HOBOKEN – Michael Lenz, the 4th Ward councilman who is running for reelection, is calling on his challengers, Tim Occhipinti and James Sanford, to sign a pledge to run a clean campaign. The special election takes place Nov. 2.
“We deserve a race run on the issues based on respect for the voters and the law,” says a press release from Lenz’s campaign office. “To help make that happen, Fourth Ward Councilman Mike Lenz is calling on his opponents, Tim Occhipinti and James Sanford, to join him in signing a clean campaign pledge which, if followed, would end the ‘tradition’ of dirty fourth ward elections. Together we can make this year’s election a model for the city to follow.”
Part of the eight point pledge calls for a promotion of transparency by posting ELEC submissions on campaign websites, requiring “paid for” information on commercials, refusing to make cash payments to workers on election day, and eliminating the appearance and possibility of buying absentee votes, among other points.
Lenz was appointed to the seat when former council member Dawn Zimmer assumed the position of mayor. This November will be the first time Lenz defends the seat.