The PolitickerNJ Interview
In a carful of insiders with their heads bowed over their phones, a friendly face made eye contact and outstretched his hand on the Chamber of Commerce Train on the way to Washington, D.C.
It was East Orange Mayor Lester Taylor, mayor since 2013, whose closeness to powerful Essex County Democratic Committee Chairman Leroy Jones, strategic bearing as mayor of a county strong-point, and early favorable impression among party members have him in solid position in the lead up to 2017.
“He’s been doing a great job, talking and touching people and being available beyond the campaign season,” said East Orange Councilman Chris James, executive director of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. “He’s still knocking on doors.”