Joyce Watterman: Running for Mayor Is About More Than Money
- Kimberly Mobley
- Jan 18
- 1 min read
In a letter published on January 18, 2025, in the Hudson County View, Jersey City Council President and mayoral candidate Joyce Watterman critiques the media's focus on campaign fundraising totals in the 2025 mayoral race. She argues that emphasizing financial figures oversimplifies the complexities of the election and overlooks the substantive issues at stake.Hudson County View
Watterman points out that while candidates like former Governor Jim McGreevey have amassed significant war chests—over $2 million in McGreevey's case—the fixation on fundraising can mislead voters about a candidate's viability and commitment to public service. She emphasizes that her campaign prioritizes serving underserved communities and that genuine dedication to constituents doesn't always come with substantial financial backing.Hudson County View
Addressing the challenges faced by female candidates, Watterman notes that political fundraising has historically favored male candidates, making it more difficult for women to compete on financial grounds. She calls for a shift in media narratives to focus more on policy positions and community impact rather than fundraising prowess.
Watterman concludes by urging voters and the media to look beyond the "horse race" elements of the campaign and to consider the real-life implications of each candidate's platform and policies.Hudson County View
