Essex County Mayors Discuss Challenges of Leading Cities at School of Public Affairs and Administration Event

The mayors of Newark and neighboring Essex County towns convened last month with students and faculty from the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) to discuss the challenges of governing cities and how young people could prepare for roles in local government.

At the event, which included mayors and officials from Newark, East Orange, Orange, Irvington and Hillside, the leaders told personal stories about how they entered politics, shared long-term plans for their towns, and described how they are working to attract residential and commercial development while meeting the needs of long-time residents.

Dean Kaifeng Yang opened the conversation by emphasizing the importance of cities as cultural and economic bedrocks, adding that during a time of political upheaval, it’s especially crucial to consider local issues and the ramifications of national trends and policies.

“How can leaders demonstrate leadership during turbulent times? Our cities are the lifeblood of civilization, and as leaders you are the architects of their future,’’ he said. ”Together we can build resilient cities that not only withstand the test of time but serve as pillars of progress.”

SPAA Professor Michael Dillard, who moderated the event, said that he wanted to “connect theory to practice” for undergraduate students and help them understand the role they play in local communities. 

“Too often we spend so much time focusing on the larger national issues but tend to forget about issues that are going on directly around us,’’ he said. “This conversation is important because we have a 2024 presidential election and decisions made at the federal level can have an impact at the state and local levels.”

Some leaders said they became involved in municipal government because they had family members who were public servants or were especially civic-minded and active in their towns.

“I have to blame my grandparents. They have been involved in the church on Morris Avenue in Newark, in organizing  rummage sales, giving people clothes,’’ said East Orange Mayor Ted Green. “My dad was a Newark school teacher. I watched how kids in the neighborhood galvanized our home and how we became a village.” 

As the daughter of a police officer and a mother who was active in politics,
Hillside Mayor Dahlia Vertreese grew up in a family that always discussed local issues. 

“There was a lot of  conversation about what was impacting the community, closure of hospitals, services. Those were the conversations at my kitchen table,’’ said Vertreese. “I always wanted to do steer my community and be involved.’'

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka spoke about the many years he spent campaigning for office and losing.  

“I ran for office for 16 years before I won anything,” said Baraka, a former Newark school teacher who in 2010 was elected South Ward Councilman and became mayor in 2014. “All those times we lost, we got more skill on how not to lose.’’

Baraka described some of the goals of his administration, including fostering  a thriving nightlife and developing commercial areas throughout the city.

“Newark is on its way to becoming a 24-hour destination,’’ he said, stressing the importance of walkable spaces and attractions. “You have to get people in and around businesses for people to come to a city.’’

He mentioned the city’s work in attracting mid-size developers to construct two- and three-family housing that could also include spaces for business. He also touted the arrival of Lionsgate, which announced plans to build a film studio in the South Ward, and the return of Mars Wrigley, which in 2017 opened an office in Newark after leaving the city decades ago.

Irvington Business Administrator Musa Malik described the “holistic approach” officials were taking to focus on redevelopment that would allow residents to remain in town. “We’re working on building new senior living facilities,’’ he said. “We want to touch everyone, of all ages, of diverse backgrounds, and keep our residents here.’'

Vertreese described Hillside as a town that is capitalizing on its proximity to New York City and could be improved with more public spaces, which she predicted would help boost economic development.

Orange Mayor Dwayne Warren said his town is encouraging more home ownership. 
“It’s especially important for young people who only see renting as an option,’’ he said.

Green said that the town of East Orange, once called a “bedroom community”’ to Manhattan, was working to refurbish Main Street through commercial and residential development. 

The municipal leaders were asked to give students advice on pursuing careers as public servants.

“Show up at community events and ask questions,’’ said Vertreese.  “Get involved. Talk to local officials, educating yourself on the form of government you have in your towns.’’

Baraka urged students to be active on campus. “There are things that affect you directly where you are,’’ he said. “You have opportunities to engage with real world problems and solutions. “