserving, protecting and promoting historic resources and igniting revitalization and economic prosperity.

Dan Levin is the preservation visionary Jersey City needs. I believe his trustworthiness, dedication, intelligence, understanding and innate respect for Jersey City?s past, present and future make him singularly qualified to step up to the civic stage.

John Gomez
M.S. Historic Preservation, Columbia University
Architectural Historian
Founder, Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy
Author, Legendary Locals of Jersey City
Manager + Moderator, Historical Preservation Network

http://onejerseycity.com/?p=1728

http://onejerseycity.com/?page_id=1675


About Dan Levin

A resident of Jersey City for two decades, Dan Levin has spent the past 15 years working to improve Ward E as a community organizer, good government advocate, visionary leader, and parent. Whether he has been leading community groups, supporting the arts or being active in education, Dan has proven his commitment to Jersey City?s downtown residents.

Dan has been a member of the Harsimus Cove Neighborhood Association since 1999, serving as treasurer, president and on the board of directors. Under his leadership as president, the Harsimus Cove Association spearheaded the design of the hugely successful and heavily used multi-functional plaza at the Grove Street Path Station. As founder of Civic JC, a non-partisan good government advocacy organization, that led the efforts have the city council adopt the Contractor and Redevelopment Pay to Play Reform ordinances.

Dan also co-founded Bike JC and is a founding board member of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy. These two community groups have been instrumental in the adoption of a bike lane network, the implementation of Jersey City?s Shade Tree ordinance and the creation of the Annual Preservation Awards.

Levin?s two children attend Jersey City?s public district schools and Levin has been committed to improving education for Jersey City?s children. He has recruited and walked alongside the most successful school board members.

As your Ward E councilman, Dan will continue to improve the lives of Jersey City residents as he has done for the last two decades.

http://www.nj.com/hudson/voices/index ... ood_for.html#incart_river

Levin will be good for Jersey City

I have known Dan Levin for over 20 years and I am supporting Dan for the Ward E City Council office.

Time and time again Dan has been there for us, supporting Jersey City's arts and entertainment programs, our parks and neighborhood associations, and above all, advocating for good government practices. Dan is a knowledgeable and experienced leader who understands the needs of our community.

I have lived in Jersey City for over 20 years. I was on the board of the VVP Neighborhood Association for two years. I have witnessed Jersey City politics firsthand. It is a cesspool. Dan has been fighting on the ground the entire time.

Dan Levin has run for office twice as an independent candidate. He has come close, but independent candidates will never win in a machine city. Do not mistake his desire to make a change with his acceptance of Jersey City politics. Dan will be good for Jersey City and that is why I want to see him in office.

OTIS BALL
JERSEY CITY

http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1672

Levin is more than any ticket

Some friends have asked us if we still support Daniel Levin for the Ward E City Council position, now that he has chosen to run on Mayor Healy?s ticket. The answer is an emphatic yes. In fact, before joining the ticket, Daniel asked our opinion and the opinion of other people who had supported him in the past. We encouraged him to go for it.

We?ve known Daniel for many years as an activist in our neighborhood, and we?re confident he will remain an independent, strong voice for good government in Jersey City no matter who wins the mayoral election.

In issues such as the Grove Plaza, the Embankment, PAD, and the 9/11 memorial, Daniel has always stood firmly on the side of the people, and he doesn?t give up. We believe he would be an excellent addition to the City Council.

Charles and Annie Kessler
Jersey City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Daniel Levin
201.364.1730
danlevin@onejerseycity.org
onejerseycity.org


September 9, 2012

Dan Levin Announces Candidacy for the Ward E Council Seat in the May 2013 Municipal Election

Jersey City, NJ ? Longtime good government advocate and community leader, Dan Levin announced today that he is a candidate for the Ward E Council position in the upcoming May 2013 municipal election.

Levin said, "I bring a passion and belief that I can help make Jersey City a safer, more vibrant city, work to stabilize taxes with sensible spending, and advance common sense sound solutions for Ward E, and for Jersey City."

