The mayor's annual address typically takes place in March, and is usually announced several weeks in advance so that residents with an interest in attending can do so. The March date for the address was chosen last year, presumably, to coincide with the introduction of the 2011 municipal budget,
which was introduced just weeks earlier.
The 2012 budget has not been introduced.
Business Administrator Jack Kelly said last week that it will be introduced next month.
Two members of the City Council who were reached Tuesday said they don't know why the address was moved up to February this year.
One councilman said he only learned of the upcoming address this week.
As in previous years, Healy is sure to highlight what he sees as the accomplishments of his administration over the past 12 months and introduce new initiatives for the coming year. It is likely that he will also outline
the administration's spending priorities for 2012.
In recent weeks crime has taken center stage in the city again with residents staging an anti-crime rally at the Feb. 8 City Council meeting and demanding that the Jersey City Police Department get more resources to fight crime.
Residents and political observers will also be listening to the tone of Healy's address to glean signs of his political intentions next year. Thus far, the mayor has not announced whether he plans to run for a third term, but he has held political fundraisers in recent months. Announced 2013 mayoral candidate and current Ward E City Councilman Steven Fulop has stated in the past that he believes Healy is likely to seek reelection.
State Sen. Sandra Cunningham (D-Jersey City) and At-large City Councilwoman Viola Richardson have also been mentioned as possible 2013 mayoral candidates, although neither woman has said that she is running. - E. Assata Wright
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