James Solomon stunned the establishment with his council victory on Dec. 5.

JERSEY CITY -- Stop us if you've heard this one before: a political neophyte and Jersey City transplant pledging to reform city government takes on the political establishment and becomes the Downtown Jersey City councilman in an upset.

That was the story Tuesday night, when James Solomon stunned Jersey City by winning the Ward E City Council seat. It was the same tale 12 years ago for Steve Fulop, now the mayor and a frequent target of Solomon's campaign for not living up to his promises of reform.

Solomon, 33, said he does not see himself as a councilman in Fulop's mold. Fulop rose to political prominence while the Ward E councilman, spending much of those eight years lobbing attacks at then-Mayor Jerramiah Healy before unseating Healy in 2013.

"The mayor and I agree on a lot and I don't think it's in the best interests of the people of Ward E for me to be a bomb thrower," Solomon said in an interview with The Jersey Journal. "I had clear policy differences with ... things that happened in the last four years, particularly around development, and I'm going to stay true to those themes and messages and try to push the city in a more progressive direction."

Political observers do not take Solomon at his word. They see an ambitious guy who will not hesitate to take on the mayor for political gain.

"He's going to torture Steve," one source said.

Solomon, a Democrat who hails from Millburn, moved to Jersey City with his wife in 2014. He teaches politics and government at New Jersey City University and Hudson County Community College and was a 2015 fellow with New Leaders Council, a training ground for young, politically ambitious progressives.

He made waves locally urging city officials not to award tax breaks to Kushner Cos., which is headed by the family of President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. He ran for council pledging to take on real-estate developers.

From left, Will Ospina, Solomon and Robin Logsdon celebrate at Solomon's Dec. 5 victory party.
 

Solomon's election victory was a stunner, even for some of his supporters who confessed they started the day sure he would lose. On Nov. 7, Solomon came in second against four opponents, landing 735 votes behind first-place finisher Rebecca Symes, a 36-year-old attorney. In Jersey City it's rare for a runner-up to win the second round.

During the four-week runoff campaign, most of the city's political establishment endorsed Symes, including all three at-large council members, County Clerk-elect E. Junior Maldonado (the ex-councilman Fulop unseated in 2005) and Assemblywoman Angela McKnight. A group tied to a labor union backing Symes spent tens of thousands of dollars on polling and a television commercial. Fulop stayed neutral.

After all the votes were counted on Tuesday, Solomon bested Symes by 249 votes. He lost less than 10 percent of his vote total between the first round and the runoff. Symes' drop-off was almost 40 percent.

One longtime political observer credited the light turnout -- 4,107 voters cast ballots, 16 percent of Downtown's registered voters -- saying only the "zealots" came out, and they went heavy for Solomon. Robin Logsdon, Solomon's campaign manager, said the councilman-elect's message resonated with voters.

"I give immense credit to this team and James and our voters, that they believed in the implausible outcome that they could win against the machine," he said. "They believed it strongly enough to work that hard for it and it happened."

Solomon also spent a lot of money. In late November his campaign reported spending $151,585, while Symes spent $113,768 (the pro-labor group shelled out at least $43,700 on behalf of Symes). Solomon also loaned his campaign $35,000, which is more than the council salary.

Solomon defended his campaign spending, saying "to take that machine on generally requires money." He also noted that Fulop's eight-person council term reported spending more than $600,000 total before the general election, making his own spending "not wildly out of line."

With Fulop winning re-election with a record vote share, Solomon's victory was a bright spot for longtime Fulop foes and ex-fans of the mayor who have become his critics. One of them, Ellen Simon, a former school board member, called Solomon a "stand-up guy" who ran a campaign that did not veer from its core principles.

Simon said she knows of one flaw: "I say this as an Ohio native: Sadly, he is a Steelers fan." 

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.

The message was found at a bank ATM

Police are searching for the author of a disturbing note discovered last week at a Bank of America ATM in Newark.

 

The note, described as "threatening" in a statement by police, was found at the branch located at Springfield and University avenues around 5 p.m. Dec. 1. Police also circulated an image of a suspect captured on surveillance camera.

