HOBOKEN – After his surprise entry into the fourth ward special election, James Sanford has dropped out of the race, according to a report on NJ.com. The election is now down to two candidates: incumbent Michael Lenz and challenger Timothy Occhipinti.
Lenz, who was appointed by Dawn Zimmer after she assumed the position of mayor following the arrest of former mayor Peter Cammarano, is defending his seat for the first time. Lenz recently offered a “clean election pledge” for candidates to sign, which includes promoting transparency and not abusing absentee ballots.
Occhipinti, who has been active recently, speaking at city council meetings and attending public meetings around the city, is challenging Lenz. Occhipinti will formally open his campaign headquarters on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 56 Monroe St at 11 a.m.
The election could potentially affect the council majority, which currently favors the mayor. If Lenz wins, the majority will remain five members allied with the mayor and four who regularly oppose the Zimmer administration. If Occhipinti wins, that could potentially switch the majority to oppose Zimmer.
The election will take place on Nov. 2.- Ray Smith