For close to 15 years, Levin has worked with and through community groups on crime, parks and open space, development, planning, transportation, arts, entertainment, pedestrian safety, flooding and historic preservation issues.

Under his leadership as neighborhood association president, the Harsimus Cove Association spearheaded the design of the hugely successful and heavily used multi-functional plaza at the Grove Street Path Station.

As founder and president of Civic JC, Levin was the primary driver behind Jersey City's tough pay-to-play reform laws. It is this vision, knowledge, skills and experience that he will bring to the city council.

Levin added, "I am committed on working to expand Jersey City's pay-to-play reform laws to cover the Board of Education, to implement NJ's Open Appointments requirements that will provide residents with greater opportunities to serve and have a voice in our city government, and to adopt locally the state?s strict ethics code, which will reduce conflicts of interest."

Levin said on the city budget process: "I am committed to aligning resources with results and prioritizing services to optimize efficient government spending through outcome budgeting, for a more strategic, transparent budget process."

Well known throughout Jersey City, he helped found the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, Civic JC, and Bike JC, leading non-profit advocacy organizations in the city.

Born in Newark and raised in South Orange, Levin has resided in Jersey City for 16 years. He and his wife Leonila Paunil have two children, both born in Jersey City and currently attend MS 4 Frank Conwell Middle School and PS 37 Cordero School, respectively. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Lehigh University.

-END-

http://onejerseycity.org/?page_id=71


Government Goals Jersey City 2013

In addition to the basic services all municipalities should provide, Jersey City government will focus on the following initiatives.

Ethics Reform

? A new ethical standards code for city officials and employees

? Expand the Contracting Pay-to-Play Reform Ordinance to cover the Jersey City Board of Education

? Recruit and recommend members of the public to serve on municipal boards and authorities

Governance

? Report card evaluation system for city services and responsibilities

? Operational performance audits of city operations and services

? A city-wide HR performance measurement system

? Quality-of-life policies to be included in all development agreements and construction permits

? Enforcement of affordable housing requirements

Planning Improvements

? A municipal strategic plan

? A new master plan that includes infrastructure planning

? Benchmarking of traffic studies and master plan components with those of other cities

? Inclusion of public amenities and infrastructure in all redevelopment plans

? A comprehensive bus service plan

? A small business and light industry development plan

? Examination of historic resources throughout the City

? Stronger tools to encourage interim uses for large vacant lots

? Provide improved notification to property owners subject to redevelopment plans

Education

? Promotion of public neighborhood schools.

? Joint city/board of education responsibility for facilities planning

? Outside audits of educational system

? Incubation of different teaching models and philosophies

Transportation Enhancements

? World-class streets and sidewalks that give equal consideration to pedestrians and bicyclists

? Implementation of bike lanes.

? Extension of the Hudson Bergen Light Rail into Bergen County as initially planned

Fiscal Responsibility

? A five-year financial master plan with a municipal budget commission to oversee the process

? Reliable funding sources for infrastructure improvements: sewers, roads, parks, schools

? Tax abatements capped at ten years

? A stop to extensions or renewal of tax abatements

? Completion of municipal budget process no later than one quarter into the financial year

? Full and complete outside audits of revenue source agencies and authorities

Business Assistance

? A small-business facilitator to streamline permitting and building and provide other assistance

? Concerted effort to bring more federal and state services to Jersey City residents

? Fair and equitable code enforcement

? Update entertainment and noise ordinances to promote nightlife while preserving quality of life

? Development of a public market

Environment and Historic Preservation

? Encouragement of green practices in City buildings and in new development

? Implementation of a working Shade Tree Commission

? Tree-planting initiatives throughout the City

? Support for urban farming

? Strengthening of our historic preservation ordinance and Historic Preservation Commission

? Incentives for reuse of existing buildings and disincentives for ?teardowns? of historic assets

? Proactive approach to reuse of church facilities that are closing or neglected

Medical Services

? Pediatric medical facilities

Policing

? Increase neighborhood associations and block watches

? Community-based policing

http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1363

Comments on the State of the City Address

Finally, the administration is working on long overdue and much needed initiatives.

