Irvington Biz Owner Runs For Senate In NJ-28: Primary Election

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A small business owner from Irvington will be challenging Sen. Ronald Rice for the Democratic Party nomination in the 2021 primary election.

Patch recently reached out to Quadir Selby with a list of questions about his campaign in the state’s 28th Legislative district, which includes Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Newark and Nutley (see his replies below).

Selby will be running against longtime incumbent, Sen. Rice, for the Democratic Party nomination. Frank Contella has filed to run for the Republican Party nomination.

Patch reached out to the other candidates in the 28th District with the same questions. We will post any replies we receive in a future article.

• Town of residence - Irvington
• Age - 44
• Party affiliation - Democratic
• Occupation – small business owner
• Previous or current elected appointed offices – never been elected to any position

What are the most pressing problems facing the district? And what is your plan to fix them?

Besides the high property taxes, lack of gainful employment, crime and an abundance of impoverished communities?

We like so many other districts all across this state are so far behind the curve in creating meaningful legislation that benefits not just the financial or politically empowered, but for those common folk, average regular hard working citizens who just want – and deservingly so – a higher standard of living, a greater quality of life, a guaranteed education and free health care, the ability to trust those who swore to protect and serve, a more fair and inclusive district where we continue to open doors to success for all those – man, woman and child – who work hard day in and day out with just a dream to be great at something, and continue to fight for women's rights, gay rights and the right of all those tired of living in the shadows.

It's time to get out of the 80's and 90's way of thinking and this snail pace way of politics. This is no longer our grandparents Democratic party, and just like they were the voice and passions of their then generation this is our and we can fully with respect and humbled honor take it from here.

What's something about the district and/or its towns that always makes you smile?

The people, how can you go wrong with the people! I love the people of my district … people from all walks of life … many different experiences and cultures. You can't help but to love the people and their undeniable energy and connection to community where that passion easily shows in their constant service to those same communities, strengthening the bonds of their neighborhoods, creating huge self-benefits for their families and children.

And I can't forget the passionate leaders, like my hometown mayor, Tony Vauss of Irvington, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Bloomfield’s Michael Venezia. You gotta love their constant and persistent missions to follow their passions in creating a better life for all of their residents, while flourishing their respective cities into places we all can be proud of. This makes me smile, this is what keeps me going, and I look forward to becoming a great asset to them all.”

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