Smith team sweeps in Bayonne runoffs

BAYONNE — Two ward council seats in Bayonne went to allies of Mayor Mark Smith Tuesday night.
With 100 percent of the districts counted, labor leader Ray Greaves defeated incumbent Councilman Gary La Pelusa in a runoff for the 3rd Ward council seat, 1,605 to 1,356.
In the 1st Ward, educator Agnes Gillespie defeated Tommy Cotter 1,347 to 1,136.
“Except for a brokered coalition ticket in 1990, this is the first time in Bayonne history that a complete slate has ever won together,” said Steve Gallo.
This completes a victory that started on May 11, when Smith won reelection, and carried in two at large candidates and the candidate for the 2nd Ward.
Defeated incumbent Gary La Pelusa said he is relieved the election is over, although he is sorry he lost.
“This last year has been tough,” he said. “But I’m proud of my team and what we did. I lost by about 250 or so votes, but they spent 20 times or more to beat me. The last week they sent out smear ads against me.”
He added, “The one thing I’m really glad about is that tomorrow morning I won’t have to be climbing steps and knocking on doors.”