During Mayor Healy?s State of the City address, we heard good news about moving forward on long-discussed necessary restructuring: merging the Jersey City Incinerator Authority and the Department of Public Works together; combining the Police and Fire Directors? offices into one public safety office; and eliminating the independent Parking Authority, putting it under the public safety umbrella and direct city control.

A particular area worth commending is this administration?s finally realizing and putting to work the tremendous human resources we have in our communities, starting with the overdue activation of the Environmental Commission and appointing a team of outstanding commissioners, but also its embracing the Jersey City Parks Coalition and working with them on the hugely successful citywide ?Big Dig?. Unmentioned successes are the 4th Street Arts Festival and Bike JC?s citywide Ward Tour, examples of the city?s being supportive (then getting out of the way).

The city?s heightened attention to environmental issues is welcome. However, the city still relies on and sometimes is in opposition to the relentless work of citizen activist groups such as the Interfaith Community Organization and community based GRACO that persevered (after the city?s settlement) to press for and win full chromium clean-up of the PPG site on Garfield Avenue.

While Jersey City has not seen the tremendous tax hikes nor police and fire layoffs experienced by other cities, the administration?s continued claim of stable taxes with no tax increases misrepresents the real increases of 9% (2011) and 23% (2010) of the amount raised by taxes in the municipal budget.

The Mayor was clearly frustrated that despite significant statistical reductions in crime, the perception of high crime remains. This disconnect cannot be ignored.

While the city has clearly moved on progressive initiatives ? be it fiscal, quality of life including entertainment and parks, and economic benefits of sustainability ? there still remains much needed structural and systemic changes to improve governmental decision making and minimize conflicts of interest by providing greater openness and transparency; implementing checks and balances; adopting a stricter ethical standards code with independent enforcement mechanisms; banning campaign contributions in city offices and on city property; and opening up the appointment process to the city?s boards, commissions and authorities.

Are we there yet? No. If we were the world-class city the mayor claims us to be, paving crater-pocked streets would not be touted as an accomplishment. To be such world-class city, we must reduce our over reliance on residential development; embrace best public safety practices from around the country and the world; save and make the Jersey City Museum a pillar of our city; give equal consideration to pedestrians and bicyclists by implementing bike lanes and the sorely needed Complete Streets policy; complete the almost 10 year overdue 311 quality of life issues reporting system; utilize land use policy to ensure adequate educational facilities; and commit to more meaningful sustainability starting with measuring and improving recycling compliance.

Daniel Levin

http://onejerseycity.org/?p=868

Cut Costs, Generate Revenue, Protect Services

Failing significant action by local government, we will face unacceptable property tax increases that will destabilize our local economy and the long term health and well-being of our city.

We demand (1) immediate rigorous cost-cutting initiatives that do not reduce services to the Jersey City public and do not have negative long-term financial repercussions; and (2) the establishment of a public budget commission charged with annual budget review and creation/maintenance of a five-year financial master plan.

Cost-Cutting Initiatives

Structural initiatives must be identified, studied, and swiftly implemented to permanently reduce the costs of local government. These items should be on the table: management structure, departmental consolidation, labor reductions, shared services, reduced employee benefits (including health, parking, motor vehicle use), and increases in revenue to the city from the semi-autonomous public authorities. Efforts must be initiated to obtain support at the state level for legislation to reform the public safety (fire and police) contract arbitration process and to prepare for increased local contribution for our schools, potentially an additional $125 million.

Municipal Budget Commission

A public budget commission should be established. Its members should be from equal parts government, business, and the general public and supported by relevant municipal departments. The commission will perform three primary functions: (1) oversee public review of the budget (2) provide recommendations for the current-year proposed budget and (3) prepare and maintain a five-year financial master plan matching revenues to expenses.

