A husband and wife, both of whom are professional actors, have organized a group called WIN (Weehawken Initiative Now) to explore options to form an opposition to the existing Weehawken government, headed by long-time Mayor Richard Turner.
Eric Conger and Gayle Humphrey are also members of Friends of the Weehawken Waterfront, the non-profit civic organization that has staunchly opposed the Roseland Port Imperial South waterfront development project. In the past, that group has said they would not put up political candidates. But Conger and Humphrey claim that the new group will not be related to FWW.
Conger and Humphrey will sponsor a brunch at their home in two weeks to see if there is any interest to form a political ticket to run in next year’s municipal elections.
According to Humphrey, the brunch is being held as a fact-finding event.
"We want to see if we can create interest to form slate to run in the elections of 2002," Humphrey said. "We feel that the existing administration has not represented the town well, especially along the waterfront. We’re very excited about the possibility of getting a new government in the town."
When told of Humphrey and Conger’s plan for WIN, Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner was cynical but not surprised.
"This shows the true intention of [FWW] all along," Turner said. "In my opinion, they have been political all along. It puts in true perspective what they’ve been saying and doing over the last few years. It’s their right to run for council."
When told that WIN is separate from the FWW, Turner replied, "These are the same individuals wearing different hats. If it looks like a horse, acts like a horse and sounds like a horse, it’s a horse. You can’t change the faces."
Turner stood by his record of leadership.
"I’ve had the privilege to run unopposed three times, but I would place the record of this administration against anyone at any time," Turner said. "I fully expected opposition this time and I knew where it was coming from."
Humphrey said that WIN is still in the infant stages, but it was important to get the ball rolling to see if there’s interest.
"It’s right now in the exploratory stages," Humphrey said. "We’re asking Democrats, Republicans, Independents all to come to the brunch and see if we can get some ideas."
Humphrey also insisted that her association with the FWW is totally separate from this new political group.
"This is not the Friends of the Weehawken Waterfront," she said. "This is a new group and it’s very separate of the FWW and very different. The FWW has never had a political agenda. It’s a not-for-profit organization. We want it very clear that this Weehawken Initiative Now will act as its own. It’s a completely different group, with separate accounts, separate phone lines. Many people involved with the FWW are not involved with this group."
Humphrey said that WIN has certain people in mind for public office, but she would not divulge those names at this time.
"We have people in mind that have aspirations," Humphrey said. "But we’re not making any announcements at this time. It’s the kind of thing that if we can find enough interest, then we can pursue it further. Right now, I know there are a lot of people who are not clear about what WIN stands for and what we’re all about. This is to inform people."
Conger and Humphrey have been very active in the actions of FWW, with Humphrey speaking at many Planning Board hearings and Conger active in letter-writing campaigns. Humphrey and Conger, who have been professional actors for years, have lived in Weehawken for the last 10 years and have been featured in several voiceovers for commercials, books on tape and advertising campaigns.
"It’s just too early to speculate who will run or whether we’ll have interest in running. I think we’ll have a stronger sense after the brunch," Humphrey said.
Part of the reason why the couple decided to explore political options is that Turner has not had opposition in last two times he ran for re-election.
"It’s always good to have competition," Humphrey said. "Competition’s good because it keeps the current administration on their toes. The mayor has to keep listening to the needs of the town, so having opposition assures that."
Humphrey firmly believes that there will be enough interest to form an opposition ticket to Turner as he seeks re-election for a third term in 2002.
"There are enough people in the town who are not satisfied with what’s happening in the town," Humphrey said.