HOBOKEN – Fourth Ward Council candidate Tim Occhipinti received the endorsement of Newark City Councilman Ron C. Rice on Monday night at a fund-raiser in Hoboken. The endorsement comes two weeks before Election Day.
“We need a fantastic leader to lead the fantastic fourth,” Rice said, according to a local online report.
Occhipinti has previously received an endorsement from Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr., and according to the report, Ramos was also in attendance to show his support for the 4th Ward council candidate.
Up for grabs on the City Council is the all-important swing vote. Currently, Mayor Dawn Zimmer has the support of the council by a 5-4 margin, with Councilman Michael Lenz, who was appointed after Zimmer rose to the position of mayor, holding the seat in the 4th Ward. Occhipinti has said he will be an “independent voice,” but it is widely believed that the council majority would soon align itself politically against the mayor if Occhipinti is victorious in November.
Not sure who to support? Check out the Hudson Reporter 4th Ward election debate here.
Election day is Nov. 2. – Ray Smith