The commission will both review and project revenue streams and analyze and evaluate expenditures. All property tax abatement agreements greater than five years in term will go before the commission for review and recommendation. The commission will also be charged with review and evaluation of the budgets for the semi-autonomous agencies, with the aims of cost control and increasing revenue to the city. An initial commission project will be to study and recommend the need for an independently elected city comptroller.

Best Price Insurance Contracting

http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1413

BEST PRICE INSURANCE CONTRACTING for both Municipal and School District Health, Casualty, and Workers? Compensation Insurance. Model proposal requires greater competition and transparency in the health insurance procurement process. This model also turns the insurance broker relationship into a contract and it would then be covered by our local contracting pay-to-play reform law.

Model ordinance for municipal government ? Model Ordinance for Municipal Government

Model resolution for school boards ? Model Resolution for School Boards

from Citizen Campaign ? http://thecitizenscampaign.org

3 Steps to Reform ? Implement, Adopt, Utilize

http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1630

1 ? implement NJ?s Open Appointments requirements that will provide residents with greater opportunities to serve and have a voice in our city government. The ?Citizen Service Act,? opens up the appointments process for municipal boards and commissions. To learn more ? http://onejerseycity.org/?p=763

2 ? adopt the states tough ethics code locally to address multiple public jobs and other conflicts of interest. Apply the state ethics code ? New Jersey Conflicts of Interest Law ? to our local Jersey City Ethical Standards code.

3 ? utilize strategies and methods to prioritize the outcomes and services residents expect and then align these with goals. Consider a strategic, more transparent budgeting process used by the City of Baltimore, Outcome Budgeting:

- Addresses fiscal constraints
- Rewards innovations
- Measures performance
- Makes the budget process more transparent
- To learn more about Outcome Budgeting, please visit ? http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1131

Levin running for Ward E council seat

Despite no slate backing, Levin could still be the candidate to beat

by E. Assata Wright
Reporter staff writer
Sep 16, 2012


Longtime good government advocate and community leader Daniel Levin has announced that he is a candidate for the Ward E City Council position in the upcoming May 2013 municipal election.

Levin, who previously ran for mayor and at-large for City Council, has been a Ward E resident for several years and is well known in the downtown community. Earlier this year, Levin said he was contemplating another run for City Council. At that time, however, Levin and his family were in the process of selling their Third Street home and he was unsure whether their next residence would be in Ward E or the neighboring Ward F.

Levin recently confirmed to the Reporter that his family has moved and continues to reside in Ward E. He will now make a run for the Ward E seat that will open up when Councilman Steven Fulop runs for mayor in May 2013.

_____________

For nearly 15 years Levin has worked with various community groups on a range of issues, including crime, parks/open space, development, planning, and transportation.

____________

?I bring a passion and belief that I can help make Jersey City a safer, more vibrant city, work to stabilize taxes with sensible spending, and advance common sense, sound solutions for Ward E and for Jersey City,? Levin said.

For nearly 15 years Levin has worked with various community groups on a range of issues, including crime, parks/open space, development, planning, transportation, arts, entertainment, pedestrian safety, flooding, and historic preservation.

As founder and president of Civic JC, Levin was instrumental in the development of Jersey City?s pay-to-play laws. A former president of the Harsimus Cove Association, Levin also spearheaded the design of what is currently known as Grove Street Plaza, a multi-functional space outside the Grove Street PATH Station.

?I am committed on working to expand Jersey City?s pay-to-play reform laws to cover the Board of Education, to implement NJ?s Open Appointments requirements that will provide residents with greater opportunities to serve and have a voice in our city government, and to adopt locally the state?s strict ethics code, which will reduce conflicts of interest,? Levin said.

He added, ?I am committed to aligning resources with results and prioritizing services to optimize efficient government spending through outcome budgeting, for a more strategic, transparent budget process.?

At present, Levin is running independently and is the second announced candidate for the Ward E seat. Public relations professional Candace Osborne is running for the Ward E spot on Fulop?s slate.

Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, who is also running for re-election next year, has not announced any running mates thus far.

