JERSEY CITY – The city’s Hispanic community will closely watch the process by which a replacement for City Councilman Mariano Vega is chosen, hoping a Hispanic will be appointed to the seat. A number of sources said the candidates under consideration are from both the Puerto Rican and Dominican sectors. One of the people being touted by local political observers is Vega’s aide, Hilario Nunez, a Dominican.
Vega, once the council president, resigned his seat on Monday, submitting an official resignation letter to the city’s Law Department on Monday morning, according to city spokesperson Jennifer Morrill.
Vega, who won reelection to a fourth term on the council in last year’s municipal election, was arrested in a July 2009 corruption sting along with 46 religious and political officials, including former Jersey City Deputy Mayor Leona Beldini and former Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell.
He pleaded innocent to corruption charges in January, and is scheduled to go on trial next month.
Had Vega resigned as of last Friday, it would have been in enough time for a special election to be held this coming November. Now his at-large council seat will have to be filled by appointment until a special election is held in November 2011.
Some observers say there could be a uproar if a Dominican is named, since much of the city’s Hispanic political power base is Puerto Rican.
Morrill said a date has not been set as to when a replacement will be appointed to Vega’s council seat.
Mayor Jerramiah Healy issued a statement on Vega’s resignation, part of which addressed his replacement:
“We’re working with the City Council to try and build a consensus for a replacement for Mariano, so that this important position in city government does not stay vacant for any prolonged period of time.” – Ricardo Kaulessar
BREAKING: Hispanic community wants a say in who replaces Vega