Anyone with information is asked to call the 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877- NWK-TIPS (1-877- 695-8477) or 1-877- NWK-GUNS (1-877- 695-4867).  All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Visit the home of maybe the state's best cheesecake in our latest N.J.'s best bakery showdown trip report.

The child was safely let out near the incident on Magazine Street at about 3:30 p.m.

A Newark teenager is facing kidnapping charges after he allegedly stole a car with a 7-year-old inside on Friday afternoon, authorities said. 

The child was safely let out near the incident on Magazine Street at about 3:30 p.m., Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said in a release.

Authorities found the vehicle abandoned a short time later and spotted the 16-year-old running away in the South Ward, according to the release.

Newark police chased down the teen, who was wearing an ankle monitoring bracelet, and charged the boy with eluding, assault by eluding, endangering the welfare of a child, kidnapping, theft and criminal restraint, authorities said. 

Craig McCarthy may be reached at 732-372-2078 or at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig and on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Newark celebrated its local businesses during an inaugural gala Thursday night hosted by the city's development agency.

Newark celebrated its local businesses during an inaugural gala Thursday night hosted by the city's development agency. 

The event, billed as "A Night of Newark," honored partners in the city and featured more than 100 vendors. It was hosted by the Newark Community Economic Development Corporation, an independent corporation largely funded by the city to help spur development in Newark. 

Among those honored:

• Kings Restaurant -- small business of the year
• Forward Ever Sustainable Business Alliance - nonprofit partner of the year
• Newark Alliance -- corporate liaison of the year
• Pennoni Engineering -- professional consultant of the year
• RWJ Barnabas Health -- community anchor of the year
• RBH Group -- developer of the year
• MCJ Amelior Foundation -- philanthropic leader of the year
• Rutgers University -- educational institution of the year
• Gerard Adams/Fownders -- entrepreneur of the year

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. 

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office said Ahmad J. Carson, 33, died Saturday after he was fatally shot along Myrtle Ave.

A Newark man was killed in a double shooting in Irvington early Saturday, according to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. 

Ahmad J. Carson, 33, died at the scene shortly before 2 a.m. along the 300 block of Myrtle Avenue, authorities said. 

A second Newark man, who has not been identified, was also shot. The 26-year-old is being treated for non-life threatening injuries, according to Chief Assistant prosecutor Thomas Fennelly. 

The two men were found sitting inside a car when police arrived, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino and Irvington Police Director Tracy Bowers said in a press release Saturday.

No further details on the shooting were released. Fennelly said the incident remains under investigation by the ECPO's Homicide Task Force.

Anyone with information can call the ECPO tip line at 877-847-7432. 

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook. 

Several people relocated after Saturday fires.

Newark firefighters battled three separate blazes within a six-hour span in the city Saturday, officials said.

One man was injured in a fire on Aldine Street in Newark (Photo: Dept. of Public Safety) 

Approximately 10 people were displaced after a fire at a residential building on Aldine Street, near Hansbury Avenue, according to Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose, who said 53 firefighters had the fire under control by around 7:35 p.m.

Four people evacuated the residence, officials said in a statement. One man was being treated for smoke inhalation at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, where his condition was not immediately available.

City crews also brought a Montrose Street fire under control about 30 minutes after it sparked at a residential building, Ambrose said. Four adults and three children were relocated from that incident.

About two hours earlier, 40 firefighters controlled a blaze on 3rd Street, near Sussex Avenue, according to officials. Eight adults and seven children in two families needed to be relocated after the fire.

There were no reported injuries in the earlier incident. Newark fire investigators were working to determine what caused the three fires.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. 

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Maplewood earlier this year banned commercial contractors from using the noisy machines during the summer. Watch video

A controversial ban that blocks landscapers and other businesses from using gas-powered leaf blowers in a New Jersey town is headed to court.

The New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association and nine individual landscape companies filed a civil suit this October against the town of Maplewood, and its mayor and township committee, claiming the ban discriminates against the businesses, and has cost them big bucks.