After Levin made an unsuccessful run for an at-large seat during the 2011 special election, there was speculation that he might team up with Fulop and run for Ward E on Fulop?s slate. Many downtown residents were somewhat surprised when that did not happen and Fulop instead selected Osborne for the ticket.

Over the past few weeks there has been new speculation that Levin might be entertaining the possibility of joining Healy?s ticket. However, some of Ward E?s most politically-active residents believe that such a move could cost Levin votes among his downtown base.

Candidates who run without the backing of a slate typically lack the money and other resources to fend off their politically-connected challengers. However, Fulop has twice succeeded in running independently in Ward E, first in 2005 and again in 2009, so voters in the ward may care little about Levin?s unaffiliated status.


Read more: Hudson Reporter - Levin running for Ward E council seat Despite no slate backing Levin could still be the candidate to beat

http://www.hudsonreporter.com/view/fu ... ndary_stories_left_column

Jersey City's Levin throws hat in 2013 council ring
Jul 25, 2012

JERSEY CITY - While an official announcement is still weeks away, accountant and long time activist Dan Levin has made a commitment to running in the May 2013 City Council race.

"I've made the commitment to do it," Levin said Wednesday. "I don't see anyone out there who're going to advocate and work towards the things I think the city needs."

Levin, who recently sold his Ward E home located downtown, said he would either run for the council's Ward E seat or he may run for an at-large seat.

Which seat he runs for will, he said, be contingent upon where he moves once the sale of his current home is finalized.

Levin previously ran for Jersey City mayor and last year ran for an at-large seat on the council.

Well-known and highly regarded throughout Ward E, Levin could be the candidate to beat if he remains in his current ward.

Only one announced candidate, Candace Osborne, is running for the Ward E seat at this time, although other candidates might join the race. Osborne is running on a slate with 2013 mayoral candidate Steven Fulop, the current Ward E incumbent.

The council at-large race is already shaping up to be a more competitive one.

Two of the council's at-large incumbents, Rolando Lavarro Jr. and Peter Brennan, have already stated their plans to run for reelection. Brennan, an ally of Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, will be running on the mayor's 2013 reelection slate. Lavarro is running on a slate with Healy's challenger, Councilman Steven Fulop. Viola Richardson, the council's third at-large

incumbent, is also expected to run for reelection.

Levin said he will make a formal campaign announcement in August or September, during which he said will also detail his campaign platform.

Although Levin has run independently in the past he said he would not rule out running on a major slate next year.

"I'd be interested in joining a ticket that I shared some goals and values with," Levin stated. - E. Assata Wright

Read more: Hudson Reporter -

http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_s ... te_lead_story_left_column

Talking Politics - Vote for Dan Levin, 15F. #2-- you decide below

Vote for Dan Levin, 15F. #2-- you decide below

There are 17 candidates running for two seats for City Council-at-Large. My first recommendation is Dan Levin, 15F. Dan has been an activist for years and neither he nor his wife work for the city nor county. Over the years, it's been very apparent that too many of the Council folks, like the 2 incumbents, are County employees and their first allegiance is to the County Exec. Those are the bucks that pay their mortgages.

Vote for Dan Levin, 15F, who has attended Council meetings and has championed good causes and neighborhood concerns on their merits.

http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/ ... g-levin-for-city-council/

Dear Editor:

For those who are yearning to positively change Jersey City and make it a progressive city that it has the potential to be, deeming the upcoming November 8th Special Election important is a sure understatement. Please consider supporting Daniel Levin, candidate for Councilman-at-Large, a stalwart activist for reform in Jersey City and a true advocate for making good government work for the people.

I?ve known Dan since moving back to Jersey City in the 1990s and it was through volunteering in various community-based activities that I got to know him well. As a family man, a father of two children who attend their district public school, his sincere commitment and dedication to this city is unquestionable.

