In an editorial, Jersey City council-at-large candidate Kristen Zadroga Hart gives her vision on cleaning up City Hall and beyond if elected.
Let’s be honest. Jersey City residents are not getting what they pay for. From uncollected garbage to neglected parks, from unanswered complaints at City Hall to streets filled with potholes, our city’s basic services have fallen short.
Residents are taxed like we live in a world-class city, but we’re not getting the return we deserve. That needs to change.
As a lifelong resident, educator, and proud public servant, I see the daily frustrations that people across Jersey City deal with.
This campaign is about the basics: a cleaner city, responsive government, and services that match what residents are paying into. I’m running for City Council At-Large to make our city work the way it’s supposed to. For everyone.
Garbage, Litter, and Clean Streets
One of the top complaints I hear across every ward is trash. It’s piling up in our parks, on our sidewalks, and around public buildings. That’s unacceptable.
We need a complete overhaul of our sanitation system with smarter collection schedules, stricter enforcement against illegal dumping, and better equipment for cleanup crews. Clean streets are not optional. They are the foundation of a livable city.
I am not waiting to get elected to make changes. Recently, a resident came to me about illegal dumping on 440, I worked with local State Officials and the HCIA to correct this issue and the area was cleaned up and fenced in to avoid illegal dumping.
Fix the Streets and Fill the Potholes
Driving around Jersey City should not feel like navigating an obstacle course. Our roads are full of potholes that damage cars, slow down buses, and put cyclists at risk.
We need a real street repair plan that prioritizes high-traffic areas and actually gets the job done. Routine maintenance should be the rule, not the exception.
City Hall Must Be Held Accountable
While City Council members do not run city departments directly, we have a platform and with that comes the responsibility to demand better.
We have the ability to meet with department directors, raise concerns on behalf of our constituents, and track whether real progress is being made. Too many residents feel ignored when they try to report issues or ask for help.
Whether it’s a missed trash pickup, a broken streetlight, or a park that’s falling apart, people deserve to know that someone is following up and fighting for answers.
I will work to ensure that departments are doing their jobs, communicating with residents, and delivering the quality of service our community expects and deserves.
Parks That Are Clean, Safe, and Worth Visiting
Our children and families deserve better parks. Too many green spaces in our city are dirty, outdated, and neglected. I will fight for more investment in park maintenance and upgrades, especially in underserved neighborhoods.
That includes safe playgrounds, clean restrooms, working water fountains, and well-maintained ball fields where kids can safely play and teams can proudly compete. Parks should be places of pride, not frustration.
Let’s give our families the quality public spaces they deserve, and let’s keep them that way.