The leaf blower ban, which the town passed in April after residents complained a less-restrictive leaf blower rule was not being enforced, prohibits commercial landscapers from using gas-powered blowers during summer months.

The town's lawmakers said the ban was meant to decrease noise and environmental pollution in the community.

The problem, the landscapers say, is that the rule doesn't apply to everyone. Private residents, non-commercial associations, and even the town's own leaf cleaning crew can use the noisy machines, the landscapers say in their suit.

The town owns and operates five gas-powered blowers, the suit says.

And, the suit claims, while the law imposes fines of up to $1,500 on landscapers who don't comply, residents and entities that violate other parts of the town's ordinance -- like restrictions on the hours during which the machines can be used -- don't face any penalties at all.

The lawsuit calls the town's policy "discriminatory" and "obviously irrational."

"Does (a homeowner's) equipment cause less harm and noise than a contractor's?" Nelson Lee, the association's president, said in an interview with NJ Advance Media. "It's a discrimination factor."

Leaf blower ban wins 'Quiet Hero' award

Landscapers have been forced to use "inefficient and time-consuming methods such as rakes, brooms, and hoses," to clear leaves, leading to "...an adverse impact on business and goodwill, which threatens the continued operation of such businesses," the suit says.

While the suit seeks unspecified damages and the revocation of the ban, the group's attorney, David Mairo, said it is about more than lost income.

"The ordinance as it is currently written is unconstitutional," Mairo said in a phone interview. "It targets a certain group."

While the association acknowledges other towns in the state have leaf blowing restrictions in place, those are more fair because they apply to everyone, the group says.

The Oct. 20 filing is the second challenge the group has made against the ban. The first filed earlier this year was dismissed on what Mairo called a "technicality."

The association was not permitted by the court to file suit on its own, he said. In the latest suit, nine individual landscapers signed joined the complaint. Otherwise, he said, the suit is mostly the same as the original one filed.

Maplewood Mayor Victor DeLuca declined to comment on the suit, citing its status as ongoing litigation. The township recently received an extension and is now set to answer the complaint by Jan. 4, 2018, Mairo said.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The dazzling Maplewood singer made the most of her time on "SNL"

NEW YORK -- Live from New York, it's New Jersey's most exciting songstress to emerge in a decade. 

SZA, the sultry R&B singer from Maplewood, scored the coveted musical guest spot on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" Saturday night, and made the most of her opportunity, performing with a large band and choir -- who else plays "SNL" with a flute and clarinet? 

As is custom on the show, the 28-year-old singer born Solana Rowe sang twice; first she knocked out her heartbreaking jam "The Weekend" with smoke and aplomb, admitting that she's so desperate for love that she's willing to share her lover with others: "Heard that's her man, Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I just keep him satisfied through the weekend," she sings. 

Later in the show, guest host James Franco reintroduced SZA and she took on the most popular single off her acclaimed summer album "CTRL," the traipsing number "Love Galore," which hinges on an acrobatic vocal performance to really hit its chorus hard. SZA was up for the challenge, singing beautifully before piles of old television and computer monitors, mimicking her striking album cover. 

SZA will remain in New York Monday for a sold-out headlining performance at Irving Plaza in Manhattan. Then she returns Jan. 28 for the Grammy Awards, where the blooming artist is nominated in five categories: Best New Artist, R&B Performance, R&B Song, Rap/Sung Performance and Urban Contemporary Album.  

Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office said investigators Sunday night were awaiting the results of an autopsy.

Authorities are investigating the death of an 8-year-old girl in Newark, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office confirmed Sunday.

In a statement, Acting County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino and city Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose said police and emergency medical personnel found the girl when they responded to a report of an unresponsive child in the 1000 block of South Orange Avenue shortly after 1:30 p.m.

The girl, who authorities have not named, was pronounced dead at University Hospital at 2:16 p.m., authorities said.

In an email, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly said investigators were awaiting the results of an autopsy by the state Regional Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause and manner of her death.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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The crash occurred in Bloomfield and delays are building as the morning rush gets underway

A crash on the Garden State Parkway in Essex County early Monday has temporarily closed all northbound lanes, causing a major traffic jam just as the morning rush got underway.