Dan is a true reformer in Jersey City and he can back up my claim with solid reform measures, specifically the Pay-to-Play reform championed by Ward E councilman Steve Fulop with whom he closely worked to get the legislation passed. He was a key player in establishing numerous non-profit advocacy organizations (JC Landmarks Conservancy, Bike JC, Civic JC), is active in his neighborhood association for which he also served multiple terms on the board (Harsimus Cove Neighborhood Association), and he remains supportive to many other community-based groups throughout the city. His management experiences in the banking industry and as a business owner inform his decision-making, but most importantly, he is one of the most ethically-grounded persons one could ever meet and if there is one thing we need in our city?s leadership, it is this principled influence.

Positive change is an ongoing uphill battle and although there can be no panacea to attain this, getting Dan in the local government ? in an official capacity ? will be a step toward the right direction.

We can all do something to progressively steer the course of our city ? please support Daniel Levin in this election, spread the word to make sure that the good guy gets voted in.

Respectfully,

Lycel P. Villanueva, RA, PP, LEED AP

We Can't Wait Untill 2013 - Vote 15F

Message from Dan

I cannot afford to wait until 2013 - can you?

Vote now, Act now.

The candidates elected in the November 8th special election for the two (2) At-Large council seats will vote on two municipal budgets and a number of cost-cutting initiatives, including consolidating semi-autonomous agencies back into the city, before the next regular municipal election in 2013.

Vital city services continue to be reduced, including those of libraries and recreation, while promotions and raises continue in city hall. Of the 366 layoffs in the city only 12 of those employees made more than $25 per hour, with one of the 12 a deputy mayor charged and convicted in the historic corruption scandal of 2009.

Our campaign to give the regular people of Jersey City, the 99%, a voice in our own city is in its final days. This is our chance to disempower the 1% who are part of the double dipping, patronage, nepotism and cronyism that plague our city.

Let us speak with One Voice for a safer, more vibrant city; for stable taxes and sensible spending; and for sound solutions.

- Dan Levin

Daniel Levin sent a message to the members of One Jersey City.

Daniel Levin September 14, 2010 at 7:00am


Subject: Vega Resigns - Ward B Special Election - Recall Healy - Tax Abatements - Ethics Reform


Councilman Mariano Vega, Jr. Resigns - http://onejerseycity.org/?page_id=873

Esther Wintner for Ward B Council Special Election - http://www.estherwintner.com/

Petition to Recall Mayor Healy Approved - email jcrecall@yahoo.com

State Issues Report on Tax Abatement Abuses - http://onejerseycity.org/?p=993

Governor Unveils Ethics Reforms - http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1002

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After more than a year of ignoring repeated public calls for resignation, Councilman Mariano Vega, Jr. resigned one day after the deadline that would have provided for a special election to fill the seat this November. Instead, his delay of ONE DAY allows the City Council to APPOINT his replacement who will serve for the next 14 month before a special election in November 2011.

http://onejerseycity.org/?page_id=873

--------------------------------

This November, Esther Wintner, a Jersey City working mom with a private sector financial industry background, married to a 4th generation Jersey City guy raising three children together will be running for Ward B City Council in the special election on November 2, 2010. To learn more about Esther and her campaign, please click here - http://www.estherwintner.com/

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A petition to recall Mayor Healy was approved on September 13th. To sign or volunteer, please contact the recall committee at jcrecall@yahoo.com.

--------------------------------

The NJ Comptroller recently issued a report raising familiar concerns about abuses and uses of municipal tax abatements.

The report talks about the distortion of municipal finances and tax stability, lack of review and compliance, subsidizing market rate residential housing whose residents use city, county and school services without fully contributing to the cost of providing these services and most important - the overall failure to generate the type of development needed; commercial and industrial that provide long term employment opportunities, living wage jobs and a stable tax base.

For more information, please click here - http://onejerseycity.org/?p=993

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Proposed State Ethics Reform Package includes -

- full ban on duel office holding that ends grandfathering

- ban on dual employment for state, county and local officials and employees

- comprehensive pay to play reform that includes restricting "wheeling" to be applied to all levels of government

For more information please click here - http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1011 and here - http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1002

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Please share this message and join the One Jersey City emailing list at the top right of this page - http://onejerseycity.org/

Vote!

