Rolando Lavarro | Via Facebook
Last of two-part series
In the first installment of our exclusive interview with Rolando Lavarro Jr., Jersey City’s former Council President and the city’s first Filipino American elected official, we traced the arc of a political journey defined by principle, persistence, and a refusal to play by the rules of entrenched power. From his historic election in 2011 to his reform-driven tenure through 2021, Lavarro’s legacy includes landmark legislation on earned sick leave, wage theft protections, and immigrant rights. His comeback in 2025—this time as Councilor-at-Large on the progressive slate led by mayoral candidate James Solomon—is not just a return to public life. It’s a response to what he calls “the tale of two cities”: one of luxury development and rising rents, the other of working families fighting to stay afloat.
Lavarro’s campaign slogan, “People Before Politics,” is more than a tagline—it’s a declaration of intent. In Part One, he spoke candidly about the affordability crisis gripping Jersey City, the erosion of trust in local governance, and his break from Mayor Steven Fulop over failed inclusionary zoning reforms and transparency battles. He recounted his push for a federal investigation into alleged conflicts of interest, his independent run in 2021, and the ensuing political fallout. Yet through it all, Lavarro remained steadfast: “I’m proud to have stood up for what’s right, even when it meant risking my political future,” he said.
RELATED STORY: Part 1 – Rolando Lavarro Jr. on a Comeback Trail; Reenters Jersey City’s Political Arena
Now, in Part Two, we turn the lens toward the future—and the more profound questions that define this moment in Jersey City’s civic life. What does true representation look like in a city as diverse and dynamic as Jersey City? How can historically marginalized communities, including Filipino Americans, reclaim power not just at the ballot box but in the policymaking process? Lavarro reflects on the role of cultural identity in political leadership and how his own journey has shaped his commitment to amplifying the voices of underrepresented individuals.
We also explore the mechanics of accountability and civic access. From campaign finance reform to public transparency, Lavarro outlines his vision for a government that answers to its residents—not developers or political bosses. He discusses the need for stronger oversight, participatory budgeting, and inclusive zoning policies that prioritize affordability over profit.
Finally, we look ahead to Jersey City’s future. What kind of city do we want to build—not just for today’s residents, but for the next generation? Lavarro shares his thoughts on sustainable development, youth engagement, and the promise of intergenerational coalitions. His answers offer a blueprint for a Jersey City rooted in equity, resilience, and community power.
As the city stands at a crossroads, Lavarro’s comeback is more than a campaign—it’s a call to action. In this second installment, we invite readers to consider not just the candidate, but the movement he represents.
On Representation & Community Power
As Jersey City’s first Filipino council member, how will you continue to elevate immigrant voices in city governance?
There’s a saying that says, “If you’re not at the table, you’re probably on the menu.” Elevating the voices of immigrants is important to me. It’s why I established Jersey City’s first immigrant affairs commission. It’s why I organized a Stop Asian Hate rally in Jersey City during the pandemic. I’ve stood with the Nepalese community in their fight for Temporary Protected Status. It’s why I pushed and advocated for Jersey City to be a Sanctuary City.
These are uncertain and frightening times for immigrants. If elected, I will fight for immigrants against illegal federal detainments, deportations, and other overreaches that threaten Jersey City’s immigrants.
“If elected, I will continue to work closely with all these communities to promote cultural traditions and advance initiatives that promote our shared priority for greater diversity and inclusion in Jersey City and America.”
What role do you see for cultural organizations and diaspora-led nonprofits in shaping city policy?
When I was on the city council, I supported local Filipino and other cultural organizations on civic and cultural celebrations. I’ve worked with diaspora-led organizations in establishing sister city agreements and on the passage of state legislation important to immigrant communities, such as the NJ Dream Act and the inclusion of Asian American history in New Jersey’s school curriculum. I collaborated with international relief organizations and foundations to raise money for relief efforts during Typhoon Haiyan. If elected, I will continue to work closely with all these communities to promote cultural traditions and advance initiatives that promote our shared priority for greater diversity and inclusion in Jersey City and America.
How will you support intergenerational civic engagement, especially among Filipino youth and seniors?
Before I was a councilman, I was one of the founders of a nonprofit that conducted a Filipino American oral history project. High school youth interviewed Jersey City Filipino American elders, documenting their stories and contributions to Jersey City and this country. As a councilman, I will support similar initiatives that support intergenerational engagement and cultural preservation.
On Accountability & Civic Access
What reforms would you champion to make the city council more transparent and accessible to working-class residents?
I want to ensure that public comments are available online and that our meetings are livestreamed and publicly accessible within 24 hours. I also want to make sure there are language accessibility options and open access to all city residents. While the state gutted our Open Public Records Act (OPRA), the city can lead by example, and that’s what we plan to do.
How will you protect whistleblowers and strengthen oversight of city contracts and developer deals?
Team Solomon plans to strengthen whistleblower protections and increase oversight by making Jersey City the first city in the state to have an independent Inspector General. That office will be an independent, nonpartisan appointment who can only be removed by the Council for cause — and its sole purpose will be to investigate any abuses of power that occur within the city.
“I will use my vote as a city councilman to appoint diverse city decision-makers who are committed to expanding community participation in government and represent the city’s diversity.”
What’s your plan to expand participatory budgeting or community-led planning processes?
As a councilman, I pushed for the city to engage Jersey City minority communities in the master planning process, as their participation was seriously underrepresented. I also supported the participatory budgeting pilot and would want to bring it back.
I will use my vote as a city councilman to appoint diverse city decision-makers who are committed to expanding community participation in government and represent the city’s diversity.
On Jersey City’s Future
You’ve said Jersey City is at a crossroads. What does that mean to you, and what kind of city are you fighting for?
Jersey City has a stark choice. This election is about people vs. money — about MAGA-backed, machine politics or a government that will fight for the people of Jersey City to deliver affordable housing, stable taxes, and city services that deliver results. It really is a binary choice about what kind of government we want to represent us. Do we want someone who represents the political machine, or do we want a government that is people-powered? If we wish to change, the choice is clear.
How will you balance growth and development with preserving the character and affordability of neighborhoods like Journal Square and Bergen-Lafayette?
It’s not an either-or proposition. It’s not growth and development or affordability. That’s a false choice.
“As an investor, you can expect a development and permitting process that is streamlined, fair, and transparent so that you don’t feel like you are being shaken down and don’t lose valuable time and money getting your project to market.”
One thing that I know is that developers want, besides a generous tax abatement, certainty. We will make the rules of the road clear in Jersey City. If you’re a developer in Jersey City, you’ll build affordable housing, provide good jobs, and give back to our city and our residents.
As an investor, you can expect a development and permitting process that is streamlined, fair, and transparent so that you don’t feel like you are being shaken down and don’t lose valuable time and money getting your project to market.
Our policies will protect residents by making significant investments in affordable housing and our community, while striking a balance between growth and development. We can and will have both.