The Garden State Parkway northbound lanes were jammed by a crash north of exit 148 in Essex County. (511nj.org) 

Multiple people were injured in the accident just north of exit 148 in Bloomfield, according to 511nj.org, the state Department of Transportation's traffic website.

Multiple cars were involved in the crash, a State Police spokesman said. The injuries were not considered life-threatening. 

The crash was reported at 6:14 a.m., 511nj.org said. As of 6:55 a.m., the State Police said the right lane had been reopened, but advised drivers to avoid the area.

Northbound traffic was already backed up several miles past the interchange with I-280 and delays are building.

Southbound travelers are still moving. 

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Dogs and cats throughout New Jersey need permanent homes.

We all love eating holiday foods, but things can go seriously wrong if we feed our dogs the same kinds of sweet and fatty goodies we give ourselves. Many of our-best-loved holiday dishes can be harmful or even toxic to dogs.

BluePearl Veterinary Partners has provided a list of five dog-healthy alternatives to classic holiday dishes. Just remember, these special foods should be given in moderation.

"Your dog will love the treats mentioned in this article, but remember that treats should amount to no more than 10 percent of your dog's overall calorie intake for the day," said Dr. SusanWynn of BluePearl, who is a board-certified veterinary nutritionist. "The rest of their food should be their usual complete and balanced diet."

Turkey legs vs. cooked pieces of turkey breast

It may be tempting to serve a turkey leg to your furry friend, but bones can actually be extremely harmful to your dog. Instead, cut a few small pieces of turkey breast, ideally without skin or heavy seasonings.

Pumpkin pie vs. fresh pumpkin

Creamy, rich pumpkin pie is a classic holiday dessert, but the high sugar and fat content makes it a bad choice for pets. However, plain pumpkin (fresh, roasted or pureed) is healthy for dog digestion. You can also freeze 100% unsweetened pumpkin puree in an ice cube tray for a bite-size snack.

Candies and desserts vs. fresh apple slices

One of the biggest holiday dangers for pets is sweets. Chocolate and xylitol, an ingredient in many sugar-free candies and desserts, are both highly toxic to dogs. The best sweet alternative is fresh apple, nutritious and low-calorie. You can substitute other fruits such as pear, banana and melon - just be sure to avoid feeding grapes, fruit seeds or pits and rhubarb.

Sweet potato casserole vs. fresh sweet potato

Nothing smells better than a baked sweet potato casserole, but the fat and sugar from the marshmallows and other ingredients can make your dog sick. Set aside some plain, cooked sweet potato pieces (or puree) for your dog.

Green bean casserole vs. plain green beans

Green bean casserole is another holiday classic that may tempt humans and dogs alike. But it's filled with ingredients that are bad for dogs, including onions, garlic and mushrooms. As an alternative, offer your dog some raw green beans as a crunchy snack.

Jill Cooperman saw her $94,000 salary rise to $125,000 over 28 months at University Hospital in Newark.

A former governor who is chairman of the board at University Hospital in Newark recommended the hospital hire a friend, made her his personal assistant and signed off on a promotion and a pay raise for what was later deemed a "no-show or low- show" job, NJ Advance Media has learned. 

Donald DiFrancesco, the former state Senate president who also was governor for most of 2001, made Jill Cooperman his assistant and began assigning her work weeks after she was hired in January 2014, according to a report investigating her tenure at the quasi-public city hospital.

Cooperman's salary at University Hospital rose from $94,000 to $125,000, and her title changed from senior staff attorney to assistant general counsel and secretary of the hospital's foundation from January 2014 to April 2016, the report said.

A University Hospital whistleblower complained that Cooperman had been given "a low-show or a no-show job," with a vague job description, said Annette Catino, a board member who hired an outside law firm to investigate the accusation.

The investigation concluded the complaint was "credible," according to the report by Vito Gagliardi of the law firm Porzio Bromberg & Newman in Morristown, who presented it to the hospital board in April 2016.

"In sum, UH (University Hospital) had a high-level administrator without a clear job title, job description or supervisor," according to the report. 

