Our view: Fennell for 7th Ward

Democratic voters in Newark’s Seventh Ward have plenty to be happy about this spring. For one, they have two dedicated, caring and competent candidates battling for their party’s council nomination.

And two, whoever wins that nomination will likely be the ultimate winner of the seat as no Republican filed to run. Incumbent Democratic Councilwoman Carol Floyd is not seeking reelection.

Elections, however, are about making choices. While this isn’t a simple one, we believe Sean Fennell deserves your support.

Fennell, a library technology manager, is fairly new to the community but he has wasted no time getting involved in his five years here. He is a member of the Newark Think Tank on Poverty, the South Newark Civic Association and the Historic Hudson Community Association, among others.

Fennell is a well-spoken, thoughtful candidate who had a good understanding of the ward’s and city’s problems, including derelict properties, broken streets and the influx of drugs. He also showed an ability to be creative while realistic with solutions, which ranged from supporting an income tax increase specifically for neighborhood road repair to promoting ride-sharing initiatives to connect people without transportation to jobs.

His opponent, Jim Amore, is a dedicated servant to the community. He served 28 years as a Newark firefighter, is a block-watch captain for his neighborhood and is a trustee for the Historic Hudson Community Association.

Amore also had a good grasp of the issues facing the ward, saying Newark needs a fixed-route bus system to help people get to their destinations better.  When asked how Newark should improve diversity in its public safety forces, it was concerning that Amore questioned whether that was even a worthwhile goal.

So while both candidates would likely make good council representatives, we believe Fennell is the better choice.