Newark Government
The government of Newark, NJ operates under a strong mayor-council system. The council consists of nine members, four of which are elected at-large. The five other council members represent the north, east, south, west, and central wards.
Campaigning for mayor of New Jersey's largest city, Sharpe James' slogan was a "Sharpe Change for Newark". After he won the election, he delivered the results he had promised. As the second African-American mayor of Newark James helped make economic and cultural changes that revitalized the city. His aggressive collection of bills, taxes, and fines has increased the city revenue. He has helped provide affordable housing and has enticed many businesses to relocate in Newark. Cultural revitalization has occurred with the building of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Along with initiating the building of the NJPAC, he has inspired the revival of Newark's Passaic Riverfront. Within his first few years in office he facilitated the city in winning three national awards: the Most Livable City Award, the All-America City Award, and the Environmental Protection Agency's Administrator's Award. As a result of this "Sharpe Change", Sharpe James went unopposed when he ran for reelection in 1990.
Central Ward-Cory Booker East Ward- Augusto Amador West Ward- Mamie Bridgeforth South Ward-Donald Bradley North Ward-Anthony Carrino Cory Booker represent the central ward. He is the youngest councilperson to ever serve for Newark, beginning his term at only 29 years of age. His "lead by example" style of creating change has been successful. Some of his obscure tactics include fasting in a tent to increase police presence and establishing residence in a mobile home to move to wherever the problems are. Booker remains ardent in his quest for tenant's rights in the low-income housing of the central ward.
Augusto Amador represents the east ward. Born in Portugal, he emigrated to the United States one year out of high school in 1966. He has been appointed to many positions by Mayor James Sharpe, such as parking commissioner and deputy mayor. Sharpe has confidence in Newark's first ever Portuguese-American in public office, who earned that honor when elected to the school board in 1993.
Mamie Bridgeforth represents the west ward. This proud African-American female council member is very well educated. she received a Bachelor of Science degree as well as a Masters degree from local Rutger's University, located within the central ward. Since graduating she has been a college professor for 27 years and has remained very involved in the community.
Donald Bradley represents the south ward. As a local African-American who was born and raised in Newark, he developed strong leadership through basketball and serving in the Air Force. He was appointed to the council as successor to the previous south ward councilman by a special council vote. Since then he has been elected to two consecutive terms. Bradley served as council president from 1992 to 1993 and 1994 to 1998.
Anthony Carrino represents the north ward and has for 27 years. After living in the north ward his entire life, he became a council member in 1974 and has easily won re-election ever since. His other occupations include a former police officer and he is currently a high school teacher, guidance counselor, and coach.
At-Large-Bessie Walker At-Large-Donald Tucker At-Large-Gayle H. Chaneyfield-Jenkins At-Large-Luis Quintana Bessie Walker was a born African-American leader. She has lived in Newark her entire life and has held the prestigious roles of Public School System Coordinator and Director of Community Action (current occupation). She works with the homeless, seniors, tenants and persons with HIV/AIDS. There are also many youth sports programs in Newark that Bessie partially founded.
Donald Tucker, like Anthony Carrino, has served as councilperson since 1974. He is also a born and raised Newarker. He proudly served in the Air Force and gained many skills. These skills lead to his eventual council position and a seat in the New Jersey state Assembly. He is an African-American who has served as President of the National Black Caucus of local Elected Officials (NBC/LEO) and founder of the Black Issues Convention (BIC).
Gayle H. Chaneyfield-Jenkins grew up in Newark's public housing system; therefore, she is committed to fighting for a better quality of life for all Newark's residents. Her previous work includes family programs and work as a youth counselor. This African-American is also a strong advocate of issues that affect children.
Luis Quintana is the first ever Hispanic at-large councilperson. He moved from Puerto Rico to Newark with his family. His Bachelor of Arts is in Criminal Justice. After college he, like Chaneyfield-Jenkins, worked as a youth counselor and continues to be a strong advocate for youth programs. He gained political influence through his connection as James Sharpe's aide when Sharpe was south ward's councilperson.
Minority Elected Officials
In Comparison, the racial background of Newark's elected officials does not parallel the racial background of Newark's citizens. While the general population is roughly 50% African-American, the council has 6 African-Americans and an African-American mayor (or 70% of the elected officials). Whites and Hispanics are very underrepresented in the council. There is only one white council member; However the population of Newark is 26.5% white. With almost 30% Hispanic or Latino peoples in Newark, there is only one Hispanic council representative. There is also one Portuguese-American council member.
Created by: Shelly Hahne, Angelica Hambrick, Katie Johnas, and Steve Klimpke
for POLS 350 Group & Minority Politics at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
for Professor Rodd Freitag
last updated: Monday November 26, 2001
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