"It is was clear that even Ms. Cooperman herself is unclear on to whom she presently reports, her exact title and what her responsibilities are. Often absent from the office, that she often leaves work early or in the middle of the day, and that her whereabouts are often unclear or unknown by her colleagues."

Soon after the report was completed, Cooperman and the board reached "a mutual decision" that she would leave with an undisclosed severance package, protected by a non-disclosure agreement, Catino said.

The whistleblower in the case also received a severance package from the hospital, according to two sources with knowledge of the agreement.

Reached by phone at her job as a real estate agent, Cooperman replied, "I have nothing to say," or "I can't answer that question" when asked to comment on the report and her time at the hospital.

New CEO for University Hospital in Newark arrives in March

The report's findings prompted the hospital to adopt a resolution in May 2016 barring any hospital employees from reporting to board members in the future.

"We recommend making clear to both the board and administrative personnel that there should never be a time where board members are directly supervising administrative personnel," the report said.

Gagliardi said the board did not ask him to focus on nature of DiFrancesco's and Cooperman's relationship.

But Catino told NJ Advance Media she had asked DiFrancesco point-blank whether the two had an intimate relationship. "I asked him on two occasions, prior to the investigation starting. I did it face-to-face," Catino said. "He said, 'No, you are misreading it.' He said it was professional."

DiFrancesco declined to be interviewed for this article. Through a spokesman, Bob Sommer, he released a statement confirming he had recommended Cooperman fill a position in the general's counsel's office. 

"After Ms. Cooperman was introduced to me by my client, she forwarded me her resume and we met a handful of times prior to my recommending her for an open position at University Hospital," DiFrancesco said in a statement.

"She was hired following the process any state employee would and she reported to that department," according to DiFrancesco's statement. "Ms. Cooperman and I were friends but had not had a romantic relationship."

DiFrancesco described Cooperman as "vital in helping support the board," as the hospital was still in the throes of establishing its independence after its operating entity, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, was dissolved by Gov. Chris Christie and the Legislature in 2013.

DiFrancesco, who was appointed by Christie to lead the board that year, described the transition as difficult.

"Even though I was a volunteer chairman, I was spending two to three days a week at UH helping to build the organization," he said in his statement. "As such, I needed staff support."

He credited Cooperman with helping him and creating a foundation to raise funds to support the hospital, which is reliant on state funding and has long operated in the red.

 "I think to a great degree we achieved these goals, though in the rush to create the organization, more attention should have been paid to establishing reporting mechanisms for staff," DiFrancesco's statement said.

"With 20/20 hindsight, I do agree a more formal chain of command would have been helpful but at the time I was focused on helping to build a corporate structure and improve the hospital's operation."

Catino, the board member who oversees budgetary and compliance issues, described the allegations as "serious," and the experience "embarrassing" for both Cooperman and DiFrancesco.

"Any mishandling of employment is serious, and when we found the problem, we corrected it," Catino, the former president and CEO of QualCare, an insurance provider.

She said there was no discussion of penalizing DiFrancesco. The only person who could remove the chairman is the governor, she said. "We made sure the governor's office knew this investigation was taking place," Catino said.

Christie spokesman Brian Murray declined to comment for this story.

"I don't think he thought he did anything wrong. I don't know if he ever worked in corporate structure," Catino said of DiFrancesco, whose term expires in June.

DiFrancesco, a Republican, was senate president from 1992 to 2002 and served as governor for 11 months after Christie Whitman resigned to head the Enivornmental Protection Agency. He is partner at a law firm in Warren.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. 

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The county prosecutor's office said he killed one man and robbed two others

A jury in Newark on Monday convicted a 26-year-old city man of murder in a fatal shooting during the robbery of a chicken restaurant two years ago.

Durrell Hearn. (Essex County Prosecutor's Office)
 

After one week of trial, a jury sitting before Superior Court Judge Michael L. Ravin found Durrell Hearn guilty of murder, felony murder, three counts of robbery, conspiracy and weapons offenses, according to a statement from the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.