Daniel Levin sent a message to the members of One Jersey City.

Daniel Levin September 14, 2010 at 7:00am


Subject: Vega Resigns - Ward B Special Election - Recall Healy - Tax Abatements - Ethics Reform


Councilman Mariano Vega, Jr. Resigns - http://onejerseycity.org/?page_id=873

Esther Wintner for Ward B Council Special Election - http://www.estherwintner.com/

Petition to Recall Mayor Healy Approved - email jcrecall@yahoo.com

State Issues Report on Tax Abatement Abuses - http://onejerseycity.org/?p=993

Governor Unveils Ethics Reforms - http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1002

--------------------------------

After more than a year of ignoring repeated public calls for resignation, Councilman Mariano Vega, Jr. resigned one day after the deadline that would have provided for a special election to fill the seat this November. Instead, his delay of ONE DAY allows the City Council to APPOINT his replacement who will serve for the next 14 month before a special election in November 2011.

http://onejerseycity.org/?page_id=873

--------------------------------

This November, Esther Wintner, a Jersey City working mom with a private sector financial industry background, married to a 4th generation Jersey City guy raising three children together will be running for Ward B City Council in the special election on November 2, 2010. To learn more about Esther and her campaign, please click here - http://www.estherwintner.com/

--------------------------------

A petition to recall Mayor Healy was approved on September 13th. To sign or volunteer, please contact the recall committee at jcrecall@yahoo.com.

--------------------------------

The NJ Comptroller recently issued a report raising familiar concerns about abuses and uses of municipal tax abatements.

The report talks about the distortion of municipal finances and tax stability, lack of review and compliance, subsidizing market rate residential housing whose residents use city, county and school services without fully contributing to the cost of providing these services and most important - the overall failure to generate the type of development needed; commercial and industrial that provide long term employment opportunities, living wage jobs and a stable tax base.

For more information, please click here - http://onejerseycity.org/?p=993

--------------------------------

Proposed State Ethics Reform Package includes -

- full ban on duel office holding that ends grandfathering

- ban on dual employment for state, county and local officials and employees

- comprehensive pay to play reform that includes restricting "wheeling" to be applied to all levels of government

For more information please click here - http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1011 and here - http://onejerseycity.org/?p=1002

--------------------------------

Please share this message and join the One Jersey City emailing list at the top right of this page - http://onejerseycity.org/

Vote!

http://www.nj.com/hudson/voices/index ... le_governs_citys_aba.html

Tight circle governs city's abatements -- and they only listen to themselves: Morgan

Naomi Bressler, a policy analyst with the think tank New Jersey Policy Perspectives, may have thought that the purpose of an invitation to address the Jersey City council at a caucus meeting last year on Sept. 21 was to discuss the findings and recommendations of her agency on the matter of awarding tax abatements.

Instead, she was bushwhacked by city officials who went into attack mode almost as soon as she opened her mouth.

Then-Business Administrator Brian O'Reilly, Assistant Corporation Counsel Joanne Monahan and several council members pounced on Bressler. They afforded her little opportunity to discuss NJPP's findings -- the thrust of which is the city is handing out abatements in areas that are far from blighted and in the process is losing millions of potential tax dollars for schools and county government.

City government holds on to 95 percent of the "payment in lieu of taxes" charged developers when they are given abatements.

But despite the council's brusque treatment of Bressler, another report on abatements issued last month by the state not only bolsters NJPP's conclusions but claims Jersey City is losing out on collecting nearly $120 million in property taxes from abated properties. That certainly should be food for thought in a city faced with a reputed $80 million budget deficit.

While Downtown Councilman Steve Fulop indicated his desire to discuss the policy implications of the NJPP report, some of his colleagues hammered Bressler on its recommendations and critiques.

