Calling himself the “change” candidate in this year’s mayoral race, attorney Peter Weiner last week announced his slate of Town Council candidates for the upcoming Democratic primary on June 2. The general election will be held in November.
Speaking before an audience of about 60 supporters gathered at Lorenzo’s Restaurant on Sunday, Weiner introduced health insurance executive Joseph Morano as his 1st Ward candidate. Former Secaucus School Board member Susan Pirro has joined Weiner’s ticket as the candidate for the 3rd Ward.
Secaucus has three wards, and each ward has two representatives. One seat in each ward is up for a vote this year.
“I’ve known Joe and Sue for many years,” Weiner said. “Over the last year or so, we’ve talked a lot about things we see happening in town. It became obvious that we all see eye-to-eye on many issues facing Secaucus and how they should be handled. That’s why I asked them to join my ticket.”
The platform
Earlier, when addressing his supporters, Weiner promised to have an “open government that is accountable to the taxpayers of Secaucus.” He added that if elected, he, Morano, and Pirro will put large capital expenditures, like the town’s new recreation center, up for a public vote and will implement televised council meetings that include comments from the community.
He also vowed to close loopholes that allow government contractors to contribute to political candidates.
“People in this town are unhappy,” Weiner said in an interview after meeting. “People want a change. They’re tired of the infighting that goes on at the Town Council, and they want a municipal government that’s going to be responsible to the taxpayers.”
Much of Weiner’s “Change Secaucus” platform seemed to jibe with the issues pursued by the Independent faction of the Town Council, which is often at odds with the council faction allied with Mayor Dennis Elwell.
Council candidates
In the primary, Pirro will face incumbent Councilman John Reilly, who is running with Elwell. Reilly has represented the 3rd Ward for more 17 years and was recently rumored to be considering retirement. A mother of three daughters, Pirro served two terms on the local school board, including a term as board president. She works in the Union City public school system as an administrator.
It is uncertain whom Morano will face, as Elwell ally Richard Kane recently resigned from his 1st Ward council seat. Several replacements are being considered (see cover story).
The Weiner ticket is confident its grassroots campaign can win, despite being up against a well-organized, well-financed Elwell machine that has powerful political connections throughout Hudson County.
“I don’t think the money is that big of an issue,” Pirro said. “I don’t think it comes down to money all the time. I think we can get our word out with a minimal amount of money. Voters are not happy with the state of municipal government.”
Pirro’s fellow council candidate agreed.
“When you’re running a grassroots campaign, and you have the will of the people, sometimes their votes are all you need,” Morano said.
No 2nd Ward candidate
Noticeably absent from Weiner’s ticket is a 2nd Ward candidate. Weiner said he doesn’t want to run someone against incumbent 2nd Ward Councilman John Bueckner, a former Elwell ally who is now politically aligned with Independent councilmen Michael Gonnelli and Gary Jeffas.
“John Bueckner has been my councilman in the 2nd Ward for many years and he has done an excellent job,” Weiner said. “He’s a man of integrity who represents the 2nd Ward well. He’s a voice of the people on the council. There’s no reason to run somebody against him.”
Supporters ready for ‘change’
The crowd gathered at Lorenzo’s was modest but enthusiastic about the “Change Secaucus” slate.
“I’ve known Peter a long time. I believe he’s honest and I agree with him 100 percent,” said resident Cheryl Way, who attended the “Change Secaucus” event at Lorenzo’s. “People in government should be responsible for how our money is spent, especially in these times. I believe that Peter and his ticket will do good for this town. And at this point, I think he has a good chance of winning. Just like the presidency, people get tired of the same old same old that just goes nowhere.”
John Saya, another Weiner supporter at the event, agreed.
“Taxpayers are just tired right now. We built a rec center, but people are struggling to pay their heat,” Saya commented. “So, what good is it doing us? It’s definitely time for a change.”