During a Jan. 8, 2015, robbery at the Royal Chicken Restaurant on Springfield Avenue, Hearn robbed and fatally shot Tykwan Crenshaw, 20, of Newark, according to Assistant Prosecutor Carlo Fioranelli, who tried the case. Hearn also robbed two other people during the same incident, the prosecutor said.

"We are pleased the jury returned a just verdict in this tragic case," Fioranelli said in a statement. "Hopefully, the resolution of the case will provide the Crenshaw family with a degree of closure."

Hearn has three prior drug convictions and five other open robbery cases, including one in which he is charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting someone, the prosecutor's office said.

He faces life in prison at sentencing, which has been scheduled for Feb. 5, 2018.

Authorities said Hearn's co-defendant, Leon Trent, previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy and robbery charges for acting as a lookout during the fatal heist. Trent, 30, of Newark, faces 10 years in prison at sentencing, which is scheduled for Jan. 8.

Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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Newark's Shakur Stevenson talks about his transition from Olympic silver medalist to professional boxer.

At the Stewart Hotel in midtown Manhattan, Shakur Stevenson shadowboxes from his seat, throwing punches in a flurry as if no one else is in the conference room.

"I'm just so used to it,'' Stevenson said. "It keeps me on my toes.''

Stevenson could be in a supermarket, in the mall, or walking down the street, when he involuntarily starts flicking jabs and uppercuts. The 20-year-old Newark native was never far from that zone as we talked last Wednesday about his transition from Olympic silver medalist to professional boxer.

"I know when I get in the ring with somebody else, no matter how good they are, I'm on a different level skillfully,'' he said.

He was on "a different level" three days later as part of a Top Rank-promoted card on ESPN at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. Stevenson dominated Oscar Mendoza on Saturday, winning his featherweight bout by TKO in the second round.

"Y'all still didn't see the best of me,'' said Shakur, standing in the ring. "Keep watching.''

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We will. He's 4-0, with two knockouts, in his dream job, his passion. It's all he's ever wanted to do since his grandfather, Willie "Wali" Moses, showed him how to box at age 5. Moses has been there the whole time, training him, watching him check off each milestone in his blossoming career.

"I would always say to him, 'Man, don't let me believe in you more than you believe in yourself' and he doesn't fall short on that self-belief," Moses said.  "His dedication to himself and his craft is insurmountable.''

To Stevenson, boxing is everything. His love for the sport is what basketball is to NBA legends like LeBron James, Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant. Stevenson most identifies with the inner drive of Hall of Famer Allen Iverson, when the hoops star said, "I play every game like it's my last game.''

Stevenson has the same mindset, so his transition to the pros has not been difficult.

"I fight every fight like it's my last fight,'' he said.

While most new boxers begin their career with four-round fights, up from the three-round bouts of the amateur level, Stevenson told his promoter, Top Rank, that he wanted to debut at six rounds.

"I'm not going to get nothing out of four rounds and lesser opponents,'' he said.

In the ring, he's making adjustments, realizing pace and patience are a must as he builds his endurance. He's quite aware that he doesn't fight as frequently, so he has to make each outing count.

"In the pros, you get one time, you get one performance,'' he said.

Stevenson is hard on himself, grading his early body of work as a C+. "I haven't peaked yet,'' he said.

That will come with more fights, when his man strength kicks in to fill out his 126-pound, 5-foot-8 frame.

"I've just got to stay focused and hungry,'' he said.

Putting in the work has never been a problem. In preparing for the Saturday fight, Stevenson sparred 12 rounds against Vasyl Lomachenko, the WBO junior lightweight world champion.

Stevenson described the experience as "amazing'' with the two-time gold medalist, who showed him why he is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters.

"I know that if I can get in there with one of the best boxers in boxing and handle myself, I can handle myself with anybody in boxing right now,'' he said.

Lomachenko, who retained his title Saturday at the Theater at the Madison Square Garden, said Shakur "has a lot of places where to grow, and I think he's going to be a very good prospect.''