Even after Bressler left, Deputy Mayor Rosemary McFadden continued the assault, branding NJPP a gaggle of right-wingers opposed to all government subsidies and promising to issue a PowerPoint refutation of the think tank's report. The consensus among city officials seemed to be that Bressler's organization doesn't have a clue.

Perhaps most alarmingly to city officials, the NJPP report included a recommendation that developers who receive abatements be prohibited from contributing to the campaigns of elected officials.

While Jersey City isn't the only municipality awarding tax abatements, it hands them out quite liberally and its elected officials have, over the years, received millions in campaign donations from developers, especially the ones building on the city's so-called "Gold Coast."

What I've seen over the years is a small group of players tend to dominate the terrain.

In what could be interpreted as a move to inject an element of transparency in the procedure for awarding abatements, former Jersey City Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham pushed through an ordinance requiring lobbyists for developers to be listed with the City Clerk's Office.

A perusal of the list reveals the law firm of triple threat priest/lawyer/developer Francis Schiller, a longtime player in local politics, represents nearly all but a handful of the developers operating in the city.

Before Schiller, the politically connected attorney Brian Doherty, now deceased, who was also husband of the aforementioned Rosemary McFadden, was the go-to lawyer for the developers.

The NJPP report further recommended limiting abatements to a maximum of 10 years. Currently in Jersey City, abatements can stretch for 20, 30, even 40 years.

About the $120 million in uncollected property taxes and several other matters mentioned in that state comptroller's report -- to be continued.

onejerseycity.org

State Comptroller Issues Report on Tax Abatements

The NJ Comptroller recently issued a report raising familiar concerns about abuses and uses of municipal tax abatements.

The report talks about the distortion of municipal finances and tax stability, lack of review and compliance, subsidizing market rate residential housing whose residents use city, county and school services without fully contributing to the cost of providing these services and most important ? the overall failure to generate the type of development needed; commercial and industrial that provide long term employment opportunities, living wage jobs and a stable tax base.

For full coverage of the report, please see the Jersey City Independent?s article,
http://www.jerseycityindependent.com/ ... batements-in-jersey-city/

The report can be read here ? http://onejerseycity.org/files/tax_abatement_report.pdf

The report follows on the heels of ?All That Glitters Isn?t Gold: Property Tax Abatements in Jersey City? published last summer by New Jersey Policy Perspectives - http://njpp.org/rpt_glitters.html

http://onejerseycity.org/?p=579 Tax Abatements ? Colgate Redevelopment Plan Extension With over $1 billion dollars of investment, Jersey City?s Hudson River waterfront area is almost fully built-out, and the Colgate Redevelopment Plan was due to expire in January 2009. Recently, our Municipal Council voted to extend the plan for an additional 20 years, with the sole purpose of being able to continue granting tax abatements on the few remaining parcels of land in the shadow of the Goldman Sachs building. The Council vote implicitly states that this area remains blighted and in need of redevelopment. When will our city government stop subsidizing waterfront development at the expense of the taxpayers, homeowners, and small landlords?

Landuse and Zoning: Colgate Redevelopment Plan Extension from One Jersey City on Vimeo.

Cut Costs, Generate Revenue, Protect Services

Failing significant action by local government, we will face unacceptable property tax increases that will destabilize our local economy and the long term health and well-being of our city.

We demand (1) immediate rigorous cost-cutting initiatives that do not reduce services to the Jersey City public and do not have negative long-term financial repercussions; and (2) the establishment of a public budget commission charged with annual budget review and creation/maintenance of a five-year financial master plan.

Read more at - Cut Costs, Generate Revenue, Protect Services

Your Taxes

Join and support your neighbors at the public budget hearing on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at 6pm and speak out against the proposed 25% municipal tax increase. No need to sign up in advance to speak.

Stop the Jersey City Tax Increase Petition - http://www.gopetition.com/online/33870.html

City Budget Suggestion Box - Cost Cutting and Revenue Generating Ideas: http://jclist.com/modules/newbb/viewt ... =&topic_id=20227&forum=11