As a young lion in the game, Stevenson is eager to be a headliner, like Lomachenko, preferably in Newark. Anthony Carr, a boxing trainer for 30 years in Newark, has watched Stevenson since he put on the gloves and likes what he sees now: good ring generalship, high boxing I.Q. and craftiness. He's a "gym rat,'' who wants to learn and get better, Carr said. "I think one day he'll wear that belt."

Antonio Leonard, a co-promoter for Stevenson, said he has a gift on par with former great fighters such as Roy Jones and Floyd Mayweather. "I see a lot of stuff happening for this kid,'' Leonard said. "He embraces everything."

His talent shines as brightly as his future, but Stevenson is down to earth, personable and humble. 

"I know God put everything in front of me for a reason,'' he said. "He wouldn't put me in a certain position if he thought I couldn't handle it."

He's a mature young man with a megawatt dimpled smile, adapting to everything coming his way. Two weeks ago, he moved into his own apartment in Alexandria, Virginia, where he trains with his coach, Kay Koroma. The responsibility is quickly setting in.

"I have to pay my own bills,'' he said.  And answer e-mails more regularly, something he said his idol, retired boxing champion Andre Ward, gets on him about.

The oldest of nine siblings, Stevenson is grounded by his family, whom he misses. He misses Newark, too, carrying the city with him into the ring. In bold capital glittering letters, "Newark" was emblazoned on the waistband of his red- and-white trunks and the bandana around his head on Saturday.

"I want to give a big shoutout to Newark, N.J. Without them, I wouldn't be who I am,'' he said in the ring.

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Angie Jackson, who works behind the scenes for Top Rank, calls Stevenson a "breath of fresh air,'' unlike many fighters she's seen during 40 years in the business.

"He's happy to go out there and do whatever he needs to do to promote himself. He knows he has to earn it,'' Jackson said.

That's what he did after we talked on Wednesday. Stevenson had to be at the Mendez Boxing gym for a 12:30 p.m. workout in front of boxing media outlets. On the way, a school bus was blocking the Chevrolet Suburban that Stevenson was riding in.

Instead of waiting, Stevenson jumped out on East 26th Street to walk the last block, signing an autograph for a fan in front of the gym entrance.  He dashed down the steps and began answering questions from a horde of media waiting for him, Lomachenko, Guillermo Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and junior featherweight champion; and Michael Conlan, an Olympian from Ireland.  All of them fought Saturday night at the Garden.

Stevenson's comfortable now with the media. He took pictures, smiled, socialized, then left after 90 minutes and walked back to the hotel.

When I first wrote about him, in 2013, I said he was a keeper, someone who would be on the Olympic podium in 2016.

I asked him what we should expect of him in the next three years.

"People will see me with a world title,'' he said.

 Barry Carter: (973) 836-4925 or bcarter@starledger.com or 

nj.com/carter or follow him on Twitter @BarryCarterSL

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's administration named three New Jersey locations -- more than any other state -- to a list of 21 Superfund sites to be immediately cleaned up. The sites are in Bridgewater, Bergen County and Newark. As an indication of the importance placed on these sites, cleanup efforts will be monitored by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, who will...

WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump's administration named three New Jersey locations -- more than any other state -- to a list of 21 Superfund sites to be immediately cleaned up.

The sites are in Bridgewater, Bergen County and Newark.

As an indication of the importance placed on these sites, cleanup efforts will be monitored by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, who will receive regular progress reports.

"Getting toxic land sites cleaned up and revitalized is of the utmost importance to the communities across the country that are affected by these sites," Pruitt said. "By getting these sites cleaned up, EPA will continue to focus on ways we can directly improve public health and the environment for people across America."

11 ways the Trump budget would affect N.J.

The EPA also will turn its attention to other Superfund sites as well with an eye towards cleaning them all up. New Jersey has 116 such sites, more than any other state.

The announcement does not come with the promise of attentional funds, and Trump's proposed budget would cut federal funding for the program by $330 million to $762 million. The administration earlier said the savings would come through reducing administrative costs.

"This list appears to be nothing more than a list of sites with upcoming actions for which the administrator wants to take credit," said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th Dist., the ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

"The National Priority List already identifies the most dangerous sites which are the top priorities for cleanup. Issuing this new arbitrary list has created confusion for community groups around Superfund sites nationwide."

The three New Jersey sites are:

American Cyanamid. Located in Bridgewater, the 435-acre site was used to make chemicals and pharmaceuticals for more than nine decades. Wyeth Holdings, which currently owns the site, has taken steps to prevent benzene from seeping into the Raritan River, and other work is in progress. Wyeth, a subsidiary of Pfizer, has agreed to spend $194 million on some remediation.

Berry's Creek Study Area (Ventron/Velsicol site). Mercury, methyl mercury and PCBs are on the site, which includes about six miles of waterway that connects to the Hackensack River. The EPA is expected to decide next year whether to propose interim steps while the study of the entire area continues.

Diamond Alkali. The site includes the former Diamond Alkali manufacturing facility in Newark, 17 miles of the lower Passaic River from Dundee Dam to Newark Bay, and the Newark Bay Study Area, which includes the bay and parts of the Hackensack River, Arthur Kill and Kill van Kull.

Chemicals include DDT, Agent Orange, PCBs, mercury and pesticides. A $1.4 billion cleanup plan has been selected for the lower 8.3 miles of the Passaic River while studies of the entire river continue.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. 

Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo looked past his own 2018 re-election bid at an event on Monday to predict U.S. Sen. Cory Booker will be elected president.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, at podium, and Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, at right.Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media 

At a politically star-studded event in Newark kicking off Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo's 2018 re-election bid, DiVincenzo looked past his own race next year to make a prediction about the presidential contest three years from now.

"Cory Booker -- make a note of this -- in 2020, he will be our next president of the United States," DiVincenzo said to loud applause, with Booker standing a few feet away. "You know -- listen to me -- remember, you heard it from me first."

Turning to a smiling Booker, DiVincenzo added, "And don't ever forget Essex County as president."

Along with Governor-elect Phil Murphy, U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and other Democrats present to praise DiVincenzo, Booker had already taken his turn at the podium, and he did not respond in front of the crowd of about 300 DiVincenzo supporters crowded into a tent at Veteran's Memorial Park.

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker poses with an unidentified supporter during an event for Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzeo.Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media 

But speaking to reporters afterward, Booker, a former Newark mayor, did not rule out a bid for the White House.

"The focus right now is the Alabama election, the 2018 elections, and 2020 is a long way away," said Booker, who ranked fourth among potential Democratic candidates in a recent poll of New Hampshire voters. "We have real challenges facing our state from this Republican tax plan coming down and other attempts to roll back health care. This is not a time to be talking about 2020."

Booker, 48, was referring to the Dec. 12 special election to fill the Alabama U.S. Senate seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions pitting conservative Republican Roy Moore against Democrat Doug Jones, and to next year's midterm Congressional elections.

In a poll taken in late October, 6 percent of New Hampshire Democrats said they favored Booker ahead of all but three other potential candidates for president in 2020: U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt), who is 76, with 31 percent;  former Vice President Joe Biden, 75, with 24 percent; and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), 67, with 13 percent.

DiVincenzo, a north Jersey Democratic power broker who nonetheless endorsed Republican Gov. Chris Christie for re-election in 2013, is seeking a fifth 4-year term as the top elected county official in Essex.

DiVincenzo clearly reveled in the support of such a high-powered cast of fellow Democrats assembled at Monday's event. It was held just days after he settled a complaint by the state Election Law Enforcement Commission that had hung over his head for four years. In the settlement, DiVincenzo did not acknowledge any wrongdoing, but agreed to pay penalties totaling $20,446 in a case brought by ELEC in 2013 involving allegations of improper spending and reporting of campaign contributions.

"I love going to work each and every day," DiVincenzo told supporters. "I love my job. I love helping people. That's what it's all about."

Jacqueline DeVore, who directs the county Division of Senior Services, playfully hollered, "Mr. President, Mr. President," as she walked past Booker after the event.

"If Donald Trump made it to the presidency, I certainly believe that Sen. Cory Booker has a good opportunity," said DeVore. "And I think that he probably has it in sight."

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.